Beginning in 1989, the 1UZ-FE was featured in many of Toyota's and Lexus' luxury cars in the US, such as the Lexus LS 400 and GS 400, as well as the SC 400 coupe convertible.

Toyota's 1UZ V8 engine was followed up a few years later by the 2UZ. While they are largely the same, there are a few changes that make a distinct difference.

This Volga has a Toyota 1UZ-FE V8 inside. That seems like a pretty random if well-suited pairing for a large rear wheel-drive sedan, but there's more to it.

There's no logical reason to swap out the motor, which is why I like this V-8 swap even more. Someone in New Zealand has fitted one with the 1UZ V-8 that Americans may recognize from the original ...