Neo

:) Got the steering wheel, forgot about the gauge cover which reminds me. The center air vents are also black in the 430 vs matching interior color in the 400. The gauge cover is matching interior color on the 400. There is also a black chrome shift trim vs the black plastic. The ashtray exterior is also wood on the 430 vs black on the 400.

Tried it soon after it came out and was hooked. :) You can sign up here to get a coupon: http://www.homemadesimple.com/mrclean/products/eraser.shtml Look at the bottom right. Now there is no excuse not to try it out. :D

Of the top of my head, as far as visual cues, the following are new for the 430: Exterior: Different headlight tint HID headlights standard Different taillights All glass are stamped with Lexus instead of Toyota Different grille Larger exhaust tips Different wheels Interior: Wood steering wheel New airbag Nav is/looks different Perforated leather (depending on year, although the Platinum Edition 2000 GS400 had perforated leather too) Rear view middor with compass I may have forgotten something but if I did, I am sure someone will chime in. :)

Nice combo. With 20s, though, I think you need a slight drop and a mild kit to avoid the SUV look.

Sweet. I'll look into those. thanks Neo. ← For front only, look into StopTech. 14" rotor kit in the mid $2k. You also have Brembos and AP racing in the $3k area.

20s aggressive kit:

Found some pics for you: 19s no kit: 19s with mild kit: 19s aggressive kit:

I don't think the slotted rotors will cool much faster (if at all) than solid rotors. You can kind of make a case for drilled rotors but :whistles: If you are staying with OEM size and you want to upgrade, I'd go with better biting pads, rotors that can handle the harder pads (to help wear), and upgrade to stainless steel brake lines. I'd stay with solid rotors unless you like the look of slotted and/or drilled. If you go with aftermarket BBKs, you will get the additional benefit of the larger calipers, more pistons for more efficient braking, and reduced weight at the corners for better handling. The aftermarket BBKs are actually lighter than the OEM ones even though they are bigger. They also look cool as hell. ;)

That's a lot to do all at once. I'd break up the suspension first with wheels very soon after. Then save up for the kit. Where do the big brakes come in? ;) :D

10k for a 98-99 GS400 with less than 100k miles? Hmm. Maybe I should take a look. ;) I assume there has to be something wrong with these or else you would not have bought yours for almost 17k.

I cannot say on quality of the model you are getting but I believe the L-Tuned shocks were KYB. If they are good enough for Toyota/Lexus/TRD to use and rebrand, it should be pretty good. In the end, it is still only an educated guess by me :) so hopefully someone with direct experience will reply.

In the current market, you will NOT find a quality GS400 with your spec for that price. If this statement is your decision maker, then get the CL. If you have not driven or even sat in a GS, you are not being fair to the Lexus. It is nothing compared to an LS430. The ride is different. The suspension is different. The experience is different. The LS is tailored for a more luxury/refined drive environment. The GS will be sportier which also translates to noisier, not as cushy. Even so, the ride is not so sporty that it cannot be improved (and I think it will need to be depending on you taste). Remember that Lexus is a few steps above Acura in reliability and prestige. If you ask Lexus guys, they will agree with this. If you ask Acura guys who are objective, they will agree with this. If you ask anyone else (non car nut ;)) familiar with both brands, more than likely you will get the same response. There is a difference in status when you own a Lexus vs an Acura. Although not you cannot always find direct examples, you are close if you compare Audi vs MB ownership. Audi makes great cars but if you compare the status of Audi vs MB ownership, what would most people select (in terms of brand recognition of status). Whether or not you agree or care about this, this is the opinion of most people I know. On top of the status, Lexus reliability is not an opinion. You can just look at all the crash tests and JD Powers numbers and so on and you will see who comes out ahead. I am not saying Lexus is infallible (as there are exceptions and recalls ...), you just have a better chance at owning quality. I don't know anyone who has owned both so it is hard to say. I've only had an Integra and an MDX. If I had to compare the general Acura vs Lexus quality, Lexus wins hands down. I know people who owns TL-S's and have made the switch never looking back while loving their GS. I think the TL is a better comparison anyway since both are sedans. In your case, you are comparing a coupe vs a 4-dr sedan so even visually, there is a different look and feel. Personally, I would spend a little more and go with a 00 Lexus. The 00 model has a few upgrades (like brake assist) that are worth getting. The 01-05 would put you too far out of your price point. Otherwise, I'd suggest one of those. ;) If not, I'd spend the same 13-14 on the 98s (if you can find one). Don't you wonder why the Lexus retains their value? Or looking at it another way, don't you wonder why you can get the CLs for so cheap? ;) Good luck with your decision.

Do you have or are you planning a body kit? I could not tell from your post if you plan to lower the car or not. I think 19s look pretty good on the SC. If you have a body kit, though, (and the SC kits tend to be more aggressive) the 19s will get swallowed up. In this case, 20s are a better choice. Regardless of which size, lowering is preferable.

I have not had to swap mine for awhile so I can't remember: either 2 or 3 bolts/screws. Very easy though.

Yellow fogs typically went with HID headlights.

Welcome. As for wheels, suggestions would be easier with a budget range and style preference. Also, are you planning to drop the car a little. I think you should, especially if you are going to 18s. :)

I was also very pleasantly surprised by the Magic Eraser. It has become part of my cleaning toolkit. :)

I believe that is the case. Keep in mind, however, that it is comparing the 3.5 V6 to the current 4.3 V8. Wait until the new GS460. ;) Also keep in mind that the V8 will still have more torque and is smoother. It is a different ride.

Lower. I guess it is a benefit if you are trying to keep mileage down. ;) Using the same example, you are going 71mph and CHP will clock you at 71mph. :) The speedo, however, thinks you are going 65. So in an hour, you have gone 71 miles but the car only thinks you went 65.

According to the website, Tein does not make an SS for the SC3/400. If you use the ones for the Supra (I am not completely sure if everything will transfer), the spring rates are the same as the Flex (although the shocks are different).

Congrats. Now go get them installed. :)

They will fit just fine. They will "stick out" a little more which is actually a good thing. :) They will not be beyond the fender though. You should not have any problems. Go for it.

I am not sure I understand. How does this help close the trunk easier? Maybe it is an LS thing. ;)

What are the offsets? ← I guess our definition of rubbing is different. You probably got rid of the wheels not "fitting" by doing the fender mods. No rubbing when driving in optimal conditions (flat road going straight) is just getting the wheels to fit. If it rubs when the suspension compresses or a combination of turning and compression, then it still rubs. My 20s on my 2nd Gen GS still rubs by my definition but does not by yours. :) I am not sure how much room is in the wheel well but with the 2nd Gen, this spec will definitely rub the top of the liner when you hit a dip at moderate to high (70-80mph, not even crazy high) speeds. Just a couple of things to note. You are running about 2" larger than OEM diameter. This means the speedometer (and also the odometer) will be a little more than 9% off. That is pretty high. Also, your rear diameter is larger than the front diameter. You may have some issues with the abs sensors since your front and rear wheels will be rotating at different speeds. Although in normal driving, you may not see the abs issue, be careful in extreme conditions (weather, accident avoidance, ...). Also be careful with speed. Driving between 60-90, you will be about 5-9mph faster than what is showing. For example, you might think you are at the 65 speed limit but you are already at 71. Be safe. :)

Nope. Tein CS.