A 300-HP Lexus V8 Transformed This Montero Into the Ultimate ’90s SUV

      Angelo Ram, edited by the author

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      Individuals who are enthusiasts of Mitsubishi Monteros often share similar traits. We embrace uniqueness, appreciate classic styles, and enjoy collaboration. Angelo Ram’s Lexus V8-powered 1995 Montero exemplifies these qualities—a distinctive, retro vehicle brought to life through the skills of various people globally.

      I came across a post about this project in one of the Montero Facebook groups I frequent, and Ram graciously provided the background and some photos of the build that I believe you will find interesting.

      This vehicle caught my eye as it addresses one of the Montero's most significant drawbacks—its laughably slow performance, particularly evident today, especially in the context of imported diesel models. That was Ram's experience with his Montero, which struggled to keep up on the Pacific Northwest mountain passes he navigated to visit family. Along with the need for a more robust vehicle, his desire to drive something uncommon fueled his determination to bring this unique truck to fruition.

      Lexus-Powered Montero

      The transformation from a sluggish diesel Montero to an ultimate ’90s Japanese adventure rig required custom mounts, special cooling solutions (the stock Lexus radiator wouldn’t fit), a transfer case adapter, and ECU tuning.

      “It was all holiday-driven,” Ram shared with me. “Spending time with family … I wanted the capability to power through safely. That’s really my goal with all this … I needed to maintain 70 mph, AC running and all, while driving to Spokane during the winter for Christmas and Thanksgiving with my wife.” To be honest, the challenge of doing something others claimed he couldn’t do also motivated him.

      “I was just not happy with the diesels,” he explained. “When going up the mountains, I couldn’t maintain 70 miles an hour uphill, and I felt I had to squeeze over to the road's shoulder. I felt I was causing traffic, and it made me uncomfortable.”

      Angelo Ram

      Sure, he could have purchased a newer truck. But as I've noted—Montero enthusiasts have a unique mindset.

      Ram's introduction to Monteros came during his military service, not in a combat vehicle context. While stationed in Southern California, transitioning from active duty to the National Guard, he went off-roading in a Montero owned by another soldier. “…that was basically my entry into the Montero world,” Ram recounted. “I always thought, someday, I wanted one. Then a friend, who had left the military and settled in Alabama, began importing cars. He messaged me saying, ‘Hey, remember that car? I have one available. Do you want it?'”

      Though there were three generations of Monteros sold in the U.S. (with the first generation even having a Dodge version known as the Raider), none of the U.S. models were equipped with diesel engines—making Ram’s an unusual import. It technically falls under the name “Shogun,” used for this model in other regions (it was also referred to as “Pajero” elsewhere). While the diesel engine has its merits regarding fuel efficiency and low-speed power, it struggles with high-elevation highway speeds.

      Angelo Ram

      Therefore, the diesel-powered Montero made its way west, where Ram quickly recognized the need for more power. After discussing possibilities with another Montero owner who suggested a compound turbo system for the diesel, Ram decided, “Forget it, I’m going for a V8.”

      He reached out to a mechanic friend for assistance with the engineering and assembly, knowing that this wasn’t the type of undertaking most shops would want to take on. “He was a bit hesitant at first, and I told him, ‘Look, man. I need trustworthy people … I need honest work … This is crucial, especially since we’ve already established a personal connection.'”

      In our conversations, Ram and I delved into how great the Montero community is and the support he received, but I need to get back to the build!

      Fitting the engine and transmission was just one aspect of the project; it also required extensive custom plumbing and wiring.

      Initially, Ram considered using a BMW M57 engine, but found it complicated to make it work effectively. After evaluating several options, he settled on a 3UZ from a Lexus SC430 as the new engine. These engines are excellent—reliable, powerful, and readily available. Transitioning from a Mitsubishi diesel nearly doubles the power and significantly improves parts availability.

      Northwest Toys provided the adapters necessary to connect the Lexus engine to the Mitsubishi transfer case. “It’s literally a straight swap,” Ram said (indicating that the engine was paired with a Lexus gearbox while retaining the original Mitsubishi transfer case). However, as the project images illustrate, this was far from a simple DIY endeavor.

      “…we did