Supercat

Interesting, I just had the brake pads replaced back in June and it's afterwards that I started hearing the noise. I'll pay close attention on my favorite off ramp turn where I turn in fast and tap the brakes right at the apex...I'll make sure to turn down the stereo though HAHAHA! I only have 22k miles on the car, so this seemes a little early for this type of issue. I'm not looking for anything TOO aggressive, but your point is a good one. Thanks for the help! JJ

I've recently started hearing a clunking sound coming from the front of my 02 GS, whenever I change gear (Drive/Reverse) or make a turn. I made an appointment to take the car to Lexus next week; I think the problem might be the front bushings (either front control arm or sway bar). I'm wondering if this would be a good time to install upgraded front and rear stabilizer bars. I'd love to do the coilovers as well, but can't afford the $900 for the tein's I have my eye on. Anyway, any feedback from the knowledgable Lexus crew would be hepful. Anyone ever had the clunking sound as well? recommendations on front/rear sway bar upgrades? I saw a set from "Daizen" on a Lexus-parts site. Thanks, JJ

I too want to drop my 02 GS 300 and get bigger wheels. I was considering 18"s, but have decided to go to 19"s (I have 17"s on now and want a more dramatic effect). I'm also considering the staggered look. I defintiely want to have at least 225-235s in front and 245s at the rear...or 245s all around. However, I'm reading that offsets and dropping the car have a relationship, that until now I was not taking into account. I've gone to Tire Rack's site, but I'm not too crazy about the selection and the ones that I do like, are out of my price range. I've seen wheels that I like on Wheels Next and on Best Wheel's sites. I don't ever intend to go to bigger brakes, so that's not my concern. But I do want to drop my ride 1-1.5 inches and my first step will be to get lowering springs (either Eiback or Tein). I think the Tein drop is more than the Eibach one, but then the question is, what wheels will I get in order to drop and not have issues? So, has anyone installed 19"s, staggered, and dropped using Eibach and Tein springs?

Looks sweet! The Wheels look a little darker than the car. Did you intend to match them exactly to the car's color? Are you going to drop it? I have to get my ride up in Car Domain.

Thanks for the feedback. I think I change my mind in a daily basis on what wheels to get. I've definitely decided NOT to get these.

I have a 2002 GS300 Sport Design (SD) in Silver with Black/Grey/Blackwood Interior. I bought this car in May of this year and am LOVING it! I was looking for this exact color combo, but up until I bought the car, had no idea that the SD model even existed. It had only 19000 miles on the ticker and the original warranty was to expire in August, so my first mod was to purchase an extended warranty for 6 years / 70000 miles. I really don't drive a lot so this will definitely cover me while I own the car. Honestly, I can't imagine ever selling this baby! I've loved the GS ever since the first generation. I had a 97 ES300, and loved that car, but the mileage was getting up there and after talking it over with the wife, I decided to sell it and look into my dream sports sedan. I paid 23k for this car and it's by far the best vehicle I've ever driven. I have friends who've had this car, who are now driving Mercedes E500s, and both want to get back into GSs once their leases are up. Now for the fun stuff: First thing I did was to install a rear spoiler (looks stock), then tinted the windows. I just bought a carbon fiber roof spoiler, carbon fiber B pillar inserts, and the chrome rings for the head and tail lights. I wanted to get the carbon fiber c-pillar garnish, but the only ones I've found have either "Tom's" or "ARISTO" on them. I'd prefer plain garnish ones, so I'll wait and see if they're ever produced. I contemplated getting a different grill, but after looking the car over and seeing what's out there, I decided to stay with the original chrome grill that the car has on it now (thus the decision to go with the chrome head/tail light mods) Next up: Wheels and Stance. I've been looking at wheels and tires, as well as options for lowering the car. I can't seem to decide what wheels to go with. Right now I have stock 17"s and they look amazing. At first I wanted to go up to 18"s, but I don't think it will make much of an impact, so I'm going with 19"s. I live in NY and my biggest fear is bending a rim. I think the 19"s will be a good choice. As far as lowering it, I'm looking into the Eibach lowering springs for now. Eventually, I might go with the Tein coil overs. Interior-wise, I think the car is perfect and will leave it stock. I like the alternate piping on the seats (in dark grey) as well as the black-wood accents. As you can tell, I'm a BIG fan of carbon fiber. If I did anything, I'd replace the covers with carbon fiber leather, but in the same color combo. Under the hood? Well, I hear there's a supercharger out there...but the wife thinks I'm already a speed freak and it's the only thing she's "requested" that I stay away from (oh, and a motorcycle - lol). I know it would only get the car up to about 320hp. Nonetheless, she works in insurance and after hearing all the horror stories out there... But, being the Carbon fiber (CF) nut that I am, I'm definitely going to get the CF covers for the upper intake and anything else that I can find to accent the motor. Thanks for reading! JJ (Long Island, NY)

Hey there. I love the wheels on the SC430 and looking to do an 18" wheel upgrade on my GS. Would those wheels fit? These are the wheels: SC430 Wheels Thanks J

I got the same tires in 17" (mounted on new wheels) on my 97. I'm very happy with them..

