95_SC400

Yeah. Probably something in the valve body, but I'm thinking about having it totally rebuilt. Hopefully after christmas sometime. I think that it's probably some o rings that when heat up do no seal correctly inside the transmission causing the harsh shifting in 3rd. Other gears OK.

Good luck getting that fixed, hopefully wont cost too much.

SK, Thanks for that info, i'll keep it in mind.

Ok... On my car (1992 sc400) it appears that there was once something mounted below the front bumper cover. I have seen this part on several other cars and it just looks like it has fallen off of, or was removed from mine, there are these little bracket things just hanging there. I like the look of it too, so maybe someone could tell me what this part is called or where I can get one. Thanks.

Mike

I have been searching for that part for 6 months now. Its called "lip" or "front valence/spoiler". the cheapest i've found it for is $400. Which is why i still dont have one. I've tried junkyards and even asked random SC owners to self theirs, but it seems to be a rare and expensive part. Let me know if you find one, i would really appreciate it. Good luck.

Alright. I tried it and it seems to have helped the responsiveness of the car (it smoked a lot when I did this. It probably smoked for 10 or 15 minutes). It didn't really help the shifting, though. Oh well, probably just take it to the tranny shop again and see about having a rebuild done on it.

Sorry it didnt help with shifting, you must have something else wrong. You should notice a little better fuel economy though. Im not a mechanic or anything, but ive heard that some of these older cars eventually have problems with the shift solenoids. I dont know anything about them, but it might be worth a try to mention it to your mechanic. Good Luck with your car.

Seafoam is great but should be used carefully as it can dry out rubber.

Thanks SK, i didnt know that. Any specific spots that it drys out? Will i notice anything if something does dry out? Thanks!

I did this with some Gumout Carb Cleaner and it seemed to help at first, but after a week, it was back to the original state. Maybe I should try this. It seems like it's a bit different as it goes in w/out spraying it in. You actually have to pour it in. I assume you put yours in through the pcv valve, right? My car right now tends to shift hard into 3rd gear and gets worse milage than I did a few months ago (immediately after my tuneup). It also idles rough with the A/C off, It feels more like a 4 cylinder camry. Idles good with a/c on, though. I may try to find some of this locally. I think you can get it from your local marina as I have heard people using this in their outboard engines to decarbon them. I think this is what it was developed for. Probably why it works so good (outboards can really build up some carbon deposits). Anyways, mainly wanted to know where to put it in. Should it only be installed through the pcv valve or through multiple vacuum lines like the one near the throttle position sensor (tps) as well?

You're right, it mainly gets rid of carbon build up. I think it might fix your rough shifting because thats what i had through out all my gears. No gaurante, but its worth a try. I poured an entire can into gas tank, then 1/2 into crankcase (engine oil) and other half into vacuum lines by the tps. All you have to do is get some tubing (medical oxygen tubing or for aqauriums) and connect it to one of those branches, and stick the tube into the can and let it suck up the Seafoam, keep a high idle while doing this. These are the 3 main areas as were recomended on can and on website. If you didnt already, then check out the websites i posted earlier, they tell you all the details of what it does and all the how to's. Also watch that video, really explains the whole product and usage. Good Luck.

... i finally got around to seafoaming my car today...

95_SC400, tell me more about this "seafoam". This is the first I've heard of it. I tried Googling it, but found multiple products under the brand name Seafoam. Which product did you use? What does it do? Where is it added/used?

The product i used was called "Seafoam motor tune up". Seafoam has a line of many other products that also work for transmissions as well. This is the general site i found it from http://www.seafoamsales.com/products.htm the product i used myself is here: http://www.seafoamsales.com/motorTuneUpTechGas.htm

That site explains where to pour , how much, and what each place contributes to the clean up. Im not home right now but as soon as i get home ill post a video that shows exactly how to use it. I explain it more thoroughly as soon as i get home.

Here you go, check out this video, i think its pretty indepth. If you decide to buy it, i got mine online here:

https://www.iboats.com/mall/?cart_id=232143...United%20States

There are a few stores that sell it but really few and it cost more at the store last time i checked. Let me know if you still need more info or help. Good Luck with your new SC.

... i finally got around to seafoaming my car today...

95_SC400, tell me more about this "seafoam". This is the first I've heard of it. I tried Googling it, but found multiple products under the brand name Seafoam. Which product did you use? What does it do? Where is it added/used?

The product i used was called "Seafoam motor tune up". Seafoam has a line of many other products that also work for transmissions as well. This is the general site i found it from http://www.seafoamsales.com/products.htm the product i used myself is here: http://www.seafoamsales.com/motorTuneUpTechGas.htm

That site explains where to pour , how much, and what each place contributes to the clean up. Im not home right now but as soon as i get home ill post a video that shows exactly how to use it. I explain it more thoroughly as soon as i get home.

Was your car running bad or anything before you did it? Im asking cause I just bought a 95 sc300 with 157K miles on it and it is running great, as far as I can tell... I dont really know if it coud be better cause Ive only owned it for 5 days and Ive never had another one. It does take longer to crank up when its cold, and it feels like its shifting hard at slight throttle but other than that its perfect. It doesnt feel that fast either. Do you think it could hurt if I used it? I have never owned a car with this many miles and Ive never used seafoam???

I think you should definately try it, it wont hurt at all. I decided to do it because after all my car is 11 years old. Im sure there was a bunch of build up over the years. I myself had aggressive shifting, ok idle , but i wanted less, and overall i just wanted to bring my car back to life and increase fuel economy. So after doing the Seafoam and cleaning my MAF sensor, right away I felt that the car was revving and driving A LOT easier, quieter, and smoother. I could tell that the car was alive again, i dont know how much horse power i gained but a couple definatly. As for your car starting up to slow, you might want to consider changing your sparks and wires. But try the seafoam and CRC MAF cleaner first. Let me know how it goes. Check out my video of the process (sorry for horrible quality) http://youtube.com/watch?v=mJs9UH4mHIQ

If you need help finding or using the Seafoam just let me know ill post some pics of where to pour and how much. Good Luck.

Hey Guys, just wanted to let you all know that i finally got around to seafoaming my car today and i am VERY happy i did so. My idle dropped, my car shifts gears A LOT smoother, and overall the car is running qiueter and easier. Highly recomend doing it, especially on older SC's,its worth every penny. At the same time i also cleaned MAF sensor with CRC maf cleaner. Definately something every SC owner should do at least once.

Where are these struts located? I just checked my trunk and don't have a clue. My trunk stays up on level ground but if there is any slope at all it won't stay up.

To get to your trunk struts you have to bend back the carpeted wall. Its really simple, all you do is simply pull it back, its connected by clips so its no problem. You will see both your struts there one on each side. By the way, try checking ebay for those struts, i've seen them both for sale for pretty cheap. Good Luck.

I prefer the half tint as it is much cleaner looking.

I also think half might be ok but can you try putting a pic of half tinting the other half?

By the way, i was also looking and might consider getting the bottom cleared. just like in this post:

http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...ic=1010&hl=

About half tint on top half i will do and post but in a couple of hours. Thanks for everybodys feedback!

KYB is oem. I believe the model is KYB GR-2? Someone claimed there 10% firmer than stock Lexus shocks.

As far as i know and read on this forum that the stock shocks are KYB on rear and Tokico on front (or other way around). The Tokico's HP cost almost exactly the same as KYB but also drop the car an Inch.The KYB's, i've read are the closest thing to an oem ride. Let me know what you get and how it feels because im in need of changing my shocks, because mine are beginning to go out.

I think you're not supposed to leave it in your oil. Run it through right before you get an oil change.

To those interested, I bought Seafoam online just last week and it will be here tomorrow. I bought mine here:

https://www.iboats.com/mall/?cart_id=232143...United%20States

As far as usage goes, here is a video on how Seafoam is recomended to be used.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=61...3&q=seafoam

If you are looking to really clean your oil and sludge i would recomend Auto RX http://www.auto-rx.com/index.html

I am looking into having my tail lights tinted sometime soon even though it isnt legal I still want to do it. Help me decide which option looks best or if you like a style maybe a lighter shade.Thanks!

I am looking into changing my tranny mount in about 2 weeks and wanted to know 2 things. First, cheapest place to get it. Second, does anybody have any pics or at least a well detailed list of what i need and how to do it? Anything will be appreciated, Thanks!

On my 1993 GS300 I used McGreror scratchX and a buffer on my hand drill. I mask off with tape the sheetmetal paint around the lense. The car has 170,000 miles and is not garaged The lenses were like black holes no light could escape( relatively speaking ) and in less then three minutes each they are clear, not quite like new but very good for being almost 14 years old. I applied wax over the lenses because someone said it was a good idea.

So based on what I 've read it seems like most any abrasive will work but start with the least abrasive and go from there. if you gotto cook them in the oven to get to clean the inside, well what do you have to loose

What i did to clear my outsides was use an orbital waxer and scratch remover and just waxed each headlight for about 5-7 mins, They were clearer then i've ever seen, but unfortunately now i have to wax it again ever 2 months or so because a slight foggyness does come back. As for the inside, you can use an oven but that will just dry it out for that once. Next time you wash the car or it rains, you will have same exact thing. So the only thing to do is find and seal the hole.

This all sound great, but what if the problem is on the inside of the lights.. from water forming inside the light.

Great question. I myself can not see a little bit of my actual headlight because my driver's side lense is soaked with water on the inside. What i have read and am going to try in 2 weeks when i have free time is basically take out the headlight and spray it with something like windex or any liquid with color or soapy water, anyway, so first you completely spray the entire housing top to bottom (after removing all lights and electronics), then use a fan to blow inside the housing and look for the hole or crack that is letting in the water. A lot of SC's have this problem because it is a factory defect. Once i try it I will post some pics with hopefully good results.

