99lsguy

Blake, I've trained the rpm's to shift around 1800 for my easy style! And you're right about still cruising @ 80....it's just about taking a little more time to get there I'll avg around 22-23 around town in KC. I'm going to try another experiment: remove my K&N2606 filter and replace with the stock OEM paper filter.....see if this lowers or raises my gas mileage????? I do need to unhook the battery for a 10 minutes or so when installing the new filter - right??? 99

Sounds like a great little car to get around town in!!! Keep us posted Steve :D 99

Hey guys, I know many of us have tools - some have a bunch; some have only a few....but you all posess a ton of wisdom! Just thought it might be good to share what tools/techniques we have that's really come in handy over the years. This topic can be from standard everyday tools to "specialized" or "homemade" items that make our work safer, faster, easier, etc....My hope is this topic will allow us all to learn a few more "tricks" that make working on our LS's even more enjoyable I'll just start with something simple: I've got two floor jacks (2.25 ton) that are great to have for ROTATING tires...one was given to me a long time ago, the other I bought a few years back for $20. They pay for themselves on the first rotation; plus you get to torque the lug nuts right on the money! :D 99

I agree with the "bad battery" theory first! This fall, in the cooler November weather, my LS barely turned over a couple of mornings and finally gave out. It was the original Toyota OEM battery that came with the car - issued in August of 1999. That's 4 years, three months on original battery - and like others have said, it's all you can get out of a battery ;) . Good testing, but not enough juice to crank. Went to Sears (regretably) and installed new one - started right up! YOU do need tight, clean connections.... See if Autozone (or similar) will allow you to bring back a new battery the same day if it doesn't cure the LS....It would still be perfectly good and spotless......I'd give it a shot! :D 99

Craig, I first must say that I always admire your posts because your are "very thorough"!! The light braking condition.....is it kind of a "pulse"? This would indicate warped rotors or bad brake caliper! Dealer can check this... Also, perhaps the ball joints or tie rod bushings are worn? 99

All good points MONARCH!! 99

four door, I've never really thought about the climate control, but now that you mention it - it really is impressive! The temp is very stable! I agree, a great road car 99

StevieJ, You are correct - this is an unending topic I, of course, use synthetic (Amsoil) and I know it's improved my engine. Amsoil also has a 250K engine warranty - for whatever that means <_< The local Lexus dealers have all gone to full synthetic oil in the new LS430's :D 99

acf, Yes I did, glad it worked out great! You got a good deal and fresh tranny fluid :D The boat looks good man, a friend of mine (that got me onto Lexus) has your very car - a 97 Coach, same color, 105K, runs perfect and well maintained. The only major service was replaced struts and lower ball joints @ 85K. Great job! 99

Denny, We had a blast playing a little golf - warm weather around 70 both days We had the LS packed and one of the guys wanted to drive......He loved it :D Couldn't believe it was getting 25+ mpg all loaded down and cruising @ 75+! He has a 03 Acura RL and swears it only gets 18 mpg at best! I just want new tires....(thinking about the ContiPremier Contacts) you know how you get in the mood Our roads in Missouri are absolutely Terrible -potholes, old concrete surfaces, mixed asphalt surfaces; and the bridges are worse!!!! Believe me, the LS handles them as good a possible, much better than the Mazda 626 I had.... The Corolla - onlly 10K miles on a 5 year old ??????That's like brand new :D You'll be able to park that baby anywhere!! Craig, As others have said - check the tires first! I think I remember someone "wedging" a 1x or 2x4 between the differential case and underside of the car - and this SIGNIFICANTLY reduce the vibrations.....Just a thought! I know that's a temporary fix but its super CHEAP Maybe give it a try? 99

Craig, I echo Denny's comments, sorry you don't like the car... How did the 98 or 99 LS you drove (when the valves/ t-belt were being changed?? I agree with test driving a similar LS for comparison!! Your tires are new, so they should make for a quiet ride, and there should be no vibrations Try some silicone spray on the rubber door seals to see if they'll connect tighter. I get a little road noise from my tires, but they're old and worn out (4/32") so I expect new ones to really quiet things down.. I came back from Lake Ozark yesterday (about a 150 mile trip). Just cruised all the way. Looked at my tach one time and saw it around 3200 rpm - I thought, oh no my Overdrive's not working!! It was; I was just going 95 mph and "gliding" along. 99

jzz, I'm going to pick a couple up :D I've got a couple Amsoil SDF57's but I can get the: 90915-2004 OEM Toyota Filter (Denso Made) at my local Toyota Dealer....so I'll pick a couple up (only $5 each!!)....maybe more than a couple 99

VMF is absolutely correct! Plus the "one touch" up/dn feature with "pinch control" on all the windows.... 98 has a long list of upgrades over 97's..

91ls, I would say, for peace of mind, not to start the full synthetic. Your engine will perform admirely for another 150K+ anyway. But a very safe alternative would be to add 1 quart of "synthetic blend" oil on the next oil change; i.e. 4 quarts dino + 1-1.5 quarts of "blend" to the full mark. This way you have a little synthetic mixed in... Then, if all is well, go 3 quarts "blend' + 2.5 full dino on the next change...finally, go all "blend" on the 3rd change from now and leave that way. If your very confident and no leaks present, start adding "full synthetic" in the same manner... a slow and patient procedure, but certainly safe :D 99

Silver, Is that a "wood steering wheel" on your LS?? 99

SWO - You know I'll keep up on it!! I'll probably be getting that PC Orbital soon! :D 99

Denny I agree Synthetic is superior - absolutely! (I even think Amsoil is Technically the best synthetic oil made) . I just wonder about the cost of maintaining the rest of the vehicle as it ages.....makes the oil (type) issue seem petty. Any Honda, toyota will give you 250K on the engine if you change oil every 3-4 k on dino..... This being said, I still will use synthetic oil exclusively :D 99

1-800-25-lexus

Yes on the Mobil One............use a good filter too! But I don't think the dura lube is worth anything, my opinion <_< I've got 99 LS and started using Amsoil synthetic @ 55K..........I too, wish the LS will run a long time. The engine is rated to get at least 400K :D ...and that's with good ole' dino oil Time will come when we must "weigh" the repair costs versus value of the car :( 99

BillyC, This is a big job - $800+ probably @ lexus dealer..... its buried under the intake manifold in rear of engine. Procedure of major component removal: disconnect acclerator cable remove air cleaner/intake connector Disconnect throttle body Remove intake manifold assembly Remove water bypass joint obviously, you'll have to drain coolant/replace gaskets, etc....several items... If you have another set of wheels and devote the weekend....you can get it done 99

Looks like I'd better add another $200 to the "lexus fund" for an Orbital Now I gotta have those scratches OUT!!!!!!! B) 99 SWO...........any sales going on in the lexuscarcare center???

Denny, I've reverted back to the right foot also...but growing up in the little town of Branson MO (which is a tourist attraction conglomerate) - I learned to use my left foot -and did so for a long time after. This allowed me to Merge quicker into tight spots of traffic and to really staly close behind cars with "lightning quick" braking potential My wife is amazed that I can brake with the Left...no biggie though - It's like riding a bike; once you learn, you never forget :D 99

oh yeah, on the clay bar... SWO just uses the soapy solution from the pail.. 99

Silver, Looks very very good my man How'd you like the orbital? does it remove the scratches and bring out more shine? did you use the orbital on the wheels? Great job!!! 99

Craig, Like you said - "I think it's a Canadian Thing" 99