Bandit

THis may be great Technology, but it was done by Richard Petty back in the early 70s. He was racing a Thunder Chicken/Road Runner and he put raised dimples all over the roof of the car. By the next race weekend it was made illegal. Might have gotten away with it had he put them on the underside of the car. Oh Well! :chairshot:

To remove the film from the inside or outside of your windshield, use a soapy SOS pad. You may want to cover the dash with towels and then use the SOS pad on the inside. If an SOS pad will not remove the film, start sourcing a new windshield.

After many years of neglect, Nevr-Dull and Polishes do not do much for the corrosion, tar and other debris that seems to attach to the SS Tips. What I did was use a soapy SOS pad to lightly clean and remove all the grim and debris from the tips, then go back with a wad cleaner or polish. A SOS pad also works very good to remove film from all chromed surfaces and glass. Just use a light touch and keep the pad very soapy for lubrication. Works Well!

I have tried several methods to clean the Tan Leather Interior of my SC400. None seem to make much difference. I've even soaked it with leather cleaner and used my finger nails to work the leather, still no results. Then I was at my local WalMart and saw the NEW Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This thing has done wonders in cleaning, not only the leather interior, but the dash, door panels, door jams, etc.. It is wonderful! I used it to clean all the build up in the door jams, under the hood, edge of the trunk. It does not last very long, it took two sponges for just the front seats. But, do not bear down too hard or you will remove the dye from the leather. You use no detergents, only a bucket of clean warm water to keep rinsing from. Give it a try and let me know what you think! It will clean just about any stubborn hard surface you can think of! It's almost like a superfine abrasive contouring sponge. The shade of the interior lightened up a couple of shades due to the buildup. The door panels and dash look like new. And the buildup in the door jams, under the hood, around the trunk and even in the Suun Roof well look as ggod as new. I cleaned these areas and then waxed them and the results are amazing.

I am wanting to add the Lower Body Sills from a late model SC400 to my 93 SC400. This is one part of the appearance that just does not look right. The body just rolls under the doors. What year model SC400 did they add the side sills/skirts/runners or what ever thay are called and were there different variations if this for different model years. Do they also integrate into the existing mud flaps or do you have to replace of eliminate these as well?

The life expectancy for the Iridium plugs are highly influenced by the condition of your engine. Check the condition of the plugs that you remove. There are numerous places on the net that you can see a plug condition chart. Compare your existing plugs to this chart to determine if there are any conditions that will affect to longevity of your plugs. If the plugs are dry with a slight off white petina to them and no oil residue, then the engine condition and ignition system are in very good condition. If there is oil buildup on the plugs, then the iridium plugs will be short lived. The beauty of the Lexus engines (SC 300 & 400) is that they are the product of exceptional engineering. My SC400 (93) has 182,000 miles and the compression test was within 96% of new specification and the plugs looked great. I've been going throught external components and replaceing them, such as coil, plug wires, ditributor caps and rotor buttons, hoses, belts, air filter, fuel filter, etc. These components are more susceptible to failure than the internal components. The only internal engine component that I will replace this Summer is the rear main seal. This will run approximately $400.00 to replace (Not Lexus Service). Preventative Maintenance is the best maintenance. Replace it as you see fit instead of replace it when it fails, some failures could be catastrophic. Good Luck!

It seems we do not quite understand what you are trying to relate. Did you buy it unseen and undriven and then realize the listed problems and are unsatisfied? Did you buy it with the known problem and accepted them and are now wondering if you got a good deal? A little clarification would help. :whistles:

I've been updating a Thread on a problem with an ignition coil and during this discussion, I have been contemplating changing my other coil and spark plug wires. I got the coil from Advanced Auto Parts (NextDay) for $64.99. But their plug wires were $199.00. I then checked with AutoZone and their Bosch wires were $99.00. So, I do not know if they have different grades of wire, but the most expensive ones were $99.00.

