TMaxxTim

I drove a Bmw 325I for 5 years and my sc400 for 6 years, no comparision the Lexus is a more superior car, although the beamer did get up to 185,000 miles and was still running like a champ.  I use to buy and sell sc400's and I have seen them running in and looking like new with 200,000 miles and one with 325,000 miles all original, all ran great.  Infact the car with 325,000 was sold to me with 55,000 miles showing on the cluster, I later ran carfax and the dealer records and found out it had 325,000 miles, I could not tell it was repainted at the dealer and the leather seats were redone, fooled me ran just like one with 55,000miles on, the engine and tranny were original as well.  What gave the miles away were the pit marks in the front windsheild, and the worn out brake peddle pad.  I never got the guy.  End of testomony.  Lexus is King.

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They are two different cars. The Lexus, while a sport's coupe is geared towards people looking for a more luxurious car. The BMW, won't have as nice of a ride but it will have better handling and depending on the engind you get, be faster. But watch out for the 540i V8's Nikasil and Alusil engine block problems. Make sure its an Alusil (not standard for the 1995 and below 540i's), as the Nikasil will get carbon deposits in it and eventually you will have to replace your engine in it.

The 5 series is also a 4-door, so they're really appealing to two different uses and crowds with the two cars.

The SC was made to compete with BMW's 8'series early on with affordibility as the 8-series was way way expensive.

The engine in my 95 SC400 has a high idle (1500 RPM) when it first starts up, usually, after 5-10 seconds or so, it'll drop to less than 1000 RPM, most of the time it'll do that. There's also a strong smell of burning gas coming from the exhaust (more noticable than before). What could have caused this sudden high idle?

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That is normal. Mine will idle around 1700 until it starts to get warm. Then drops to about 1300 then 900.

I did do a search on this and couldn't find what I needed, so I'm asking the experts here....

on my 92 sc300, the remote trunk release (from the driver's compartment) doesn't work. The gas relase one works....but not the trunk. I know it's electrical, and the car was jumpstarted a few months ago when I bought it.

The power door locks do not work either. ???

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Did you check your fuses?

i read on here that you can use the lower control arms from a supra on the sc series cars. my 93 sc400 needs upper and lower control arms due to an accident. has anyone done this, and does putting the supra arms on effect the geometry at all? my sc is all stock no lowering kits or anything. i'm just looking for a more cost effective alternative.i'll even settle on some used ones if anyone has any.the part #'s the toyota dealer gave me for the arms is 48069-14070 and 14060 are these the correct arms that others have used? thanks.

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If I was replaceing control arms with Supra ones I'd do both sides upper and lower, it does change some things and supposedly has a stiffer ride. Theres usually control arms on eBay for $350-$450 too (1 lower control arm). The uppers are not very expensive, its the bottom ones that are.

so you are at VA Tech?  Your key is going to be $80.  The dealership can cut it. For that $80 you are not going to get the key that has the remote to it. just an valet key.  The key with the remote is about $300.  email me at bigmalik00@yahoo.com for the other parts.

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You should call up your local Toyota Dealership as they always can order Lexus parts and may be able to cut a key for you. I'm not sure if any Toyota vehicles have the same type of key as a Lexus but it never hurt to ask. But a Toyota Dealership can fix your car just as a Lexus dealership can most of the time if one's not availiable.

Similar happened to me, but with more mileage on vehicle (1992 SC400 - 125k), but time itself could be a factor - WATER PUMP, which is why temp gauge went high, which then smokes the timing belt after the pump seizes (which is why it won't start).

GOOD LUCK!!!  They tried to get me for $1650, got them down to $1400.

PS: Starting in '95/'96 the SC400 has an interference fit motor, which means the engine will bend the valves when the timing belt goes (which is why I bought an older one after this happened in my 325is). 

Not trying to freak you out, but if this indeed is the case the job will cost $3,500+  :(

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Only VVti, have an interference motor, thats in 98+, not starting in 95.

Its hard to say at all without looking at the engine what the problem could be. The belt could have been it, but it definately didn't bend any valves or anything like that.

THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME TOO!! Its just water in the spark plugs!

Youre last 2 spark plugs are in water. Suck the water out with a shop-vac or let it dry over time. Take the plug covers out, etc.

DON"T PRESSURE WASH THE BACK!!!

Mine is missing the back cover so when it rains hard this happens, but all you have to do is suck out the water and the car will run fine!!!

