lorenr

Bigger filters hold more oil. That is good. <_< The only difference in filters that I can think of is thread size, placement of the O ring (as long as it fits the flat portion of the filter mount this not an issue}, and pressure relief valve size/tension. They are all probably quite similar. I think the idea is to route some of your oil through filter material and once that is accomplished, there is no more magic. I bet that there are a bunch of filters that will fit the Toyota/Lexus that will cause zero problems. I even bet that Ford filters still fit them. They did in the eighties anyway and held a lot of oil.

The owners manual does not say a lot about brand name fluids, but it does say to use Toyota ATF. A friend of mine works for Chevron and they make the Toyota ATF for Toyota. He says that making the stuff is hard because of Toyota's very tough requirements. He says they are required to sample, test and record everything, including sending samples to Japan for more testing. He also said that the additive package is very Toyota specific.

I also own a 2003 LS 430 and have also been curious about the oil fill. I think that 6 quarts is probably the correct amount with a filter change but in order to be sure do two things: 1. Read the owners manual. It actually states 5 quarts. 2. Drain ALL of the oil out of the crank case, remove and replace the oil filter. Refill with five quarts of quality oil and check the oil level. Start the motor, let it set and recheck the oil level. If it is low add the correct amount. Overfilling these motors with to much oil is probably not a good idea. The crank shaft strikes the excess oil in the pan and whips it into a foam. The foam doesn't do anything for lubrication and is hard on the motor. Five quarts of oil is probably fine for these engines and any more is just there for people who only change their oil at 15,000 mile intervals and never check it. :D

I always have wanted a Lexus 400/430 since they were first introduced in 1989. I finally took the plunge and just got a black 2003 LS 430. I like to do all the work on my own vehicles myself which, I think may be rare for Lexus owners. None the less I need help. Could anyone tell me: 1. How or where to get a good shop manual. 2. Where can get small parts such as the plastic clips that hold the under hood rubber gasket that seals the hood to the body. 3. My owners manual says that the transmission capacity hold 1.9 quarts. That makes me a little upset. What gives, I hope these people aren't as goffy as some of the other car companies. I also notice they are pretty serious about using there own ATF. Is that the case? Thanks All :whistles: