CanadaCraig

Hi SW03ES!! :) In response to MY saying that MY 300C SRT8 is the 'better car' in comparison to MY LS.... YOU said, "That's because its 14 years newer, that would not be the case comparing it to a new or newer LS." Well..... I'm not so sure about that. The 300C SRT8 - in comparison to a brand new LS430 or even the 2007 LS460 [based upon the available info] is the more powerful car. [being quicker from 0 to 60 and having a higher top speed] It also has stronger brakes and it handles better. It most likely isn't as quiet as a new LS but it has a lot going for it - 'bragging rights' wise. This is especially true if you compare MSRP's. But like you also said, ".... they're totally different cars meant for totally different purposes." As for why two cars... I understand what you're saying... BUT... Didn't your mom [or whoever raised you] tell you that you couldn't have desert until you finished all your vegetables?! lol Well.... that's the logic behind why I like having two cars. If the every day car is rather ordinary [kinda broccoli like] it makes getting into the 'desert car' all that more exciting. Besides - with 20" Goodyear F1 Supercar tires - it's not really what you'd call a 4-season OR 'every day car'. [at least not as far as I'm concerned] Which is why I'm still battling over what to do with the Lexus. Part of me says 'keep it' and the other part says 'keep the promise you made to yourself when you bought the SRT8 and get rid of it and by that 'broccoli' car'. I really don't know what to do. Trouble is - I basically have two cars that do the same thing. When just cruising along - they serve the same purpose. The only advantage between the two going to the Chrysler because it's considerably more comfortable. [i never have liked the seats in my LS] I'm just not sure what to do. Hi falciott!! :) Maybe you shouldn't test drive one!! lol It would be like a fat guy 'testing out' a new candy bar!! [referring to myself - lest anyone's feeling get hurt] The power is addictive. And the engine - at idle - rocks the car gently. I love that!! And yet - it's very easy to drive smoothly. As for what you would do to an SRT8 if you had one - do you really think that the 20" wheels aren't big enough?! Sure - they could be wider [i suppose] but they seem to fill up the wheel wells pretty nicely if you ask me. [but to each his own - of course] Some guys agree with you - obviously - as they have replaced those 'dubs' with 22" and even 24" wheels. YIKES!! All of this makes me laugh - to be honest. I clearly remember thinking that 15" wheels were BIG!! As for the offer to floor my car FOR ME - thank you very much. But I do that often enough - I think!! [you know - just to keep the injectors clean!! lol] Hi blake918!! :) I hope you're OK. Thanks for the message. YES!! 425 h.p. is a lot of fun. Imagine a 4,200 lbs car getting to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and having a top speed of 173 MPH. I continue to be amazed by how fast it is. Imagine what that engine could do with a 3,200 lbs car!! :D Craig!! :)

Hi SW03ES!! :) Thank you!! DaimlerChrysler could have used higher grade materials - I'll admit - but it's not assembled poorly. It just LOOKS a little on the cheap side. At least the 300's are nicer looking than the Chargers and Magnums. [in my opinion] One thing that surprised me was the fact that the dashboard [the big black part that goes from the gauge cluster and glove-box to the windshield] is SOFT. I always thought it was hard plastic. [based on how it looks] But it's not. It's actually better than it looks!! lol The one area that is REALLY cheap is the leather on the seats. Even though the SRT8's come with special sport seats - the leather is just awful. I feel sorry for the poor cow who had to live what life he had with THAT skin!! lol It feels more like .... hmm ... I was going to say plastic wrap - but even that might be too flattering. They are very comfy and supportive though!! Craig!! :) Hi LScott400!! :) I appreciate the enthusiastic response!! That's just how I feel!! And those BREMBO brakes are unbelievable. Imagine the power it takes to STOP a 4,200 lbs car from 60 MPH in less about 110 feet. Amazing!! Lots of brake dust though. Fortunately - the 'DUBS' [Hey - I'm learning a whole new language] are easy to clean!! I also appreciate the good wishes. So far - it IS everything I hoped for - and more. I just feel so GOOD driving it. Every time I'm behind the wheel it's like I'm playing out a part in my very own MadMax movie!! lol Well... not quite... but close!! :D As for the LS - I'll let everyone know in a few days what I decide to do. [You can all start holding your breath - NOW!! lol] Craig!! :)

