I've got a '92 SC400 that I've had for years as my daily driver. It's been well maintained, but it's still getting a bit ragged and I got to the point of shopping for a new car. But nothing looked that exciting--especially not worth a huge monthly payment and a big jump in insurance. I was getting the SC smogged a couple of weeks ago, and a guy came up and started asking me if I wanted to sell it. His interest made me look at my car a bit differently, and I came online to see what people were doing with old SC400s. Wow.
By way of background, I've got a '65 convertible Mustang that has long been my project car. It's got a bored out 289, balanced and blueprinted, high-vacuum cam, electronic ignition... It's the car that got all my attention, while the SC just got maintenance. But it looks like that's all about to change.
So, here's my question. I'm looking around online and it's like a whole new domain. I'm trying to get oriented, and I'm hoping some of you Lexus veterans can help me out. What I'm looking for are suggestions for a shopping list and a basic project plan. The car is still going to be my daily driver, so I'm not looking to turn it into a track or strip car, but I am looking to push the envelope on a street-legal performance car. I'm planning on having the engine rebuilt, probably with a stronger bottom end. I'm interested in a mild supercharger, if I can either get it street legal (California), or it's easy enough to bolt-on/bolt-off every two years. If not, I'll just look to get every extra ounce of hp I can out of a well-built motor. I'm also interested in upgrading the suspension--but again, daily driver, so not too stiff. Finally, I like some of the moderate aero kits, with mild side skirts.
I'm figuring if I'm not buying a new car, I can justify $12-15k on giving my SC new life. I just need some help figuring out what the best options are. If you have some ideas and information, please let me know. Thanks.
