Justin Dedrick - Building a Dream: 1996 2JZ-GTE VVT-i Swapped Lexus SC300

The Heart of the Beast: The 2JZ-GTE VVT-i Swap

At the core of this build is the legendary 2JZ-GTE VVT-i engine swap, known for its bulletproof reputation and immense tuning potential. Retaining the stock block, the owner has equipped the engine with BC 264 cams, Ferrea valves, BC springs with titanium retainers, and a Haltech Elite 2000 engine management system. To keep the power flowing reliably, an upgraded IGN-1A coil system, with a Borg Warner 257SXE turbocharger mounted on a Supra Store twin scroll manifold feeding the intake. Deepmotor intake manifold and Injector Dynamics’ 1050cc injectors handle the air and fuel delivery with precision.

The cooling system is another point of pride, boasting a Mishimoto radiator paired with IS300 e-fans housed in a PHR shroud. With a PHR oil cooler and AEM fuel pressure regulator installed, this SC300 is designed to stay cool and composed, even under pressure.

Supporting Mods: Transmission, Suspension, and Exhaust

All that power is channeled through a trusty R154 transmission, enhanced by a Driftmotion Carbon Kevlar 6-puck clutch for quick, responsive shifts. The Supra Sport V3 short shifter ensures precise gear changes, while a custom 3.5-inch exhaust with Vibrant mufflers lets the engine breathe freely and gives it a deep, aggressive tone.

For suspension, BC coilovers provide the perfect balance of comfort and performance, and Battle Version control arms, sway bar links, and traction arms fine-tune the handling, ensuring that this SC300 sticks to the road no matter how hard it's pushed.

Full Mod List

• Stock Block 2JZ GTE VVT-i

• BC 264 cams

• Toyota Shimless Buckets

• Ferrea valves

• BC springs w/ titanium retainers

• Haltech Elite 2000

• IGN-1a coils

• Borg Warner 257sxe turbo

• Supra store twin scroll manifold

• Deepmotor intake manifold

• Injector dynamics 1050cc

• Turbosmart 44mm Wastegate

• Mishimoto radiator

• Is300 e-fans w/PHR shroud

• PHR cam gear

• PHR vvti cam gear

• PHR pully kit

• Fluidamper crank pully

• Jack Fab catch can  

• Tial 50mm B.O.V

• PHR oil cooler 

• AEM FPR

• Braided fuel lines

• R154 transmission

• Supra Sport V3 Short Shifter

• Driftmotion Carbon Kevlar 6 puck clutch 

• BC coilovers

• Battle Version control arms, sway bar links and traction arms 

• 3.5in custom exhaust with Vibrant mufflers

• Ikon motorsports front lip

• KBD side skirts

• Street Aero extensions w/

• Grams Styling Carbon extensions 

• KBD rear lip

• Seibon carbon hood

• Grams Styling diffuser

• SSR Sp1 18x10.5 +22 squared

• LS400 BBK upgrade

Aesthetic Touches: Aggression Meets Elegance

This SC300 isn't just about power—its aggressive exterior demands attention. The body features an Ikon Motorsports front lip, KBD side skirts with Street Aero extensions, and Grams Styling carbon extensions for a bold look. The rear is just as menacing, with a KBD rear lip, a Seibon carbon hood, and a Grams Styling diffuser completing the sleek, track-inspired vibe.

Of course, no custom build would be complete without the right wheels, and this SC300 sits on SSR SP1s—18x10.5 +22 squared—filling the wheel arches perfectly. To ensure the stopping power matches the car's performance, an LS400 big brake kit (BBK) upgrade keeps everything in check.

The Love-Hate Relationship

When asked what he loves most about the car, the owner’s response is simple: “What I love most is just getting out and driving this car! The power it makes, the noises it makes, and the way it handles make it an absolute blast to drive. Plus, it looks incredibly aggressive going down the road.”

But it’s not all fun and games. He admits that the constant maintenance and cleaning can be a bit of a chore: “What I hate most is keeping it clean. I take this car to a lot of shows and events, but I also drive it all the time. I’m constantly washing and detailing it, which I know is part of the deal with cars like this.”

The Purpose Behind the Build

While many build cars for the track or drag strip, this SC300 was designed for the streets: “It’s put together now to be a fun, reliable street car that’s fast from 0-100 mph. I never had any plans to race or track this car; I just wanted something that looked good and clean going down the road but was still fast enough to play around on the highway.”

Inspiration and Future Plans

For the owner, the inspiration behind the build stems from a love for classic car culture, video games, and movies. “Like most car guys my age, we grew up playing Need for Speed and watching Fast and Furious movies. I wanted to build something that makes me feel like I could be in one of those movies and clean enough to bring to car shows.”

As for the future, he’s far from done: “Now that the body and interior are right where I want them, I’m looking to stack more power. The goal is to hit somewhere around 800-850 wheel horsepower next spring, and eventually, I hope to break the 1000hp mark.”

More pictures of this car can be found on Justin's Instagram.