carrisco

They are 20" but not staggered. They always look bigger than they are -- probably the kit.

Yes, I suppose I just suffer from having it too long and being too used to it. What do you think about the possible modifications? Are you an SRT Intake + ECU fan? I'd like to talk to someone who has actually done that modification and find out if they think it's worth the 5+ bills.

This is a bit off-topic, but I noticed in your specs, Chris, that you have an Optima Yellow-top. How do you like that battery? I've been through TWO of those & I have to honestly say they've been CRAP for me.. I know it's partly my fault from not always remembering to use my trickle-charger (as I only drive the GS when I have free time -- it's not my everyday driver.) Nevertheless, it should still hold on longer than a regular battery... The Sears Diehard was more capable of starting after long periods of non-use (& no trickle-charger hooked up.) Which is just nuts.. The idea that this thing is a deep-cycle & conventional battery in one, would leave me to believe it should be more capable to start even after getting really close to dead. Anyway, kind of makes you wonder.. And for a nearly $200 battery, their warranty is just crap. Even your basic $45-$50 battery at any auto-parts store has a 60-month or greater warranty. I realize that people buying the Optima are mostly enthusiasts and car-audio buffs so maybe their intended use is pretty hard, but still. If you make a battery that costs consumers nearly 4 times the rest, stand behind it a little. Just my .02 -- now I'm broke. :D

Hello everyone. I've been so busy with work the last 2 years, I have probably put less than 100 miles on my 1998 GS 400. I originally got it in late 2003 and only did cosmetic modifications because I wasn't interested in street racing, etc. Here is a link to my finished project as of 2004: My '98 GS4 Some of the modifications are a bit dated now (like the wheels..) Anyway (and the point of this thread) -- I've decided to try and enjoy it (since I can't really sell it for a price that I'd be willing to part with it for..) So I'm thinking of some light performance & possibly suspension mods but I didn't know which ones some of you more intense modders deem worthy. I've heard great things about the SRT Intake & ECU.. I've heard mixed comments from the 3.76 LSD swap.. And as far as exhaust, I've seen APEXi, Greddy & Borla raved about, but I am not big on super loud or freeway "low-buzzing" crap. Anyway, everyone's opinions are welcome. (For those that were wondering, I didn't get any offers over $10,100 on ebay & I think it's worth keeping & trying to find the time to enjoy it before getting bent over like that. Hell, it's only got 81k on it.) Thanks, -elc.

>> What do you mean "hub centric"? It's the balance point of the rim. Check these sites: http://www.miata.net/garage/hubcentric.html http://www.justforwheels.com/index.jsp?cat...centric⊂=how Basically, wheel manufacturers want their rims to fit many different vehicles, so when mounted, they often have a gap between the center of the wheel and the hub. Lexus balances wheels by fitting them snug to the hub, but with this gab here, it turns it into "lug centric" -- where the rim is balanced on the lugs instead (which can obviously cause wobble and vibration.) Luckily, you can find some rings that fit around the hub and fill this gap -- curing the entire problem. :) BTW, this is the best price I've seen on the rings we would need: http://www.ezaccessory.com/.sc/ms/dd/11146...Toyota%20Suzuki Anyway, I just had two rims that were slightly bent fixed and these hubcentric centering rings installed. I'll let everyone know how it worked out. I will say that the wheel shop owner said that the hubcentric/lubcentric issue is often more of a big deal than even a bent rim! (Note to self -- don't buy any more rims off of ebay.) -elc.

Just remember... The wider the tire, the more the ride quality changes. Wider tires pull to road contour more aggressively. I was not happy with anything over 255 on my GS 400. Remember, you have a Lexus. Do you really want it to ride like a slammed Honda Civic? -elc.

Exactly what I am experiencing... :cries: Very odd that it is most prominent at 60MPH. You'd figure that a bent wheel would thud progressively louder as speed increased -- not smooth out. BTW -- How did you deal with the "hub-centric" issues with your 20s? I was told that can be part of the problem as well -- since the Lexus stock rim uses a hub-centric style for balance. -elc.