lextildeath

Oh and I forgot to be specific and say, NO GERMAN CARS. They suck at being cars. Plus, he might become too arrogant with one of those. You don't want that. Cheers, Anthony.

How old is your son? Is it his first car? If he has no experience and/or is a student, then it is a bad car for him. Not that it is insanely fast. 1/4 mile in high 14s- but it is small and has no cargo room and can be tossed around easily. Also, not too comfy. I have been in one. Plus is has NO torque at all. It takes almost redlining to get going in that thing. Handles nicely though. You might wanna get him something that is sporty, safe, kiiinda quick so he can be proud, economical, roomy. 01+ IS300, 97-01 ES300, 98-05 Gs300, 92-00 SC300, Volvo C70 2.4 light pressure turbo, 98-02 Accord V6, 99-03 Solara V6. All of those cars have some decent pep to them and are still big and safe enough to not only avoid accidents, but to be protected on impact. Plus most of those can be modified to be faster as he grows older and more mature. I hope you make the perfect decision, Anthony.

How many miles on the new engine and when did you do this swap? Are the axles stock? I might be interested if I can somehow get that money and get down to Texas by the 17th. Anthony.

I know why you want the 1997 bumper. Because of the opening in the front grill, and the side skirts. Good taste. check out onderground for the body kits. The hottest one, in my opinion is the V-speed kit. It looks niiiice. Also, on ebay they have these same kits for a lot cheaper. Ebay has the oem kit as well if you don't want a very noticeable kit. Have fun and good luck, Anthony.

1997 ES300 135mph in 50mph zone (car recently totalled at 35- 45mph- go figure) I guess the lesson learned is, DRIVE FAST.

If I am not mistaken, there is even a "chrome" spray paint you can buy. I don't think it is real chrome on the grill in the first place. If you ever mess up on the stripping, or just wanna do an easier job, you can just use the paint. That is IF I AM NOT MISTAKEN. Anyway, could some one show some pics soon? I would like to see how it looks. Peace, Anthony.

I hope I don't sound too immature in asking this. I know it is a luxury car and all, but why would you not want to feel like you are flooring it when you are? When I step on the gas, I like to be thrown back into in my seat. It is a connection with the road and the car. But that is if the petal is to the floor. I am not saying you should have the G force experience every time you are moderately cruising, but step on it and you should feel liberated. I know it is a 7 speed auto and shifts are smooth but should'nt the intial flooring have some punch? Get back to me. Anthony.

Funny guy you are. I guess no one knows really. Thanks for trying though guys. Ant.

I had exhaust custom made for my 97 ES about 4 months ago. I totalled it 2 months ago. If I don't get another ES, I will sell you my exhaust. Trust me it is better than apexi. It is an Edelbrok RPM series muffler welded to new piping and a flange so it bolts in and out of the stock flange and you can take it off whenever you want. 2.5 inlet and outlet. You know how you can see your whole stock muffler hanging down? You can not see this muffler at all except for the 3 inch chrome rolled tip I have welded on there. Looks like it should be stock. It is a 6"x2" oval-something like that and sounds amazing. No loud idle rumbling muscle car sound. No high pitch civic sound. The reason I didnt get the apexi is I researched which muffler to get for a long time and decided this was the most power and best sound for ANY price. Research Edelbrok RPM muffler online. DO a search. This muffler sounds sick as hell. If you chose not to buy from me, have an exhaust custom made from the muffler at a shop. It is the best. May be able to take pics of the muffler itself sitting in my garage, but to see some pics of it on the car check out http://www.cardomain.com/id/lextildeath. If you are interested let me know and we can talk about price. I also have Tokico HP struts and Tein S Tech lowering springs which I put on myself brand new before the accident. Ant.

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.

Who would sell a supercharged GS400 that looks and runs the way it should? Something is fishy. What would be considered an upgrade to that? A Ferrari Enzo sedan? If I had a GS400 that was supercharged under my ownership and supervision by Rod Millen, I would sleep in it and be buried in it some day. Ask him if he will sell you the supercharger kit, so you can buy your own trustworthy GS400 from an old lady who always drives with 2 hands and can't see over the steering wheel anymore (if possible). Best of luck, Anthony.

