BiggieLex400

absolutely.....that car looks like it's been taken care of for sure....those rims are beautiful - the deep dish like that .. classic. I bought my 98GS 400 with 107,000 - the timing belt was replaced beforehand and all I've replaced is the brakes and the radiator....you know basic stuff with that mileage. I've had it for almost 2 years....and it's the best car I've ever owned....no problems runs like a dream and is still super fast....you gotta remember it's a Lexus made by Toyota = the most reliable cars on the road....period. Good luck

1st...the caliper fix kit should be changed. those are the clips between the pads and the caliper bracket. Had the same problem with mine....you are absolutely correct the issue is the clips on the pads for the brakes....google or seach here for "shim kits" or ask your lexus dealer.

You couldn't be more right. Seriously some of the pieces that came with the kit are just too much. For example the radio - it just looks wrong there is so much wood you feel like your in a forest. So I'm doing a few pieces to accent the factory wood. Thanks,

That's awesome....glad you like it. It definitely takes some patience but looks amazing ... post those pics when you get a chance. It's kinda cool that it's an easy do it yourself project for newbies that is so easy and looks so good....

you can search and see if others on this forum have done an 01 G3, but the best way to tell is if you look at the grille it has a flat black finish....if you look close (unless the automobile is brand new) you'll see tiny chips in the black paint that are a shinny chrome. If that is that case than I'm sure you grill will also work. To detach simply take a wrench to the 10mm bolts on the inside of the hood (I believe there is 5 in total) and pop out of the hood. It's in there pretty good but once you unscrew the bolts and the handle (the one that opens the hood) the grille simply pops out. Then unscrew the L symbol and pop that out and your ready to go. Good luck and post some pics when your done.

yup... Just apply some paint thinner (outside cause it's pretty stinky stuff to work with) and scrubb off flat black paint with fine steel wool to reveal the chrome underneath. I couldn't believe it either...it's that easy and the steel wool does not scratch the chrome. Try it it looks amazing

So I heard from a few people about the wood interiors from searching on the site. I finally ended up picking Sherwood Dash with the natural factory match. I really like the way it's coming out. Make sure if your looking into doing this that you research the wood, testimonials, factory match, etc. Also make sure you read all the instructions carefully and don't skip cleaning the dash where the wood is placed or else the warantee is void and the part will most likely come off over time - which could be terrible because the cleaning process with Alcohol dulls the plastic and looks terrible so take your time. Here is a few pics off the begining of the project:

That's right your GS was one of the first images I saw with the cleaned up grille...that made me do it it looks amazing on the black. How do you like the black interior....personally I think it's definitely the sharpest of all interiors. I have tan which is ok but the black with the wood :whistles: amazing!!!

Thanks dcfish. I can't believe that these grills clean up so easily and so nicely. I'm pschyed about the color cause I don't see too many this color green. Thanks again, what color do you have?

Well I did it this weekend...I scrubbed off the old Flat Black paint on the grille. I used paint thinner and very fine steel wool. It took about 3 hours total and a lot of scrubbing. But definitely worth it, it shines like I payed 200 bucks for it to be chromed. If you haven't done this already Its the easiest mod for first timers. Good Luck and thanks to all for the info this forum rocks. Here are some more...

Excellent....good to know. Thanks,

Anyone know of any kind of car clubs for Lexus in the New England area? you know you shine up your car and show it off.....

That must have been it.....I'll have to remember to check next time I'm on the hill. Thanks, much appreciated.

I noticed on the highway when I'm holding the cruise lever down in order to speed up after a few seconds the car almost goes into turbo mode....at first it slowly excelerates and then upon holding further it really takes off.....problem is lately it's not working as far the super excel. Anyone know anything about this?? Thanks

Excellent this is perfect. I'm going to do on Saturday and I'll post pics asap. Thanks again appreciate the info.

Nice Thanks....I know I need to search more before asking... Just to recap what I found...I need to get: Gel Paint Stripper Finest possible steel wool Home depot would have both of these? Sides of Grille (inbetween the slats) don't get stripped? Thanks again.

As far as stripping the paint from your grill. Are we talking about the stock grill on the GS400. I didn't know that it was painted? IF so what did you use to strip. Any info much appreciated. your GS is tight!!! Thanks,

You have just made my day sir! The low repair costs really hit the spot for me. Coming from owning a 951, anyone who used to own/owns one will know why! Prsch951RedT ← No prob that's what were here for... You are going to love it....seriously I haven't spoke to my mehcanic since I bought it....let me know what you think over the next few weeks. Have fun..

Hey, Welcome to the club. Lexus is certainly in my opinion the best car on the road. It's without a doubt the quietest, most reliable luxury automobile in the industry. The GS400 is rare breed that is no longer being produced. It's a one of kind auto that started in 98 and stopped in 2000. If I'm correct I believe the 98-00 is the second generation, the first gen being that of the 93-97 GS300. The current models (or third gen.) B) are either the GS430 or the GS300. The GS400 has a staggering 300 hp and does 0-60 in 5.8 seconds. Which for a nearly 4000 lb car is pretty quick. For it's time and even in todays standards that kind of speed is pretty amazing. I've had a 98 GS400 for about 6 months and it's been an absolute blast everytime I get to drive it. It's the quietest car I've ever driven inside and out. The leather is so comfortable, the radio = perfection. The indy style tiptronic on the steering wheel is my favorite part. The only loss is you will probably lose touch with your mechanic since repairs (as far as I've heard and experienced) are virtually non-existant. Enjoy!

I know number 2 is definitely correct and never ever bring the car to get washed where they use non rubber brushes....if you go to a drive through for a quick wash from time to time make sure it's brushes aren't whats introducing the swirls....8 out of 10 car washes use damanging non rubber brushes that create swirls.

yup 2 to 3 minutes max and your seat has to be turned off cause it's so warm in 98GS

I'm new and slowly but surely learning how to get info from this forum. Great info so far thanks to all yall. I tried searching this topic but didn't come across any info on the peoples satisfaction with the wood kits. I've been looking at different samples of wood for my 98 GS400. I've heard that since Lexus uses real wood for the interiors some of the kits look horrible. Any ideas on the best place to go for wood dash kits? Are the kits close in color/quality to the OEM wood that comes with the lex? Thanks

HILARIOUS... I actually had posted the entilre question previously and after about two hours with no responses I figured I would just post again in a much shorter format. The original question was about changing the DRL's because the manual for my GS400 says dismantling or changing bulbs could cause electric shock - so is this just a ploy to get people to use the dealership? thanks ← Just a precautionary statement that LEXUS lawyers put in the manual. You won't get a shock and they take 20 seconds to replace. ← Thanks....much appreciated!!

HILARIOUS... I actually had posted the entilre question previously and after about two hours with no responses I figured I would just post again in a much shorter format. The original question was about changing the DRL's because the manual for my GS400 says dismantling or changing bulbs could cause electric shock - so is this just a ploy to get people to use the dealership? thanks

Anyone know about this??