Considering Buying A '98-00 Sc400

[Meshblorg]

1. In your opinion, is it fast for its 290hp 4.0L engine? Also, what speed does the governor chip kick in; top speed?

2. Anyone common problems with this model I should look out for when shopping for one?

3. How does the stock audio system perform?

4. What do you think of each of these options in terms of worth:

Chrome Wheels*

Garage Door Opener

Heated Front Seats

Nakamichi Audio*

Power Moonroof*

Rear Spoiler

Traction Control- What is this?

*= I want

5. Show me pictures of your SC400. I got real interested in it when I saw this video of a twin turbo SC400 smoking an Acura NSX on the highway on youtube.

I greatly appreciate your help.

[schott1984]

1993 SC400

2. Problems with mine that I didn't notice until after I bought it:

- Power-steering pump leaking into alternator, alternator failed two months after purchase. COMMON

- 12-disc changer didn't work, (knew that before purchase)

- alignment problem; wearing insides of front tire tread faster than outside, still haven't had it looked at.

- rust forming in front of rear wheels, in the rocker-panel. Dirt and debris gets stuck in there, and traps moisture. not very noticeable...yet.

- shocks leaking

- gauge needles out in spots

3. I have the nak, it sounds great in my opinion. However, I blew a speaker shorty after purchase; but they are 14 years old!

4. I REALLY WISH I had chrome rims! I love my sunroof...

[Meshblorg]

HOw did you blow your speakers so that I won't blow mine out in my other car?

[schott1984]

Just blew the one driver side door speaker. Just playing the stereo too loud, with too much bass I guess. They're old, they're going to deteriorate and break. Still sounds friggin' good for a stock 14 year old stereo!

[Jesterrace]

I concur that if you are really concerned about sound you should just plan on replacing the system. Regardless of how nice of a stock system the SC comes with, the fact of the matter is that it is still a 7-9 year old piece of audio equipment. Even nice aftermarket setups aren't worth much at that age. If you are an audio enthusiast such as myself and prefer your music at a moderate to loud volume, then definitely plan on replacing the stock system. For what they are, they are great but they just aren't built for the kind of abuse that people such as myself throw at them. As for the rest of it, I can't be sure but it seems to me that most of the 4.0 V-8 parts need to come through Lexus rather than Toyota. If anyone can confirm this then please let me know. The SC400 also is limited to the automatic tranny and will almost certainly need an aftermarket torque converter if you really want that sucker to move quickly off the line. Just something to think about. I personally think that the 5 speed manual SC300 is the best buy of the older SC cars, but that's just me. As for the twin turbo SC400 smoking the NSX, to my knowledge the owner swapped out the 4.0 V-8 with the TT Supra engine. If you are going to do the swap, it still would probably be more economical to do that with the 300.