Lexusfreak

Are they factory alloys?

Anybody ever used (or are currently using) TRD (Toyota Racing Development) oil filters on their vehicles? Just courious how they have performed, the cost compared to the regular "Toyota" oil filters & finally does anybody have the part number(s) for a 2001 ES? (should be the same as tht V6 Camry 97 - 01?) How much better is the TRD filter suppose to be over other filters on the market?

JPI, your thoughts on the 5W 40 grade of synthetic oil? :)

Hi guys, I just received my copy of the spring 2004 Toyota Gazette (a Toyota Canada publication that gives some news & advice on products & services for Toyota owners). In it, it talks about a new engine coolant called Toyota Super long life coolant (a pink fluid that comes already pre-diluted with a 55/45 mix in a 3.7 litre jug) that is suppose to last much longer than the regular Toyota "long life" (red stuff) that I have just put in my 01 ES :chairshot: Although there is no mention of specifics as to how long this stuff is good for both time & milage (kilometers for us Canucks). It is also fully compatible with earlier models according to the brochure. Does anybody have any specifics or "detailed" info on this product or what exactly is in it? Any help is greatly appreciated, I understand the new Toyota/Lexus vehicles come factory equipped with this stuff now. Does it protect any better than the regular "long life" stuff (cooler operating temps perhaps?) or just a longer interval? & what is the interval exactly? Thanks in advance everyone! B)

I'm a huge fan of Toyo tires as well.....tirerack does not offer them which is too bad. However, depending on the type of driving & where one lives can narrow down the kind of tire you purchase (an ultra high performance tire vs. say a performance touring tire which will give you more treadlife & generally speaking a quieter ride). I suggest the Toyo Proxes T P T's which have been fantastic on my 01 ES. Have a look at the Toyo website & check the sizes available. They will most likely be cheaper in price as well.

Thanks for pointing that out guy's lol.....I didn't even realize my mistake ;)

A paper air filter should be replaced according to the owners manual service intervals. Have you tried or considered a K & N air filter? The can be cleaned & reused with better air flow than a paper filter.

Only 5 people have signed up? a bit disappointing :(

What brand(s) of synthetic dlom? & why did you decide to go with them?

Check out www.tirerack.com that should get you started in the right direction. :)

Should have kept going sk for the 1197 - 2001 model years lol ;)

Should be intresting when they do come out however. B)

Thanks guys! Had a blast but I agree with you mburn, it's A LOT of hype just for one day! JPI, I was just courious what you did learn from the engineer when you met? & your thoughts & opinions on slightly thicker viscosity synthetic oils such as 5W 40 & 5W 50 grades & why? Ever heard of a German synthetic oil called Liqui-Moly? Finally, what do you feel is the absolute best synthetic oil available.......I've heard that Mobil 1, Amsoil, Royal Purple & Red Line are in the top 5, any thoughts or opinions JPI? Opinions on the Mobil 1 & K & N oil filters? Thanks in advance!

What did you learn from the Lexus enginner JPI? anything that would be helpful to us? I sent you a PM btw about this issue. I went to Florida for my honeymoon....took the Lexus of course (Kissimmee, Florida Keys & St. Pete Beach) & she went flawlessly :D & we had an absolute blast! :) B) mburn, any news from you at all on the oil testing?

I wonder if there are any pics (prototype most likely) of the new one?

What kind of oil & filters did you use out of couriousity Dal?

Get yourself a digital tire pressure guage (about $7 - 12) & make sure all tires are inflated properly (in addition to what others have mentioned here).......you can cost yourself bigtime in fuel exonomy if they are even 3 - 5lbs underinflated! sk, I was told for years that CT gas was Esso

Looks fantastic steviej! :D :)

You should have a little compartment on the lower part of the dash left of the steering wheel. failing that, the arm rest, glove box & map pockets.....if you don't smoke, why not use the ashtray? Not sure if they make something that goes where the ashtray is now. B)

Agreed! B) The problem dosen't sound serious, it's just an aggravation!

That should give you a pretty decent selection & lot's to consider for yourself & your wife dc :) good luck!

The thought crossed my mind........just seems like not very good value considering that it's about 6 cents more to move up only 2 octane compared to the top shelf stuff. The one thing I do know is Sunoco is the BEST gasoline one can use at least in Canada! as it has ethonol which is good for your car & the environment B) Esso has the worst & is the most dirty with the highest sulphur content ppm. Petro Canada is owned partly by the federal government (don't even get me started :chairshot: ) and since 2/3 rd's of the gas price here is taxes..... :whistles: Shell is a good alternative if you can't find a Sunoco station but is still a step behind.

I've noticed quite a difference actually bwtween regular & high test gas. I use Sunoco Ultra 94 but have use the 87 regular on occasion since the price of fuel in canada has gone through the roof! (works out to be about $3.85 a gallon if you convert!! :chairshot: so just think of your neighbours to the north if you think you guy's have it bad!). I can feel it in the acceleration, slight drop in fuel economy when using the regular.......is it worth the extra cash for the high octane? well.....it sort of balances itself out in the end in my opinion but I'm sure there will be cause for a debate on the subject.

Which Lexus dealers & Toyota dealer are you considering jw? I'm also in the Toronto area & am just courious for possible future service at one of these dealers. I also agree with steviej, get a list of exactly what each dealer will do when performing the service & make your judgement based on that & the best value for your dollar. B) Prices you've mentioned however seem pretty reasonable. I take my 01 ES to an independent mechanic (does high end european & japanese cars) and is about a third cheaper than the dealers for labour & I bring him all the parts / fluids I want installed.

Thanks mburn! :D B) Good luck to you as well......talk with you all in a few weeks! ;)