Hi falciott!! :) I appreciate the positive response. I seriously thought of getting a 300C [like the one your father-in-law has] but then decided that since the car I was going to get was going to replace the NSX - IT would have to be especially special. And that certainly describes the 300C SRT8. At first I was really worried about the gas mileage - but it's not that bad. [considering] So far - the 'car' gets [on average] 18.3 mpg. [and that's per U.S. gallon - too] Far better than the 10 to 12 I was reading on some websites. Then again - I don't race my car. I drive like an ordinary person who [occasionally] becomes possessed with power and drives like a maniac!! lol I suppose if someone were to race it a LOT - it wouldn't hard to get only 10 or so. In fact - it gets better gas mileage than my LS400. [Which - the last time I checked - was getting only 16.7 miles per U.S. gallon - on average] But not only that - the 300C SRT8 is a better car in ways one might not expect. It's quieter - for one thing and [other than on obviously bumpy roads] smoother. It also brakes, steers and performs better. [not surprisingly] And when you're driving it - it feels HUGE in spite of the fact that it's almost exactly the same length the LS. It just appeals to me in so many ways. I think I've dreamt of the 300C SRT8 ever since I was a boy. I just didn't know what to call it. I used to fantasize about stuffing a 426 HEMI into a Chrysler Imperial!! :D It's no 'Lexus' as far as fit and finish is concerned. Then again - my 2006 Chrysler 300C SRT8 had an MSRP of $54,650. [Canadian - of course] Back in 1993 - a Canadian LS400 had an MSRP of just under $68,000. It would - therefore - be fair to expect more from the Lexus - at least insofar as build quality and choice of materials is concerned. As for the LS 'drone' - the dealer took off the drive shaft [this is going back a couple of years now] and balanced it. It didn't really help much. Even they admitted that. My 'drone' was when I let OFF the gas at around 50 MPH. Other than telling you that - though - I can't really help you solve the problem. [because I don't know what causes it] Sorry about that. :( The 'drone' is still there - but I try to ignore it. [whenever I can] By the way - to see my new Chrysler - click on my 'See My Cars' link in my signature!! [and sign the little guest book - if you like] Craig!! :)

Hi harjp!! :) I hope you're OK. Thanks for posting a message. Well.... I still have the LS400. In fact - it's back in the 'shop' as I write. [At the Lexus dealer - in other words] I'll let you [and everyone else know] how it turns out - this time - when I get it back. Thanks for the idea re: gas shocks. Probably needs new shocks [or it is 'struts'?] given the fact that the originals are still on the car. The car is also lower on the driver's side - so that might mean new coil springs too. [but that's after the performance issue has been dealt with - which I'm sure won't take too long!! lol :P ] As for the NSX - well - SURPRISE!! On June 21st - I traded it in on a brand new 300C SRT8. People can say what they like about Chrysler's - but WOW is that SRT8 ever a great car. I can hardly believe it. The PLAN was to immediately trade in the LS400 [not needing two 4 door V8 cars] on either a Honda FIT, Nissan Versa or Toyota Yaris. I even went so far as to test drive all three. But that plan seems to have gone up in smoke [at least for now] because the LS isn't worth that much. I would have to pay about $12,000 difference to buy any of the three econo-cars I mentioned above. Quite disappointing - to be sure. Don't know if it's best to keep the LS and just think of it as a 'go to the store' car - OR spent $12,000 and get something new. But even as I wrote that - I cringed. That's a LOT of money. And I already spent a lot buying the Chrysler. If you haven't already guessed - I'm really confused. [but what else is new!!] As for right now - I'm going to give myself a mental break while the LS is in the shop. [i become obsessed with 'ideas' and think about 'them' non-stop. It drives me nuts!!] As for the LS400 - I don't think mice or birds are causing any problems - but I do smell a RAT!! lol Oh well...... Craig!! :) PS Hi Speed_Racer_Sandy_Eggo!! That NSX you had sounds amazing. Even with just 270 h.p. - the NSX is a fast car. :)