Sometimes you can just drive the car and the engine heat will evaporate the water!! PM me if you have any other questions, this has happend 3-4 times from rain/engine cleaning since i've had the car!! (figured it out after the first time though so its an easy fix now)

While coasting on the highway I have a strange vibration that occurs in the rear.  Its not that bad only noticeable if your listening for it or if you feel it.  Its like a synchronized noise (like a deep wa......wa.......wa......wa) Its a constant thing over 80mph but the vibration isn't constant.  It has a little half a second pause in between the vibrations.  Slight vibrations too.  Is this just a tire issue or is it something that is normal.  I think I remember something posted stating that this was a normal noise in our cars and nothing to be worried about.  Its just funny cause everytime it wont do it at 78 or 79mph, but it does it at 80+.

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Most likely it's coming from your tires. Get them balanced and checked out to make sure you have enough tread all the way around.

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Thanks I will soon be looking into getting the engine & transmission mounts replaced.

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I'd replace the tires, and have your car alighned first, if that doesn't work it could be a wheel bearing.

Abput 8 to 12 grand.

Here is my 1993 lexus sc400

has traction, heated seats 142,000 mi , modified bfi intake(uses stock air filter), stainless exhaust system. Car runs super, just like new.  

My friend has a 1995 sc400 and before i did intake and exhaust his car was faster on a hiway. After the upgrades my car easily smokes him on the hiway. I think it has at least

275hp with modification  . I do have a salvage title , only one accident in history that was when i bought it. Was hit in the rear, no frame damage , car drove fine.

Any ideas on how much the car is worth ???

I will take offers

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4-6K.

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I HIGHLY doubt 275HP, maybe 255-260 AT THE MOST!!! But yeat 4-6 grand is what i'd expect to get for it...

This has been discussed at ClubLexus before.  It will not work.

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The wiring is SO different, nobody has even attempted to rewire it And its definately not plug and play.

I had a similar issue with a 92 Vette.  Change the fluid to a Dot 4 LMA (Low Moisture Absorption) and ensure there is enough pad material.  Solved my problems completely!  Ford has a high temperature Dot 4 fluid that is highly recommended as well as BMW.  With ABS I continue to read that they do not recommend Dot 5 Silicon Brake fluid.  Now when you bleed start at the furthest caliper from the master cylinder (Right Rear) then LR, RF, and finally LF.  When the fluid is clear at each you have gotten all of it including what is in the ABS module.  Old school at home method of pumping the brakes three times and holding while opening the bleeder (use a tube and jar to catch the old fluid).  Also I leave a little brake fluid in the jar just in case your helper lifts off the pedal before you have closed the bleeder.  Hope this helps.

Joel

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This happens because the A/C clutch kicks in and the car jolts in power, not electrical but you're ac is belt driven so the car gives itself a little gas to keep the rpm's up in turn lurching you a little bit if you're light on the brakes. You can usually feel this on most cars.

I have a 92 300 5spd and its seems pretty fast to me. 1st gear is short but it pushes me back.

The auto vs. 5spd, is about a sec difference in the 0-60, 5spd is supposed to be able to do it in 7sec if you can shift right and launch right.

My 1st goes somewhere between 30 and 35, 2nd goes up to 60mph, and I never look at the speedometer after that, just the RPM's so I know when to shift when doing a speed run.

I know once it gets to 110-120, it takes FOREVER to get beyond that. My fastest is 137 though.

My favorite is the 4th or 5th gear downshift to 2nd when you're between 35 and about 50mph to fly past another car.

Here's my speed in my grandpa's cadillac STS (not the new ones unfortunately, but this v8 still packs a punch)

Still don't know how they (Lexus) got a top speed of 146 out of the SC300. 

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=84

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I've gotten to 137, this only shows 130 however becaue I forgot to send the pic from my phone to the server before I moved it into a different folder.

Car felt stable at this speed but would have taken a good minute or two more and 3miles or more of road to get to 145. took about 3 interstate exits to get to 137..gets up to 130 pretty fast.

Would a MAF sensor from a 97 LS400 fit onto a 94 Sc400, they have different part numbers.  They seller claims they will fit the 95-97 Sc400.  But the SC400 MAF fits from 92-97 all years.  So why would the L400 only fit the 95-97 if the all SC years from 92-97 carry the same MAF sensor?  Only answer if your pretty sure about the compatibility.  Thanks.

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OBD I and OBD II might be the differences in them, not really sure but if its a different part number it probably isn't going to work.

they are 2 totally different cars.

If you want the 97 look you are going to have to buy a 97-01

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Are you talking about the ES's or did you click on the wrong forum SK...because the SC is completely upgradable.

There is loads of information.

You can completely update the exterior to look like a 97-2000. I'm not sure about the steering wheel, I think you can, however it costs a lot to upgrade that part. The exterior body parts are completely bolt on. I don't think you need the rocker panels. What people usually uby is the front bumper, sideskirts, and rear bumper, and taillights.

