Detail Differences Of The 98 Model Year

[SRK]

I found a nice 98 LS400, my favourite colour metallic green, with a tan interior. Does the 98 have the VVTi engiine? Any changes from the 97 - because I found one of them too, in a less desirable colour. Both cars are located some distance away, so I haven't see them up close yet.

Any pointers you can offer on what to look for would be appreciated.

[wandawoods]

yep, Gen III (98~00) has VVTi engine, fatory navigation as option, and clear lense head lights.

VVTi is an interferenced engine, make sure of timing belt situation because broken TB means bent valves.

[wwest]

98 waqs the first year for the optional HID, VERY desireable.

[blake918]

What the 98 has that the 97 doesn't:

-VVT-i

-Wooden steering wheel(optional...std in 99)

-Optional hid's(std. in 99)

-5 speed tranny

-text read out in gauge cluster for various warnings and trip computer functions

-head rest for middle, rear seat

-stunning front profile

-the rear tail lamps were stretched a hair as well as adding different reflective material inside

-the center stack was revised(they moved the outside temp and time below the ac vents)

-All in one key(compared to the seperate key and remote that the 95-7 has)

-VSC

[SRK]

Thanks everyone - it sounds like the car to go for. I will let you know what happens. Is the timing belt change interval similar to the early engines?

[98 LS]

Thanks everyone - it sounds like the car to go for.  .............

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AMEN Brother .......... it's the !Removed! ...... '98-'00 and don't look back.

[99lsguy]

Thanks everyone - it sounds like the car to go for.  I will let you know what happens.  Is the timing belt change interval similar to the early engines?

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It's every 90K............

98LS......you are correct!!!

Most excellent SRK..................

[SRK]

So this car has 108k kilometres on it, which is about 67k miles, and is OK then. However I have heard that time is also a factor in the belt interval, and seven years seems to be the number. Maybe it needs a belt soon anyways?

Thanks again.

[92Lex]

So this car has 108k kilometres on it, which is about 67k miles, and is OK then.  However I have heard that time is also a factor in the belt interval, and seven years seems to be the number.  Maybe it needs a belt soon anyways?

Thanks again.

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You could just take the timing belt covers off and inspect the timing belt before replacing anything.