I checked around with (4) Lexus Dealers ((2) Nashville, (1) Chattanooga, (1) Knoxville) and the price for the coil ranged from $80 to $120. None of them had it in stock, so they would have to ship to the dealer then ship it to me. It would be 2 days plus an additional freight charge. I then checked Advanced Auto Parts and found it for $64.99 and I would have it the next day. So I ordered it. I was in Gallatin, TN yesterday, so I stopped by the Lexus Dealer and talked to a mechanic. I told him my problem and that I had no fire on the right coil, I had no error code from the ECU and therefore I felt since it was out of the ECU's diagnostic loop, that it was an end component, either the coil or the lead to the coil. He said that it could be the crank trigger. I then said, if that's the case the left coil would not work either. He agreed, he then said it coil be the cam trigger, I then said, then I would get an error code throught the Check Engine Light. He agreed. I then said, I'm pretty sure it's the coil. I'll replace it. He then said, "I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU NOT CHANGE IT YOURSELF". I wanted to laugh, but I didn't and I informed him that I was over 100 miles away and that I would change the coil myself and if this did not fix it, I would consider hauling it in. I got the coil this morning, went home at lunch and BAM, it is all fixed. My SC400 is firing on all 8 cylinders. I will probably replace the other coil and the plug wires in the next couple weeks. The Lexi V8 is a very reliable and long lived engine, but some of the external components should be replaced if they are the original equipment. I'm just trying to replace any weak links.

What is the web address for JP Importz? If you go to www.jpimportz.com you get a Betty Boop and doll sight.

Is there any way to add a Spell Checker to this Forum? Might Help! :D

Has anyone replaced their factory plug wires with a high performance after-market set such as Accel, Bosch, etc.? I thought it might be a good replacement as I am replacing man of the other electrical components. Thanks,

There is a Toyota Dealer in California that has been mentioned as a good source for Lexus OEM Parts. Does anyone remember who they are and how to contact them? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I was driving home today and made the turn down my road and when I got back on the gas, NO POWER! I limped it home and started in under the hood. This weekend I replaced the Distributor Caps and Rotor Buttons with Bosch replacements. So first thing I did was go back in and make sure nothing was amiss. NOPE! I then started pulling plug wires from the Distributor Cap. The passenger had no fire. The drivers side popped me real good. So, I put an ohm meter on the Coil wire and thought great, I found it, a bad coil wire. I go to AutoZone and find a short coil wire, since they do not carry one for my Lexi. I thought I would at least find out if I was correct. NOPE, spark plug and distributor wires are resistor wires and therefore an ohm meter will not register. I then tested the Coil, no fire. So now I think I need to replace the coil and hope it isn't a problem with the power supplied to the coil. So now I need to find a passenger side coil. My question is, where can I purchase a COIL!

;) I changed to Iridium Plugs a couple of months ago and I have become more and more impressed with the Lexus engineering every time I work on the car. There is a very systematic way to perform each task and you do not have to remove every component in site to do it as I've noticed in other engine compartments. This weekend, I replaced the Distributor Caps and Rotor Buttons. The Driver side is much easier as with the plugs, but after studying the passenger side for a little while, I discovered that there is also a systematic way to get to the Distributor. The only difference to the Driver side is remove the top radiator hose, unload the accessory belt tensioner and remove the top belt from the pulley and four vacuum hoses. You also have to remove the air inlet from the air filter box to the Intake. If someone needs it, I can give detailed instructions as to how these components are removed. And yes, there is a noticeable improvement to how quick it starts up and it seems a little quicker revving.

I have tried several methods to clean the Tan Leather Interior of my SC400. None seem to make much difference. I've even soaked it with leather cleaner and used my finger nails to work the leather, still no results. Then I was at my local WalMart and saw the NEW Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. This thing has done wonders in cleaning, not only the leather interior, but the dash, door panels, door jams, etc.. It is wonderful! I used it to clean all the build up in the door jams, under the hood, edge of the trunk. It does not last very long, it took two sponges for just the front seats. But, do not bear down too hard or you will remove the dye from the leather. You use no detergents, only a bucket of clean warm water to keep rinsing from. Give it a try and let me know what you think! It will clean just about any stubborn hard surface you can think of! It's almost like a superfine abrasive contouring sponge.

If you want to maintain the same ride characteristics yet lower your ride 1", you can accomplish this with a set of Springs. I changed my springs and shocks (Eibach Springs and Tokico Shocks). The ride will be slightly stiffer as the coils of the spring are slightly larger in diameter, but they are a progressive spring. If you want better handling, then I would also recommend the Tokico or similar brand springs. I purchased both springs and shocks through Ebay. They are always listed. I would also recommend finding a local mechanic (not Lexus) to do the swap!