The headlights I think are a different model number, but they are the same thing I believe, either way getting new headlights seems to be something everybody wants for these SC's. However headlights do not differ in design from pre 97 to post 97.

The gauge cluster is not upgradable,however OLT can redo the lighting if yours is going out.

The gated shifter availiable in the 98's and up is not upgradable without a considerable amount of work and is just not worth it.

Search and you'll find some more information on the 97-2000 look.

When (if) did Lexus put an auxillary power outlet in the interior? I guess I got spoiled being able to run my car charger along with my radar detector in the Cobra...Ford started that in 94 with the Mustangs.

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You can buy a splitter, thats what I do. I have my ipod and radar plugged in at the same time.

Dangerous is.....the police chasing the guy that is already doing in excess of a 100mph when they blew by them.

one Felony Elude (155 mph for 10 mins. , complain about that!)

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You just said the biggest contradiction, you're saying the guy that is dangerous is the one who flew past police at 100, however you then said you have a felony for eluding police at 155mph for 10min.

You are a joke in yourself. Glad I don't live by you.

WHAT?  There is no problem with the car!  If this is some type of joke i don't get it.  But i would like to know if it would be a good car for me.

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It was a joke, you typed what seemed to be sweatiest instead of sweetest. Anyways I got my SC300 5spd at 17, I first had a Honda Accord. Depends on how much your kid really knows about cars because I do all my own repairs myself and it would have cost a lot if I didn't. BTW, I started out with a 92 Honda Accord.

A lot of people seem to be having coolant light problems lately. 

When was the last time you had the coolant replaced?  Any other items replaced lately?  Any coolant drips on the floor in the morning?

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Had my radiator changed in sept '04 and i see no coolant leaks nor smell any coolant in the engine compartment. My coolant resevoiur is about an inch from being filled to the top. Does it need to reach the very top of the line?

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I know in my car when I had the wrong mixture in it, the coolant would boil out of the top and into the coolant resivour. When the car is cool check the radiator itself and make sure its full, if its not put a mixture of 50/50 coolant and water into it.

I have a 92 with 180k miles on it and the compressor is dieing, will no long blow cold air, barely takes any freon.  When it does get enough for the compressor to kick on it is real loud and does not blow cold, so mine needs a new compressor.  Check to see if your compressor still works this might be the problem.

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In my SC if you overpressurize the system the clutch does not engage either. My car will engage it and then kick it off about 2-3 seconds later. I let some freon out and now it does not do that anymore so maybe you overpressurized it when filling it up with freon.

I would like to find a SC300, manual transmission with a blown engine. I would like to rebuild it but put in a SC400 engine. Hummmm! A SC400 with a manual transmission.

What do you all think???

:chairshot:

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Many problems:

1) SC400 engine does not fit into SC300 body, engine mounts are very different.

2) 5-spd transmission does not bolt up to the SC400 engine AT ALL, there is no way to do it without heavy modification and I don't think there have been ANY reported people doing this.

3) SC300 engines just don't blow....so good luck

I would definately say gas tank. Every time I have rear passengers say whats that water slushing noice, I look at gas gauge and I am on a 1/4 tank most the time. Check your gas level next time you hear it.

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Yeah check to see how much gas you have when you hear the sloshing, then fill it up and see if you still have it.

Thanks for the replies, but I DO NOT WANT AN IS300. I am looking into getting an SC300. I just want to know how the mods to this engine would work out, and if I buy an SC400 would I be able to drop the 2.5 tt engine or at least the 3.0 in there easily? Look at the very first post on this topic if you don't know what I mean.

Thanks,

Anthony.

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No you wouldn't as the SC400 engine mounts are different than a 300's engine mounts so you'd have to do some heavy modification to get it to fit. If you put the GTE engine in a 300 then it would drop right in.

I'd say that the SC300s are much better tuner cars compared to the IS300s because the IS has a kinda weak 4 cylinder while the SC has a I6 engine... So you can pretty much go farther with the SC like Scott Gordon said.

And SC's definately looks better then IS's. I personally think its the best looking Lexus out there.

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The IS300 has the same engine as the SC300 a 2JZ-GE, which is an Inline 6, not a 4 cylinder, it is also shared with the GS300's. It might have something to do with OBDII on the car or the shartened exhauset, etc things like that.

The difference lies with the transmission too. The SC's share the Supra transmission, the IS's transmission is shorter and will not swap out with the SC's or Supras transmission. The IS transmissions to not hold HP as well as the SC's trannies do so when you put more power to it they are more pron to failure.