I hear you! I do that everytime I add something new!

FINALLY!!!! Thank you! Now I know what to order .

Did you look at the difference in prices? The prices on the site you're suggesting are about 9% higher than on the site I used, but with the free shipping, as opposed to 15% on the site I use, it does come out cheaper. On higher prices items (like the lenses I'm going to order) it definitely makes a difference. Thanks for the heads up! Supercat

The Windom badge is very cool. But Nice Hood!

Check this out brotha: Pillar Moldings As Toysrme wrote, this should be an easy pull. There are two retainer clips behind the moldings. I guess just be careful so you don't snap the clips...although you could always order those as well LOL And, for $35 each, I think it's a good investment. I wish I would've thought of this sooner. Maybe I'll get a set and use the CF ones for show.

Wow, the planets must be in alignment! I was thinking of mentioning this to my Lexus friends! lol I looked on ebay for replacements, but the only way to replace original would be to order them new. (from the site I sent you for the lights), since they tend to fade from the sun (more like peel if you know what I'm talking about) I think they pop off and on, so replacing shouldn't be a big problem Here's what I did. I went with a custom carbon fiber (CF) replacement. They glue on (to the originals) with 3M backing and look fantastic! I was actually going to suggest this to other Lexus owners and see if I can get a group buy thing going. I'm not a paying member, so I can't post in the 4 sale section, but if anyone here's interested I could see what I could work out. I paid $75 plus shipping. I'm just a huge C.F. fan, but these could also be done in chrome and silver as well as different C.F. colors. If anyone's interested, email me: jaysquared@yahoo.com I'll post pics soon

So it's YOU who put a reserve on those lights?? DAMN YOU lol Not sure about the fogs, but I could see why you'd like to put those on. I like the super clear lenses on the 2001. If you find out, let me know. And don't worry, I won't go for the ones on Ebay! lol Supercat

Exdotcomer, I ordered from here: Direct Parts Connection Thanks for the info HoeBag. I will actually call in this order and see what I find out.

I am updating my 97's tail lights to the 2000/2001 version. I've ordered the lenses for the quarter panels and realized I had only needed the lenses and not the harnesses or the bulbs as the original ones matched up perfectly. I could've saved about $60. So, now that I'm about to order the trunk lid lenses, my question is: * Do I have to order the entire asembly or do my original harnesses and bulbs match and I only have to order just the lenses? Again, this will save me about $60. Thanks all, Supercat

Hey Kyle, glad to hear. Post some pics, or send them to me: jaysquared@yahoo.com I contacted the store where I bought this from and they're taking it back for store credit. My issue was really with how poorly the whole thing was designed, the major thing being how loose the MAF sat in the seat on the intake tube. Kyle, does yours fit nicely? I'm curious. Maybe mine was defective? I do tend to agree with the views on hot air being sucked into the motor. There IS a cold air box for this intake (by Weapn R), but it was severely back ordered. I really wanted this as it would eliminate the hot air issue, and looked BAD !Removed! as well. So I got a universal heat shield, but doubted it would work as expected. In reality, I'm a little hesitant to mess with these motors for the reasons SK eloquently stated ;) I was considering just keeping it and putting it on for shows (anyone going to the Delaware show later this month?), but I will get my money back and put it to good use (towards 2001 tail lenses YES!) But, to each his own and I'm glad you're happy with your intake. I've been into modifying cars for years and believe it's up to each individual to make it his/her own. Thanks everyone for your valuable input. Supercat

Hoebag, I hope all works out, I hear you on the biting the bullet and cutting your losses. Can you give prices on the ground effects stuff? My email is: jaysquared@yahoo.com Thanks Supercat

I bought my 97 ES with 68,000 on the ticker and two years later have 88k. She runs, sounds and looks just like she did when I got her - and I still get compliments from the neighbors whenever they see me washing her in my driveway. B)

Hey guys, I appreciate the feedback on the intake performance (or lack of); although I was just asking about how to install the damned thing! lol But after I did some research, and read your comments, I realized I won't be using this after all and just getting a K&N filter to replace the stock one. Now, I'm stuck with this, but hopefully will be able to sell it on Ebay. SK, what are the chances that I'll be able to sell this? LOL Thanks again, Supercat

Has anyone installed a weapon-r intake on their ES300? I am about 90% done installing one on my 97 ES, but I have one hose (from upper intake) which I'm not sure where to install onto the intake. This one was originally from the bottom part of the original air box, but there is no fitting on the intake tube to place this anywhere. Any ideas? Thanks JJ

I like how low the models are sitting on the LS better!!!

Alright, I got it done and the new corners look great! Thanks again! Now, anyone in the market for original corners? I also have the rear lenses (mint condition) from the same car as I upgraded to the 2001 lenses...any takers? Let me know if interested: jaysquared@yahoo.com