Thanks, I was not even considering the IS. Just wanted to know what kinda horsepower to expect from the basic mods I would be doing to the SC300. Any body else have any info? Thanks, Ant

No one answered yet so I am posting, hoping to refresh this onto the LOC homepage. Any body?

Yeah those all seem like they can be a dirty TB. It kinda needs a good amount of gunk to be that noticeable, but it is hard to define what is a considerable amount. Just clean that sucker out to be certain. Other causes of those symptoms may include, the oil has not been changed as often as it should have, the cat might need to be replaced, you might need a new air filter, or the throttle tube may have come loose and been misaligned. It happened to me once. The rubber connector on the TB became misaligned with the intake tube from the airbox and the car was shaking and being all slow. I thought I ruined something from the fast driving I do, but on a Lexus its usually something stupid that just happens and can be easily fixed and prevented. I hope your baby can be back to normal soon. Anthony.

The SC300 has 225hp and the IS300 has 215hp. Why is this so? Could it be the dual exhaust vs. single, or different intake/exhaust manifolds, cams? The reason I ask this is I wanna know if a mod done to the IS like intake, exhaust, and headers adding 30hp equaling 245hp - would the SC only increase by 20hp equaling 245hp, or would the SC also increase by 30hp to equal 255hp? Anyone have a clue what I am saying? Kinda hard to describe. Oh, and would the IS300 headers on an SC have to be lengthened or welded at the down pipe, or would it match the exhaust system the same? One more question: I know the Soarer 2.5 TT can be dropped into an SC300 with matching harnesses, etc. But, would the 2.5 TT also drop into an SC400 just as easily? Thanks, Anthony.

Imagine a dirty throttle body like a throat full of mucus. It makes it harder to breathe. It lets less air in to the combustion chamber and will give you less power. Plus, it could make the throttle plate sticky-delaying throttle response. Plus, if the gunky goo that gets stuck in the throttle body gets loose and gets burnt with the fuel, it can saturate your catalytic converter sooner than with a clean throttle body. So you will have less power, less fuel economy, more emissions, more vibrations, less dates. Namely an LS 400, meaning not a newer LS430 would indicate that the car is more than a few years old and would have even more greasy build up than a newer car. Just maintain it by cleaning it with TB cleaner or steel cleaner ever so often. It is a great car. Enjoy it. Anthony.

Hey all, thanks for responses. I know I am at fault for this one-not really disputing that one. I just wanted to share my story, and ask suggestions for a car and maybe some will learn from my mistake. I don't want anyone to be overconfident and wreck their dream car like I did. I guess I'm kinda leaning towards an older SC300 with all your suggestions and price factored as well. I have a new question though. The SC300 has 225hp and the IS300 has 215hp. Why is this so? Could it be the dual exhaust vs. single, or different intake/exhaust manifolds, cams? The reason I ask this is I wanna know if a mod done to the IS like intake, exhaust, and headers adding 30hp equaling 245hp - would the SC only increase by 20hp equaling 245hp, or would the SC also increase by 30hp to equal 255hp? Anyone have a clue what I am saying? Kinda hard to describe. Oh, and would the IS300 headers on an SC have to be lengthened or welded at the down pipe, or would it match the exhaust system the same? Thanks, Anthony.

I agree with justin97. The front bumper on the 00-01 looks like a chunk has been cut out of the bottom to make it higher up and wedgey. But slap the 00-01 tails on a 97-99 like I did and it is hands down the nicest car ever made ever ever. Also when you open the doors and put the windows down, there is no frame around where the window would be. It is just a clean unique look.

