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

      Angelo Ram, edited by the author

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      Enthusiasts of Mitsubishi Monteros often share similar traits. We appreciate being unique, we favor old-school vibes, and we enjoy collaboration. Angelo Ram's 1995 Montero, powered by a Lexus V8, exemplifies these qualities—it's a distinct, retro vehicle brought to life with the help of skilled individuals from around the globe.

      I stumbled across a post about this project in one of the Montero Facebook groups I frequent, and Ram generously shared the background and some images of the build, which I believe you'll find intriguing.

      This vehicle caught my eye since it effectively addresses one of the Montero’s major drawbacks—the painfully sluggish feeling of the truck, particularly in today's context, especially when considering an imported diesel model. Ram had been driving one of those models, but it simply didn't perform well on the mountain passes of the Pacific Northwest where he travels to visit family. His desire for something different, combined with the need for better performance, fueled his motivation to bring this exceptional truck to life.

      **Lexus-Powered Montero**

      Custom mounts, a bespoke cooling system (the stock Lexus radiator didn’t fit), a transfer case adapter, and ECU tuning transformed a sluggish diesel Montero into the ultimate '90s Japanese adventure vehicle.

      “It was all driven by holiday gatherings,” Ram shared with me. “Spending time with family … I needed a vehicle that could power through and ensure safety. That’s really my goal with this … I wanted to maintain 70 mph, with the AC on, while driving to Spokane during the winter for Christmas and Thanksgiving.” However, to be honest, he also built the truck partly because others challenged him to do it.

      “I just wasn't satisfied with the diesels,” he explained. “On uphill climbs, maintaining 70 miles an hour was impossible, and it felt like I always had to pull over to the right side of the highway. It made me feel uncomfortable, like I was creating traffic.”

      Ram could have easily opted for a newer truck, but as noted—Montero enthusiasts are a different breed.

      His journey with Monteros began during his military service. Not in a combat vehicle sense; while stationed in Southern California and transitioning to the National Guard, another soldier introduced him to off-roading in a Montero in San Bernardino. “That was my entry into the Montero world,” Ram explained. “I always thought about wanting one someday. Then, a friend who left the military and settled in Alabama started importing cars. He reached out to me, saying, ‘Hey, remember that car? I have one available. Do you want it?’”

      In the U.S., we have three generations of Monteros (with the first-gen even having a Dodge counterpart called the Raider), but none of the American models featured diesel engines—Ram's is an uncommon import. In fact, it’s technically a “Shogun,” a name used for this model in other markets (it was also called “Pajero” in various regions). While the diesel engine offers a compelling mix of low-end torque and fuel efficiency, it's not ideally suited for high-speed travel at higher altitudes.

      The diesel Montero was brought west, where Ram quickly realized it needed more power. After discussing options with another owner who suggested a compound turbo system for his diesel engine, Ram decided to go with a V8 instead.

      He contacted a mechanic friend to assist with the engineering and assembly, aware that this wasn't a project every shop would undertake. “He was somewhat hesitant at first, and I explained to him, ‘Look, I need trustworthy people … I need reliable work … This is important to me since we have a personal connection.’”

      Ram and I spent considerable time discussing the camaraderie among Montero owners and the many individuals who supported him throughout this project—but I must refocus on the build!

      Integrating the engine and transmission was just one aspect of this project, which also required extensive custom plumbing and wiring.

      Initially, Ram contemplated using a BMW M57 engine but couldn’t wrap his head around the complexities involved. After evaluating various engine options, he settled on a Lexus SC430's 3UZ engine. These engines are excellent—reliable, powerful, and readily available. Transitioning from a Mitsubishi diesel practically doubles the power and significantly increases parts availability.

      A company named Northwest Toys supplied the necessary adapters to link the Lexus engine to the Mitsubishi transfer case. “It’s practically a straight swap,” Ram mentioned (indicating that the engine was paired with a Lexus gearbox while keeping the original Mitsubishi transfer case). However, as evidenced by the project images, this was a more intricate task than most weekend DIY projects.

      “…we didn't modify anything from the Mitsubishi transfer case backwards.” Custom mounts and a front crossmember were essential to accommodate the non-standard engine, forming the