You've got a point on the cleanability. Though it wouldn't be too challenging. Since i wipe my car down three times a week (in my garage), brake dust wouldn't have much of a chance to build up. Plus, I had a similar wheel design on my 2nd generation Integra (Konig Elan 4h)

konig_elan.bmp

Hey, I think they would look really good on the SC, but i do agree with grnsc40095 they will be a bit annoying cleaning, I myslelf have 10 spoke rims and it takes a while to clean em. But since you clean your car that often it shouldnt be a problem. If i were you i would definately save up and get them. Definetly update us when/if you get em.

haven't got a clue what would cause that. How old is your alternator and your fuel filter?

I wonder if its due to a bad spark plug or cable.

Thanks for replying. Everything you mentioned is brand new except alternator. I just ordered seafoam, so ill try cleaning out my system, hopefully its nothing more then just some dirt getting in the way. Ill let you know how that goes.

Any other suggestions will be great, Thanks!

Also noticed tonight that my headlights and dash go dim while i tap the gas pedal. Any suggestions out there on what this could be?

Hey, I've recently been having some weird problems with my car. Everytime i tap the gas pedal and let it go, the rpms drop by about 100-150 rpm then come back up. So basically the car begins to move, stops and then moves again. It is like an aggressive jerk forward. Any ideas on what this could be? This happens in drive and when backing up, if that matters. I also noticed that my transmission has been changing gears some what hard aswell. Any suggestions for what to do or try? Thanks!

Hi, I have a 95 sc400 that i recently installed new magnaflow mufflers and a custom made cold air intake. I was expecting my mufflers to be louder then they are, i cant even hear them over the intake,as a matter of fact you cant hear them unless you are standing behind the car. I was wondering what can i do to make my exhaust note louder without really chopping up the exhaust or hurting the cars performance? I dont want anything thats outrageous but i want people to know its a V8 coming. Any suggestions?

Hi. I need to find a kit so I can get my aftermarket stereo installed and fitted into the console of my 1992 SC400. I've searched the net but I am coming up empty. Any ideas? It's a Kenwood KDC-X811 if that makes any difference.

Mike

I dont think there are any kits avaliable to install the deck but what i would do is go to any shop that installs decks and ask for a filler. You can also try any store like circuit city which also installs stereos. Its basically a peice of plastic that fills in the space left in the console, it should cost only a couple dollars. They come in different sizes so make sure you measure the space you need if you are doing it yourself. I will send you some pics of my car stereo from my other car that has this filler.

Check out this setup http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index...?showtopic=4600

95 SC400 - To clean the throttle body I remove the snorkel tube and spray STP carb cleaner directly into the throttle body and butterfly area...I try to keep the car running while doing this, but you will have to hold the throttle down a bit manually as the car will stall on it's own once the snorkel tube is removed and pushed to the side..Keeping the car running helps with the cleaning process...I do this every 4 to 6 months... This helps steady a bouncing or rough idle.....

Intake, problems that may happen - when you drive in a rain storm that pod filter might get saturated and wet...Bad sensor MAF reads and loss of power may occure...The pod filters will keep out most dirt and debri's but some of the fine stuff will pass and dirty up your throttle body causing an unsteady idle over time...No big problems will occure... My suggestions would be to move the pod filter back up to the stock filter position and funnel and or channel the air flow with scoops to hit the pod filter directly...That is what I did...That way the filter is not directly hit by the elements when driving....Best would be to also make a metal box around the pod filter to sheild out engine heat which robs you of horse power.....Good luck man I hope it all works out for you....

Dawg - When you change out to high flowing Cats your noise levels will not increase....Changing out the stock restrictive mufflers is really what makes these cars loud...Even with my headers to my suprise I only picked up maybe 10 percent more noise....Typical with any performance muffler when installed on these SC400's the noise levels are increased at higher rpm's...If you need your exhaust to be less noisy just install a set of high flowing circular resonators on the back half section of the exhaust...Oval shaped Magnaflow mufflers and a set of circular high flowing resonators should bring the exhaust sounds back or close too the stock sounding noise levels....

My car sounds close to stock at low rpms, but really gets loud when I hammer it...I have straight thru mufflers , 4 resonators, headers, larger piping...I can drive it mellow and it does not draw attention, over half throttle heads start turning...That is with my setup...Oval mufflers are much quieter then the circular straight thru mufflers....

Thanks Jibbby thats was really helpful!

Thanks for your info Jibbby, i was just curious as to what you use to clean your throttle body. Plus instead of cleaning this filter with all those oils and what not i will just get an AEM dry flow filter once this one is dirty. You also mentioned that i might have intake problems later on if i dont cover the filter, what sort of problems? and whats your suggestion on how to protect it?

Chase Croft - im not a master at exhausts but i got 2 oval magnaflows, like Jibbby and GaDawg recomended installed on my car about a month ago. It has a nice deep tone at low rpms and i also noticed a bit of hp gain at higher rpms. You can always just get muffler s installed and if thats not loud enough for you , remove your resonators, that should be loud enough and deep enough. Plus its a lot cheaper then $700 , but its up to you.