Does anyone know of an ECU upgrade (chip, etc.) for my '02 SC ? I'm looking for performance upgrades.... Thanks!!

The only chip Im aware of is the Jet one

http://www.jetchip.com/products.asp?pid=14...model=1008#1008

But dont expect any real gains typically 10bhp from a non-turbo engine.

If you want real performance gains on the cheap then consider.

Intake + exhaust
S&S headers
Torque convertor
Supra LSD

If you want to spend more then consider FI, supercharged or turbo.

A torque convertor is what sends the power to the transmission in autos and a higher stall speed lets the engine rev higher with less rev drops between shifting.

Ive got the Lextreme TC which also does not put the CEL on (check engine light)

http://www.lextreme.com/tc.html

and theres also the Dragon PI one which is more expensive and supposedly gets more performance but will put the CEL on.

http://www.l-tunedparts.com/product/?id=3


The Supra limited Slip Diff will bolt straight onto an SC430 and will help you off the line and through the gears. Also Toms make an LSD.

http://www.l-tunedparts.com/product/?id=2257

THANK YOU!! I'm already investigating.... I really appreciate it. -Steve

Theres a used but new supra lsd for sale here http://www.clublexus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=344335

I would buy it myself but im in the uk

Hi Auqanuke,
While investigating the torque converter/lsd subject, a few friends have commented about losing that Lexus silky-smooth shifting if I change them.... what's your feeling, since you've got both installed on your SC ? I don't mind giving up SOME of the smoothness, but I don't want to end up with a muscle-car-jolt type of gear-shifting ....
Also open to anyone else's opinion on the subject.
Thanks.

Ive only got the torque convertor at the moment but I recently found a dealer in the UK for a 3.76 lsd so I might get one maybe in the summer.

By adding both your going to get alot of grunt for very little, almost a second off the 0-60. That would make a very fast SC.

You are changing the gearing of the car so its not going to be as smooth as it is standard.

It maybe worth while asking Rod Millen how the LSD will effect the car

http://www.rodmillenstore.com/prodinfo.aspx?partID=RMMGS431

Many thanks. I've already emailed Millen. Does the GS430 LSD and TC stuff bolt on to our SC's w/out mods needed?
Regards.

Yep they are just straight bolt ons, there are how to's posted by pearlpower on clublexus for both. The TC is more work as you need to drop the gear box but the LSD is very easy.

I bought the VP12 Volo Performance Chip. My sc430 seems to have improved throttled response and is a bit more powerful. The low end torque is better. It is not much, but for $89 it was worth it. Brett

Take a look at the dyno results I posted below. You're being fed a lot of the typical forum BS from people who don't know their butt from their elbow about what they're talking about. Here's some advise....save your money! The only significant power improvements that can be made to this car with "bolt ons" is with turbo/supercharger and/or nitrous ($1000 to $10,000). A limited slip differential only helps performance if you have the power to spin the rear wheels(and I don't mean in the snow). This car does not to any significant degree. A high stall torque converter is an ABSOLUTE waste of money unless it is used with a transmission shift kit and even then with only minimal drag race affects. It has nothing to do with "shifting". It only allows you to rev the engine from a stop to a higher RPM before engaging the trans. How high the RPM is determined by the "stall" built into the converter. Some all-out drag cars will use a 3 or 4000 RPM converter.....street racers usually in the neighborhood of 2000 RPM. They can be a pain in the ass for everyday driving. Your best move was with the headers...I'd be interested in seeing some dyno results. The base dyno on this car (300hp models) is around 210. On the 288s around 200. I'd suspect that you picked up maybe 10 or 15hp with the headers.........anyway, I don't want to rain on your parade but I really get annoyed with the "BLOW HARDS" in here with all of their BS power claims. ONE: 262.5rwhp! LOLOL.........Hope this helps

Well, I am no expert but the chip instantly made a difference and the car is much more fun to drive. I cannot quantify the improvement in HP or torque, but all I know is the car is more fun and feels more responsive...

That's what is most important.....after all, we're not street racers. If we want that we need another car. Fun is what it's all about!!!

This is what I'm looking for, a bit more response. My car has always seemed to lag when I hit the gas. It runs great and has power but it's just a bit sluggish at times. From your description this chip is what I need. I am willing to risk spending $90 to find out. But, to show what a novice I am, where do you install the chip?

Well the lag is from the drive by wire. So its always going to be there, but certain mods will help ie like the Blitz throttle controller which is designed for helping with that. It wont add any horses but makes the car more responsive. Also very straightfoward plug ang play.

http://www.blitz-uk.co.uk/Product-223.aspx

That plus other bits, header, exhaust, ecu etc will really help.