Hi maniek LS!! :) Thanks for the reply. I saw your video. What I'm about to say will [probably] make YOU feel better and ME feel worse!! When comparing our two videos [i made one of MY LS going from ZERO to 160 km/h] I took note of how quickly our cars get from 120 to 160 km/h. YOUR LS takes half the time. [8 seconds vs 16 seconds] Something to think about. Off to bed I go. Take care of yourself. AND thanks again. Craig!! :)

Hi Leadfoot!! :) Yes - PLEASE - enjoy your weekend. I'm still not sure how daring I am. I'm definitely NOT mechanically inclined. In my imagination - I keep seeing things blow up whenever I'm 'trying' to fix them!! lol As for the gas tank - YES - it does hiss [like opening a big can of nuts] when taking off the cap. So something is working fine. That's good!! lol Off to bed now. Talk more later. Thanks!! Craig!! :) PS Thanks blake918!! :D

Hi Leadfoot!! :) THANKS!! I greatly appreciate the fact that you obviously read the entire "please do me a favour" thread!! I think that's great!! I'm not so sure I'm 'patient' as much as I can't afford to buy another car. [unless I get rid of both of my cars] PLUS - so much has already been done to my LS that it would be a shame to get rid of it when it's probably just ONE THING that's causing all the problems. It's trying to FIND that ONE THING that has been driving me NUTS!! On a few occasions - I've actually stopped the car - got out - and paced back and forth because I was so frustrated. It should also be noted that the Lexus dealer hasn't charged me for everything they've done. In fact - I still haven't paid the last two bills [on their insistence that I 'try it - and let them know if it's any better'] and the one before that they simply said, 'no charge'. [and that was for over $800] So I can't say that they're trying to cheat me or anything like that. Just so you know - both the fuel filter and fuel pump were replaced with new. As for the rough spots at 1400 and 1800 RPM - it might be more like 1400 and 1600. [but that was last night - I'm sure it was 1800 at other times] Apparently - the last time they had it - they checked for codes AND attached a computer to whatever and drove it at varying speeds. Nothing came up as 'error code' worthy. But who knows. He did say [as I've posted here a LOC] that my car was unable to go faster than 118 MPH. [if that means anything - diagnostic wise] But what IF it's getting stuck [sometimes] in the 'occurring position' [which I assume means, 'when it is OPEN'] at RPM's above 4,000 RPM. My car often takes it's time reaching the redline. Points d, e and f noted. Since I've owned my LS [bought in October of 2003] both the transmission fluid and the differential fluid have been changed twice. It will be interesting to try all that. But I'm not quite sure what to use. In one of the responses to one of YOUR messages - someone suggested using part #SST 09843 18020. Is that necessary OR can someone simply use a paper clip? [or something like that] Am I at risk for an electrical shock and/or ruining some electrical component by shorting 'things' out?! [i'm a worry wart - just so you know] That sounds wonderful. It would be GREAT to finally OWN a Lexus LS. [which was - at one time - one of my dream cars] It would especially great if we could BOTH find a 'fix' for our cars. I love driving. I find it relaxing. So it's no wonder I find it frustrating to own a car that makes me MORE stressed out!! Take care of yourself. And THANKS AGAIN!! Craig!! :) PS I posted this response at about 4 AM. So if it doesn't make sense - forgive me!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Click on THIS to watch a 'youtube' video of a 'Fifth Gear' road test/review of the GS450h. Craig!! :)

Hi Leadfoot!! :) Actually - I'm VERY glad I asked. [although I'll admit - the idea of a 'simple EGR valve' problem doesn't seem quite so simple any more!!] BUT it's good to know these things!! lol So thank you very much!! In your opinion - could an EGR related 'thing' cause my car to accelerate poorly when 'floored' from a dead stop?! AND cause a surging sensation?! Everything else seems to have been inspected, adjusted, cleaned and/or replaced. Thanks!! Craig!! :)