My car is totalled, and I never got to take pics along the way of my mods like I had hoped to. By the way, I have the pics of it modded up before and after the accident on http://www.cardomain.com/id/lextildeath. Let me know what you think. The night shots are before I lowered it. I had done just about everything I said I was going to do in an earlier post: clear corners, grill inserts, tint, is300 rims, pirellis, lowered sport suspension, platinum tint, 2000-2001 tail lights, intake, exhaust, ignition, 12" audiobahn sub, and I JUST finished saving up for my header budget. I had $1,600 that I can spend with out being broke. I was maybe a day away from ordering them, since my friend who was supposed to fab them up chickened out. The accident happened April 9, 2005 after coming from my friends house late after playing video games and hanging out. A big raised SUV SOB came up behind me and was tailgaiting me and highbeaming me. I gunned it to see if he was purposely being a and he proved he was by gunning it too. Then I slowed down a lot to be spiteful. Well, I came to a residential intersection . You must either turn left or right at the stop sign. Preoccupied by being blinded and harrassed and looking in my rear view, I went STRAIGHT at the stop sign. Over a curb, into the depths of a 6 foot deep ditch. All at 30ish mph- no really. I am embrassed that I totalled the car going so slow. I speed all the time and never got close to an accident because I know HOW to speed properly. Ironic. Looks like cosmetic damage, but what the eye can't see from the exterior is that the engine cradle is bent and the air bags are both deployed. The insurance declared the car totalled, so fixing it meant spending on parts, labor, AND fees to tow the car to New Britain and more fees to evaluate it for rehabilitation, and more fees to renew the title, and paying taxes and registration on the car all over again. Lots of garbage. So they took my baby away and declared it my fault as the other driver disappeared. My insurance will go through the roof soon. I took off everything that was bolt on-only the tint and grill inserts were left on. Now I need a car that will be cheaper on insurance and on purchase price. I got 12k from the insurance but would like to spend maybe 8k or less on a Lexus. Should I get another 97 ES300 but with higher miles or should I get a 1992 SC300 with 75k original miles for 7k? I am not too crazy about the 92-96 ES (nice car though) and not too fond of the 92-97 GS300 (nice too) so it is basically an SC300 or a 97-01 ES for under 8k. No V8s. Opinions? Thoughts? Engine swap possibilities? Should I maybe even consider a Solara V6 so I can use all the bolt ons again? Any comments appreciated.

I had no idea I could read your mind. I guess I am psycho like everyone says. They always said it in an insulting way though... :whistles: But, I think I know what you want because I am kinda in your shoes. I am only 20 and am in college and I know how it is. You want to be driving casually and have about 3 or 4 girls see your car and think "nice car" and then they all jump in and on the way back to your dorm or crazy bachelor pad for some and , some dude in a BMW or any other car with "German engineering" or any well known fast car tries to mess with you, and you smoke him sooo bad, even with your premium sound system pumping. And the girls with their cute voices are like "hehe you are the man", and you act like it's nothing...It was a fun weekend that I owe all to my Lexus. Anyway, with all silliness aside, I hope you enjoy the car. You won't need turbo for just 250hp. Headers, intake, exhaust and a chip will get you over that anyway. But it will be loud. The turbo would hush it up a bit, but your call. Have fun counting down the days. You will soon be in the family.

No, the Avalon is not as high in luxury as any Lexus. The LS430, among other Lexuses and few other cars makes me sigh at its beauty. I do not think that Toyota can compare to Lexus. But, in my eyes, I see the Avalon shining economically for short and long term over a 2001 LS430. It has 0 miles on the odometer and gets great gas mileage and is good in snow. True, it is not about gizmos. It is about quality and reliabilty. I thought Toyota and Lexus had the same quality and and reliability. Leather and wood trim and such is a gizmo if you think about it. Don't get me wrong-I would never drive a car with out rich leather and wood trim and everything a Lexus should have, but they are not neccesities. If the new Avalon is low on build quality, then shame on them. But, I guess if you are going for pure econimics, get a Civic. If money is only paper with homely men on it to you, then get the LS, or even the GS, depending on how sporty you are. Both are superior overall to Toyota. I have no clue what kind of person you are. Some more info might help. I hope everyones input helps.

