99lsguy

Ok... Just talked to very reputable import shop that specilaizes in Acura / Lexus. 95's and up are INTERFERENCE engines...will cause damage if timing belt breaks!! 90-94 are NON-INTERFERENCE engines... will NOT Damage engine if T-belt breaks.

Ditto acf! Now I'm getting confused - will make another attempt to find out!

Thanks Lexus.

Since I'm at 58,500 miles, I could do a 60K service.... But I need tires too.. So - how about new Bridgstone Turanza LS-V's with OEM CHROME 5 SPOKE WHEEL!!! ( I'd need the alignment thrown in also...I mean, it is CHRISTMAS :D :D

If you leave the bottom cover on..... Does the coolant drain (maybe) to a certain area or do you think it just goes EVERYWHERE?

JimH93, Yeah, the post by VMF was stunning! I took 8 hours with couple extra hands. About $450 in parts - (thats replacing all the stuff you should because its a BIG job and better take care of everything you can while the engine is halfway APART!) Lexus Dealer for my 99 is around $1100 and good import shop is around $800. Let us know if you attempt this.....

Only about 3000 - 3200 for me... It seems to rev higher when I'm acceleration DOWN a ramp getting on the freeway ;) Always shifts faster (and at lower rev) when accel. on level or UP hill. Any explanations why this is so? ;)

Second the non-interference.... No damage if timing belt breaks. Gen I engines are the only ones like that - I believe. Gen II, III, IV will cause damage :(

Thanks SK! Guess I should look a little harder next time... Is it too late to submit more photos? (if so, when did it end?)

Steve, I like the new logo...

Craig, They ought to put the filter in for free since you've had trouble with the trunk / paint, etc. The only tapping I hear on the 99LS (with 58K) is at idle also. Very smooth and quiet when up to any speed - and this tapping is very little too. Everyone else (non lexus) thing the engine is very quiet at idle anyway. It does sound like your car is in TOP CONDITION now - that is very low miles :D Oh yeah, $1500 is pretty good deal - I think! Now you have everything up to date!

Hey guys, Is that calendar contest still going on- or is it in rework due to the CRASH

You guys are sharp!! Good work lexxdogg & obergc :D 99lsguy

They'll probably rotate the tires too. 15k is where you'll get a minor AT fluid pan drain (2 quarts).

Craig, Your points about the wood steering wheel, more power (higher tech engine), interior enhancements, and more leg room (especially for the back) are why I bought the 99 LS. Almost got a 97 Coach Ed. but had to have the WHEEL!! I'm looking forward to your posts about the valve job - I hope the engine is SILENT :D

Thanks Craig!

I pay about $425 every 6 months. Full coverage, $500 ded. Kansas City Area

VMF, Thanks! So it sounds like it will help with pedal response / acceleration; mine does seem a touch sluggish over last year. Will the procedure for my 99 be basically same as the post procedures/photos for the 91-94 ?

I just changed the batteries on each of my keys for my 99 LS. Yeah, Just had to pry a little, work it with a jewelers screwdriver (flat). BTW, called lexus just to get a price for battery and they wanted $13 each!! It was jus a panasonic brand so I went to WALMART and paid $2.89 each for them. Once I got the top off, the battery was in another sealed cap area - so had to unscrew 2 phillips to get the battery cover off. Clean it up while the cover's off - lots of little lint and dirt gets wedged in the key.

Will cleaning the throttle body help at all with the "quietness" of the engine? My 99 is near the 60k service and I know that is a part of the LS 60K Dealer service.

I expect to get 250,000 miles MINUMUM from my LS.. I've had 2 honda accords (4cyl) that each got 225,000 so the LS with V-8 had better get more. Actually, if I don't get 300k I will probably be dissappointed.

There ya go Craig, Obergc confirms the Michelins are good! I think ToddLS400 has a set on for a couple of years now and agrees. Now, will I buy them; Still undecided cause I love to save a buck

Craig, Like VB Denny, I think the cabin filter may be difficult to get to on the 1st gen ls. Mine is 99 and is easy change located behind lower glove box. Check your lower glove box and see if you can remove a snap off peice of plastic that attaches; behind this you may be able to see the blower assembly and possible filter location. This is where the 98-00 filters are; they just pull out and is easy replacement. I know there was disscussion on this earlier but I can't remember plus the loss of data base data has us all in the dark..... On the tire issue.. I'm still looking too. I've got 5/32nds left so I'm not desperate yet plus the Yokohoma's are very quiet which is my requirement (Isn't it everybody else's too!!!) The Yoko AVS dB S2 have solid ratings and everyone agrees they are quiet ($101) . A tirerack rep also thinks the Sumitomo HTR is real good tire for the money - $61 each! But, I don't know. Then there's the ContiExtreme, Dunlop 5000's, and Michelin MVX4's. So, after shipping (or buying local) you can spend $330 - $550 for the tires plus $100 for alignment. A lot of dealers (and trustworthy insiders) have told me the Michelins are the best. If that is so, then I suppose the extra $200 is gonna be the best money spent once your in the car. On the other hand, every time I ask about tires for my 99 LS, the shops all come back with a T rated tire. Even a very reputable import (lexus/Acura) shop says they put plain vanilla all-sason (T rated) touring tires on the LS ALL THE TIME! It's very confusing - Let me know about the valve adjustment !

o3celsior, Thanks for the tip!! I will go with the 30 day. I did call the 800 # from the website and the gentleman was very helpful. I had him look up my 99 ls and the info was very complete. Smart move to get 2000, 01,02,03... while you have the service. My wife has 02 Sequoia so I'll get one for her car too! :) 99lsguy

03celsior, Looked at the website you reference and was very interested. I have 99ls400.. Does this mean you can download a complete service manual(S) and save it on your computer and print out any or all info at any time? Just use ACROBAT 6.O OR WORD? I have cable modem so I'm thinkin' - $10 for one day and I've got everthing PERMANENTLY saved. two service manuals (vol 1 & 2) electrical diagram manual transmission manual new model info manual and anything else they offer for the 99LS!! Is my logic correct? 99lsguy