Installed the SS Brake Lines over the weekend and there is a noticable difference. Before installing the lines, I would press down on the brake pedal and notice that it goes down quite aways, but if I back off and reapply quickly, I have a much firmer pedal and more braking power. I then installed the new lines and when I conduct the same test, initially the pedal does not go down as far, but will still firm up slightly when I release and reapply. Not near as much difference. It has eliminated some of the softness due to line expansion. While I was at it, I painted the calipers Red and put on some Lexus Caliper stickers I purchased from Ebay. I have some photo's, but do not know how to attach them. If someone lets me know how, I will attach them later.

I had the same problem and got a universal replacement. Then I realized that the Lexus Unit has a variable mast that moves all the way up and the comes back down to the point of best reception. So I decided not to use the univeral unit and removed the original unit, removed the motor from the drive/gearbox. Cleaned it up, reassembled it and it works fine. It seems to have the ability to slip to keep from striping the gears. The combination of dirt and sticking of the mast made it run without raising the antennae. I also extended the mast, cleaned it with some WD40 and then re-lubed it with some dry wax chain lube that I use on my road bike chain. It has worked perfectly ever since. Good Luck.

Contacted Lextreme and they only offer for LS400. These parts do not fit an SC400. TapRecycling has a used replacement for $250.00 plus shipping. I don't understand why no one can get a replacement LCD for the SC400 if they can get it for the LS400. If I can source just the LCD, I think this would be the cheapest option. Still Waiting!

Great looking instructions, but this does not help me with my SC400. I still have not found anyone with a replacement LCD for an 93 SC400. Can anyone HELP! :chairshot:

:whistles: Not meaning to change your topic, but I notice in your photo that you have mounted a set of fog lamps. I don't really like the idea of converting my turning lamps to fog lamps as they shine more to the side then forwards. What lamps did you mount and did you wire to the low beam switch or did you place them on their own switch. Do you have any close up photo's of this installation? Thanks, :whistles:

181,550 Miles 93 SC400 Most of the components that seem to give most owners a problem were taken care of by my Mother-In-Law before I took possession. New Alternator, Power Steering Pump, Starter, Radiator Reservoir, Water Pump, Gauge Cluster, Drivers Door Hinge, Head Light Assys, Mirror Remote ECU and a few other items. All items through Dealer Service "Ouch!". She also had every Factory Service: 1,000 Miles 15,000 Miles 60,000 Miles 105,000 Miles 160,000 Miles And, new tires in July! What else could a guy ask of his Mother-In-Law! The only item I have to fix is the LCD on the Climate Control Unit. I've since replaced Shocks and Springs with Tokico and Eibach, Green Stuff Pads, Stainless Steel Brake Lines, Drilled and Slotted Rotors. Leather Repair to a split seam in the Rear Seat. Repaired Power Antennae by disassembling and cleaning. Thought I would have to replace the wheels, but got some Buffing Compound and worked them over real well and then waxed them and they look quite nice. Removed Drivers Door Panel and rebuild the inside bracing with Epoxy and metal tabs. Removed all the leather interior and cleaned and conditioned with Lexol Leather Products. Leather interiors seem to be the most neglected part of the car. Compression checks were amazing! Within 2% of new specifications. Replaced plugs with Denso Iridiums, and the old plugs were burning very nice. Reading your plugs can tell you alot about how the major components of your engine are holding up. Most people are amazed that the car is 10 years old and just short of 200,000 miles. I think we will enjoy this automobile for many years to come!

I have seen several listed on e-bay as pull-offs, refurbished, etc.. A couple were new and some refurbs require a core or your old pump. I purchased my SC400 from my mother-in-law and I have lucked out, that all the usual failures that the early SCs had, she let the dealer replace with new components. Alternator, Power Steering Pump, Leaking Headlight Assy, Radiator Reservoir, Instrument Cluster, Drivers Door Hinge. The only item she did not have replaced is the Blacked Out Climate Control Unit. I guess I'll have to take care of this one myself. :whistles:

UCF3: Let me know what you can get me a 93 SC400 Climate Control Unit for! Thanks,