Hi maniek_LS!! :) Thank you very much. I appreciate it. But I'm curious. Is there more to the EGR than just the VALVE? IS there an EGR PIPE? [or whatever] Quite a few messages [here a LOC] seemed to go on about how difficult it is to change the EGR [something or other] and takes up to 5 hours to do. If I'm confusing you - good!! I won't feel so alone then!! lol Craig!! :)

Hi TunedRX300!! :) Just to clarify - the 'loaner' [the RX I drove] was a RX330 and NOT the RX350. From what I hear - the RX350 uses a SUPER ECT transmission computer. So maybe the transmission problems are NOW a thing of the past. [but I'm only guessing] Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I did a 'search' and I'm still confused. Where exactly IS the EGR VALVE?! Some cartoon drawing [that I found here at LOC] seemed to indicate the the EGR Valve is near the throttle body. And some messages seemed to suggest that it's way down below and very difficult to get to. If you know - please tell me. And is the EGR Valve expensive?! I own a 1993 LS400. Thanks, Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. I figure I 'own' this topic - so I might as well use it!! lol :D By they way - thanks swordfish, RFeldes, Threadcutter, daffy and 914lps. Should have said that MUCH earlier - so I apologize. I appreciate the advice. So... what's the latest news? I dropped my LS off at the dealer on May 29th. I picked it up yesterday, June 8th. I find that amazing - to be honest. They truly don't seem to care how long you use their courtesy cars. And that's fine by me. I love driving other people's cars!! By the way - I was driving a very nice 2005 RX330. I wrote my impressions of it in the RX forums. There was an odd grinding-like noise coming from the front of the engine. The mechanic figured it was the water pump and timing belt. So he replaced both. The pump - somehow - caused a problem with the belt - or visa-versa. [Don't ask - because I couldn't quite make sense of his 'reasoning'] Both the water pump AND the timing belt were replaced just over a couple of years ago. Oh well... they're not charging me for it - so that's fine. As for the on-going acceleration problem... This time they cleaned the throttle body [which they say was quite dirty] and checked the condition and position, etc., of the throttle cable. All is well. And they replaced one of the ignition coils. Not sure why just one - but there you go. Sadly... none of what they did had ANY effect on how it drives. The service manager took my car home with him for a few days. [with my permission] He said that my car won't go faster than 118 MPH. [Where he managed to drive 118 MPH is anyone's guess. LOL] But he did seem to feel that [after all the work was done] it accelerated better [than before] above 80 MPH. I don't know if that's true or not. But that's not really the problem. [or at least - that's not what bothers me] As before - my car is really VERY nice if driven only semi-aggressively. But after an hour or so [especially if I floor it from a dead stop] it begins to hesitate and surge and the gear changes become more abrupt. This is especially true when 'red-lined'. In fact - the entire 'feeling' of the car changes. It goes from being quite pleasant to quite frustrating and annoying. The idle also becomes erratic. [like the engine is trying to clear its throat] It's noticeably worse at 1400 RPM's and 1800 RPM's. [for some reason] My car takes 34 seconds to reach 100 mph. [just so you know] It should take only about 21 seconds. Last night I went for a very long drive. [about 2 hours worth] The first hour or so was quite nice. If it drove like that ALL THE TIME - I'd be quite happy. I am thinking of asking them to change the other ignition coil and to replace the EGR Valve. [and maybe even the knock sensor] Would that be a smart thing to do?! I'm not sure what else there IS to do - to be honest. Well... there you have it. Craig!! :)

