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Bluelex, between your car and Mr. Sypher's, I can't tell whose I'd drive first! Good job on the upgrades and finished projects! By the way, what do you guys use to clean your leather? Also, Blue, how are the C-pillars holding up?

So where is the best place to get these and how much is it going to set me back for?

My thanks to all opinions and replies. Where's the best place to purchase either detector and what kind of budget am I going to have to make it for?

I would consider getting the C-pillars for $20.00. Find the other people and we'll see.

After my first trip on the road to visit my in-laws, I realized that I took a huge gamble on getting a speeding ticket. I underestimated how smooth and fast my GS400 really is. I clocked 110 mph and the car was even breathing hard! With that in mind, does anyone have a GOOD radar detector that can be recommended? Please advise.

Sorry for the typos...This first sentence in my last posts should say, "Remember, I sell fuels".

Remember, sell fuels. If you are looking for fuel from Sunoco, the "problem" is - SUNOCO is based out of Marcus Hook, PA and they only market this product regionally. Alternatives to increase Octane would be to buy and mix an appropriate of a product like (TrackTec) or other 100 Octane Unleaded Fuels, or an appropriate amount of Octane Booster.

Higher Octane Fuels are an insurance policy but not necessarily (or automatically and always) a performance enhancer.

These cars are designed with a Knock Sensor which says if the engine senses knock due to higher octane demand than is available, it will !Removed! the timing of the engine. Unless the driver is extremely experienced in analyzing engine performance, he will never know the timing was retarded - because of the sophistication of the Engine Control Module. In theory, if higher octane fuel is available if and when the engines Octane Demand increases (due to heat, excess idling, car under load w/ AC in hilly terain towing a trailer), the engine would take advantage of it. To detect the difference would (probably) take some sophistecated analysis - unless the engine knocked and pinged to the point you could hear it - which will probably never happen unless you get some truly bad gas w/ water, etc.

I actually sell racing fuels and octanes. I would take exception to the U.S. having the worst fuel in the world. That would be China and India. It is true though that the octane values fo fuels do tend to be higher in Europe.....

If you have modified the engine such that it requires higher octane or Nos, then you already know you need a higher octane fuel. Otherwise, using the Fuel recommended by the manufacturer is critical to maintaining your warranty. If your warranty has expired, please continue to use the recommended fuel - with the following considerations:

As previously discussed, pinging or clattering can result from a build up of carbon deposits - which can increase the compression ratio (and heat) in the cylinder. If the warrenty has expired and pinging starts, the engine may have had an increase in octane demand - beyond the the octane capacity of the originally recommended fuel.

The engine needs decarbonizing or a tune up. Extended operation with pinging or clattering can (and probably will) cause engine damage over time. Service the vehicle and see if this stops the pinging. If it doesn't, go to the next higher level of octane, or try fuel from another station.

I thought about it...but that's all. I went outside and looked at my car and tried to picture it and that's where I left it.....a thought. You're right too much of something like that is NOT a good thing.

I saw this new item on the Lextasy web site. Has anyone purchased these yet and if so were you pleased?

Mr. Sypher, here's another opportunity to see if you'll do anything like this to your beautiful Lex....what do you think about these? If you'll note a lot of folks will use your car as a measuring stick to what our car SHOULD look like.

Is it $60 for two or is it a piece?

MrSypher, by the way I notice you don't have the C-pillars on yours. What's your opinion of them?

That's funny! Hopefully I'll post my photos soon.

The "stickers" look really good on the cars I've seen. I just wish I could see them in person. My concern is that they fade or damages the car if they are removed or start to pill off. I didn't think they were stickers, so now I may reconsider paying $60 for it (or is it for two?).

Hey folks! How many people have the chrome "C-Pillars" that goes in the rear window? Futhermore how reliable are they? How are they attached?

Thanks for sharing, but where do you find those tires? I was told Goodyear Eagle 1's were the best you could get.

Thanks! I'll give him a look up.

I don't think you should post questions like this in the forum. This forum is for mature, professional members only.

MrSypher....I must say this is one of (if not the cleanest) the cleanest Lexus I've ever seen. I use Maguire's clear coat Gold, but I don't think it comes out looking this good. Excellent photos! By the way, what size rims and tires are these?

Is there anyone here in the forum live here in the Houston area? If so, is there a good reliable repair shop that specializes in Lexus' that won't take you to the bank like the dealerships? Please advise.

Any early photos of what the redesign will look like?

Better yet, how much would it cost? Anyone, please advise.

Akhil, I've tried 17's and now 18's on my 1999 GS400. For whatever reason the 17's not only gave me a rough ride but also the steering vibrated. I replaced them with 18's and now I have a smooth ride with little or no vibration in the steering. I can't speak for 19's or 20's, but rest assured 18's will work for you. Hope this helps.

I don't know if that's true, but I did have a problem with throttle sensor that caused my gs400 to stall as if the transmission was shot. I had to have it replaced (warranty of course).

My buddy just put 20's on his LS430 just like these! I may have to trade up....Looks good guy!