99lsguy

Good thought Craig, Since the 04 LS has 30 ft lbs more torque and six speed tranny, the quickness has got to improve. It is like a rocket ship disguised as a leather appoined town car...... It's funny to think an automobile as magnificent as the LS is "governed" to a certain speed. Reminds me of my days working at a GO-KART TRACK . Speed set to 14-15 mph but I could reach back and let the throttle out to 27 MPH!!! :D

Crp_carpenter, We seem to have gotten in a lively discussion :D You can find 98's without the wood package (steering wheel, shift knob) and w/o HID. (ALTHOUGH VERY FEW) These features were all made standard for the 99-00+ because they were So POPULAR. Navigation became available in98. I could have bought 99 w/ navigation but didn't like the style. Just my personal preference. Check one w/ nav, though, you may like it. It is costly to upgrade as it is a Hard Drive System (approx. $300 and maybe more). First nav upgrade came out around 2000/ early 01 and the newest nav upgrade came out summer/fall of 2003. Let us know what you decide..

Richard, got online and did the same thine (at least ordered a 99 manual today). We'll see if I get any mail by the end of next week. Not very optimistic though, I registered back in July (also talk to customer service) when I got my car so I could get their Lexus magazine......nothing yet, and I talked to them in late October about it again. I guess it's time for another wasted phone call... ;) The online manual is nice ....Thanks Richard and Steve!!

I think I have one in the trunk of my 99 LS400. Its a steel, black rim with 205/60 - 16 Michelin (Brand New) What size tire fits you ES?

Lexus website - Specs for the 2004 LS give it 0-60 in 5.9 seconds.... I guess the Mother Ship is stretching the truth a little bit? ;)

Take off your oil cap and inspect. If you see "milky" oil on the underside of the cap, a head gasket could be cracked/leaking..

Craig, Your point, to me, is what's the best about the almighty LS400! I mean, the car is heavy, so it's not a total jackrabbit from a standstill - but the acceleration is awesome! (mine supposed to be 0-60 in 6.4 seconds, the 2001+ are and unbelievable 5.9 secs)! But won't the dodge viper go 0-60 in like 3.9 secs? I digress - back to my point. The power and quicknes I feel when cruising around and then "getting on it" is very rewarding. 40-80 mph in a blink. This type of power is comforting because it can get you away from a potential "accident waiting to happen" scenario. (MERGING TRAFFIC AND THE LIKE) Happy Holiday!!!

Steve, Well done, I think this should find a permanet post somewhere. Could we find info for changes from 95-97 over 90-94? Same for 01-04 over the 98-00? Good INFORMATION! That's why I bought my 99 :D

well said Richard! Lets make sure this info is in every post....

What year is your LS?

I thought that would be your answer.. Now on to the INTERFERENCE, NON-INTERFERENCE TOPIC... I await your posts.....

Even the 90-94's?

I use Amsoil 5-30 synthetic with their Filter exclusively!!

Oil cap test is a good one. Also, if it has a milkish film under the cap then the head gasket is leaking and antifreeze is getting mixed into the oil... Avoid to say the least

Lextech2k3 is correct, At least my 99 is this way so 98-00 must be identical. The cover is designed to be flipped back after removing the two bolts.

I debated long and hard about 98+ or older model LS... Chose the 99 for the updated VVT-i engine, 5 speed tranny over the earlier 4 spd, wood steering wheel, minor interior upgrades, and larger trunk opening (wider).

I think your logic is good! I'd start with the 15w-50 . Since its the first (possibly) use of synthetic oil for the car I would change the filter after 500 miles or so and then change oil AGAIN at 1500 miles cause the synthetic should break a lot of gunk loose. Maybe just change will conventional oil first and then run 500 miles - then change to the SYNTHETIC. I started using 5-30w full Synthetic at 53k (nowwith 59K) miles and no problems. Do you have any reason to believe the seals (valve gaskets, pan gasket, etc) are leaking? If they are clean, then I don't see why you couldn't use the 10-30 either... ;)

I hear you guys - no offense taken I'm pretty sure the local lexus service rep told me the same thing - but everyone double check!! To be continued......

Great, Call Lexus first to get their part # for the pads, maybe new shims & clips too. The Toyota #'s will probably start with different couple of numbers but will pretty much match up. Showing Toyota the real parts Themselves should get you and exact match. Good luck :D

Don't know about the pads. I bought OEM from Lexus and they were about $55 for the front set. They are in a Toyota Parts Box. Do you have Toyota dealer nearby _ and another car so you could pull a set of the worn pads off the Lexus and take to Toyota to Match up?

Zdeno, Before you push the pistons back in..... Be sure and use a clean turkey baster (or equiv.) to remove most of the fluid from the Master Cylinder. When you push the pistons in .... the fluid will rise in the MC so this way it won't overflow!! My manual says to put duct tape over the end of a adjustable wrench handle and use it to push the pistons back. Spray some brake cleaner on a rag and wipe off the dust areas too! Good Luck,

Pre-mix each gallon 50/50 before you fill up the block. MY 99 LS manual also suggest using Distilled Water (2 gallons should do)

Confirming you should start with longest line first... Right Rear Left Rear Right Front Left Front Let us know how it goes... RW

Craig, I think the Claying and Rain-X are excellent suggestions - Let us know!!

Joe, Thanks for the additional clarification :D Can we post this PERMAMENTLY somewhere? IT seems like a FAQ to the LS Forum....