Hey Craig! ;) How was the legroom? Better or worse than your LS? I'm hoping that Lexus will build a car to accomidate us folks 6'1 on up one day (I'm 6'4). Are they still trying to figure out the problem with your car being too slow? Hi blake918!! :) I hope you're OK. Thanks for the reply. Legroom wise - the RX330 is about the same up front as my '93 LS [although it's kinda hard to tell for sure because you're sitting far more upright in the RX] and little bit more in the back. Quite a bit more in both - of course - if you're not sitting behind a behemoth like ME!! Because headroom is tight in my LS - I have to recline the seat back quite a bit in order to clear my head. That robs even more room from the guy behind me. Then again - no one's ever been in the back seat of my car [well... not since I've owned it at least] so what do I care!! lol As for how my LS is doing - I'll be posting an update on my 'please help me with this' message. [i think that's what I called it] Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I dropped my 1993 LS400 off at the Lexus dealer last Monday - and have been driving a 2005 Lexus RX330 'Courtesy Car' ever since. [probably picking up MY car on Monday - but who knows] I just thought I'd share a few of my opinions on the RX330. At first - I wasn't sure I liked the colour. It's a very light metallic blue with light grey leather. But NOW that's probably the colour combination I'd get if I were ever to buy one. It has sort of a nautical look to it. It looks clean even though it's not. [if that makes sense] It doesn't have the navigation thing but it does have the wood steering wheel and HID headlights. [which would make Preston Tucker proud - no doubt - in how they turn with the wheels] It's surprisingly powerful. But I have to admit it feels somewhat like a turbo-charged engine with 'turbo-lag'. The power REALLY comes on strong after it revs past 4,000 RPM's or so. The transmission has that hesitation I've heard most of you talk about. It almost feels as though the thing that retards the timing [to smooth out the shifts] is TAKING its time. But I don't find it all that annoying - to be honest. The stereo is very nice - even though its not the Mark Levinson. And there's plenty of headroom - both front AND back. [being 6'3" tall - I notice things like that] At first - I thought it was a bit bouncy - but I guess I'm used to it now because I think it handles nicely. The steering is great. Just the right amount of 'assist'. And there's nothing quite like the FEEL of wood on a wheel. I love that - it's just SO luxurious!! I also love how the 'LEXUS' in the door sills light up AND those little lights that help you find the inside door handles. [i love stuff like that] Not sure about the wood on the doors and center consoles - though. It looks nice - but is that 'real wood'? It doesn't match the wood on the steering wheel so I was wondering. If I were to buy one - I'd get one that's exactly the same as the one I'm driving. Although I'd prefer the RX350 version. [because there's no such thing as having too much power!!] To be honest - I'm NOT looking forward to getting my LS back. Keep on enjoying your RX's. I've enjoyed 'mine' now for almost a week. Craig!! :)

Hi SKperformance!! :) I hope you're OK. You make a very good point. The reason I'm seriously thinking of replacing the original springs is because the car sits almost a full inch lower on the driver's side. So MAYBE - with EIBACHS - only the height of the passenger's side will actually drop!! That wouldn't be so bad. In FACT - that would be GREAT!! Good point about the front overhang - too. So that all said... maybe what I SHOULD be asking is, "How many FINGERS can you fit between your tires and wheel wells?" On my car - I can easily rest three fingers on the passenger side tires and not even touch the well wells. [the fenders - or whatever that part of the car is called!! lol] On the driver's side - I often have a difficult time squeezing TWO fingers in. Thanks!! Craig!! :)

Hi ko90ls!! :) Thanks for the info. 9+ inches does seem awfully high though. I don't think even the Grand Cherokee has that much 'ground clearance'. What I'm trying to find out is IF I lower my LS by 1" [using Eibach springs] will my LS still be have more ground clearance than my NSX [which has 5.3"] OR would it have LESS. Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) Nothing we don't already know - but an interesting 'read' none-the-less. Click on THIS! Craig!! :)