My username, Lextildeath, says it all. I will be a die hard Lexus owner until the very death of me. A friend of mine, currently with a Z28 asked me what car he should get in a few months: A brand new GS430!!!!!!, a brand new Infinity M45, or a brand new S4. He wants performance to match his Z28, with the added luxuries that a fine sedan will offer. I could not believe he could allow me to hear his other choices after he said A BRAND NEW GS430!!!!!!(I believe that all 6 exclamation points should be included on the rear badging by the way). I gave him so many reasons why the GS430!!!!!! is the best. I did not stop at saying that it is the fastest of the bunch. So, as you can see, LEXUS LEXUS LEXUS. BUT, in this case I would get the 2005 Avalon with 0 miles over a 2001 LS430 with 45k(still low mileage though). It is not like they are made by different companies at all. The Avalon has a brand spanking new fresh look that is very beautiful. The LS has a timeless look that is beautiful. I think the Avalon is a bit quicker. The Avalon has 10 less horsepower but makes up for it by weighing lots less than the LS and it loses less horsepower to the wheels than the LS due to it being front engine and front wheel vs the LS being front engine and rear wheel. The Avalon is the top of the line car in the U.S. with the Toyota badge on it. It does not exactly lack prestige. FWD is better in the snow. Rear wheel typically handles better, but the LS is not really "tuned" to be a sporty handling car. Neither is the Avalon, but with the new chassis, I can see it having a sportiER suspension setup than the LS. Plus the Avalon is 355 pounds lighter so that will help handling also. Both cars have excellent build quality and beautiful, luxurious interiors. The Avalon has a push start button. OOOOOO AHHHHH. Finally, which one is a 280 horsepower beast that gets 22 city mpg/ 31 highway mpg?

The reason I know I did not answer this post yet is I have not seen it. I am interested in replying. I love to give my opinion and facts, especially when people ask for it. First off, cross the S4 and 3 series right off your list. NO GERMAN. Worst bang for the buck, bad reliabilty, typically snobby people own them who think that you are a dumb punk kid in your "mere" Japanese car. They like to hear them selves say "German engineering". I can give more valid reasons for not going with those cars, but I am assuming that you threw those in there just to mix it up a bit, but they do not compare to Japanese. Toyota is the best way to go overall, with Honda in a near second, Nissan in a kinda near third. I know exactly what you are going for. Adjectives to describe the car you want: stylish, pimp, luxurious, functional, reliable, FAST, and if you are like me, then SLEEPER. The NSX is amazing, but holds its value too dam well. You said a 91 or 92. Yeah thats comparably priced with lots of newer used cars. And insurance will suck and its a 2 seater. And not sleeper. (You know I am getting around to chosing the IS as I am in the Lexus family, but I will give good reasons). The 350Z is also amazing. Fast as hell, good aftermarket support. I heard however, that the tranny is iffy. Also, like the NSX-high insurance (for 2 doors and stock horse power) and people know exactly how fast that sucker is. Plus I don't think they have the 2+2 for the new models. I may be mistaken. Now to the beloved IS. Number one in reliabilty. You know that. Four doors= less insurance, sleeperness, more functional, you never have to get out of your seat to let some one in the back, cuz thats very non-pimp when you have to do that. Comes in manual the second year it was out (2002) not 2003. Handles amazingly, especially if you lower it with a nice stiff setup. ALmost a 50/50 weight ratio. The 350 is a little off because of its bigger engine and compact design. IT IS AN INLINE. Sick torque curve on it. Pretty solid throughout all RPMs. A $3k-$5k turbo kit will get u well into the 300 crank HP range with the help of headers, exhaust, intake, etc. If you matched the HP on the IS to the 350Z, it would smoke the 350 because IT IS AN INLINE. It is not a typical sedan, as it is still very sporty and eye catching. Only thing is the tail light. I agree, a little tad itsy bit ricey, but if you open up the tail light and paint the housing black or even the color of the exterior, it will not look ricey. I have seen it either on this site or another one and it looks amazing. And the little tiny circle tail lights next to the main big one can be blacked out or colored to the exterior with see through paint made for tail lights to make it invisible. Plus it has the same engine used in the Supra, but with VVT-i. The IS300 is the overall best choice for you. And it is cheaper than the 350Z. I hope you get the IS300, I would be so happy for you. Best regards, Anthony.

I think that spoiler is NEEDED on that car. The flush mount gives a nice look. Sweet.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah my car comes stock with a sub in the back dash, sharing a space with the 3rd brake light. That is the one that is not working. So I guess that it IS possible for just one channel to blow. Any more comments from anyone would still be appreciated. I can never have too much input. And thanks for liking my rims. You have good taste. =D