Hi Denny!! :) I hope you're OK. Thanks for responding. I appreciate it. I asked - because my LS is going in next Monday. The throttle body is going to be cleaned. [finally] But then - I've been 'here' before - so I'm taking it in with the, "I'll believe it when it's done" attitude. It's also possible that the GRV valve and Ignition coils will be replaced. But... like I said!! IF things work out as I hope - THEN I'll be focusing on getting new suspension parts. [struts - at least - but maybe new springs too, etc.] As for YOUR LS. Does it have stock springs? And if so - could it be that the springs in your LS are starting to sag a bit? [Or were those pretty big humps!!] On my LS - the driver side is about an inch lower than the passenger side. Could mean it needs new coil springs - but what? OEM or Eibach? OR maybe the 'strut cushions' are squashed on the driver's side. Who knows. [Not ME - that's for sure!!] Changing topics.... I notice you have a Chrysler 300 with a V6. How does your 300 compare power wise to your LS?! I love the 300. I just saw a beautiful 300C 'Heritage Edition' a few days ago. WOW!! Thanks again, Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) Does anyone know how much 'ground clearance' a 1993 LS400 has? And HOW - exactly - is 'ground clearance' measured? I ask - because I'm somewhat confused. My NSX has a 'ground clearance' of 5.3". The LS400 [according to the only website I could find that said ANYTHING] has 6.9" of 'ground clearance'. [Which seems like an awful lot] Now.... in the almost 11 years that I've owned my NSX - I have NEVER had a problem with speed bumps or anything else. Very occasionally [and I mean like once a year] the front end [the part below the bumper] will gently scrap the concrete on a steep driveway - but that's it. Now IF I lowered the LS400 by using Eibach springs - reducing my LS400's 'ground clearance' to 5.9" - why would I EVER hit ANYTHING? [given how infrequently it happens with my NSX] Are you following any of this? I suppose - what I need to know [before I get carried away with this thought] is the actual 'ground clearance' of my '93 LS. Do you know what it is?! Thanks, Craig!! :)

Hi SRK!! :) I hope you're OK. "I hope this helps a bit." I HOPE THIS HELPS A BIT?! Are you kidding?! I've never FELT so SMART!! lol I really appreciate you taking the time to answer those three remaining questions. Thank you!! Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) Can anyone answer to the following questions? QUESTION FOUR: I've heard it said that the better an engine 'breathes' the more powerful it becomes. But does an engine NEED at least SOME exhaust system back-pressure to make all the power it can make? QUESTION FIVE: Is there a 'formula' to figure out [or at least guesstimate] what an LS400's GROSS horsepower rating would be? [to compare with cars from the 1960's and earlier] QUESTION EIGHT: Are cars designed to weigh MORE on the passenger side than on the driver's side? [to compensate for the weight of the driver] Thanks, Craig!! :)

Hi SW03ES!! :) What can I say but... THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer all those questions. Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. The following are but a few of the things I've always wanted to know. Please answer one or more of the following questions. QUESTION ONE: The LS400 has a 4.0 litre engine. That's 4.0 litres of WHAT?! How is the SIZE of an engine measured? QUESTION TWO: The LS400 makes 250 horsepower. IS that REALLY equivalent to the power of 250 HORSES? QUESTION THREE: When it comes to engine power - should we focus more on torque or horsepower? QUESTION FOUR: I've heard it said that the better an engine 'breathes' the more powerful it becomes. But does an engine NEED at least SOME exhaust system back-pressure to make all the power it can make? QUESTION FIVE: Is there a 'formula' to figure out [or at least guesstimate] what an LS400's GROSS horsepower rating would be? [to compare with cars from the 1960's and earlier] QUESTION SIX: Where - exactly - does engine COOLANT GO?! [what IS it 'cooling'?] QUESTION SEVEN: Is there any law that says a cars BRAKES must be able to stop a car from the cars TOP SPEED?! QUESTION EIGHT: Are cars designed to weigh MORE on the passenger side than on the driver's side? [to compensate for the weight of the driver] QUESTION NINE: Is there any truth to the idea that an 8 cylinder engine will last longer than a 4 cylinder engine?! QUESTION TEN: If you lower your car - do you change its drag coefficient number? That's it!! [for now] Thanks, Craig!! :)

Hi Guys!! :) I hope you're OK. Yesterday - I paid more to fill a gas tank then I EVER have before. It cost me $91.25 CDN to fill up my 1993 LS400. That's just horrible. Premium [at the Esso station I went to] was $1.30.9 a litre. That works out to $4.96 CDN per U.S. GALLON. [or $5.95 per IMPERIAL - U.K. - GALLON] Throw in the fact that my LS is only getting about 16.8 miles per U.S. GALLON [on average] and the 'fun' of going for a 'drive' has all but vanished. Trouble is - even if I decided to trade it in - the difference I would end up paying [trade-in difference plus all of the taxes] would make just 'paying for gas' seem NOT all that bad. I wonder how expensive gas has to get before I think otherwise. What is it costing YOU to fill YOUR tank?! [And how much is premium gas per gallon where you live?] Craig!! :(