tkrussell

Are there any options for adding HD Digital Radio (not Sirius or XM Satellite) to the Lexus? Dealer installed options? Aftermarket options? Anyone with any experience here? Thanks Thomas

I have throught some investigation and effort worked out the correct way to disable Daytime Running Lights on the RX330 and 350. This is reversible, and does not affect High Beams or any other function. It is a simple 30 minute process. Daytime running lights are optional on many cars, and can be software disabled on many Lexus models. I do not know why Lexus chose to omit the option of turning them off in the RX330. There is NO legal requirement for DRL in any US state. Further, there is NO sanction for disabling them in any US state. Canada may well be different. The studies of DRL effectiveness came out of Canada when few cars used DRL. It is an unanswered question whether DRL is effective in reducing accidents when many or most cars have them. It is also unanswered whether DRL is as effective at latitudes with much ambient daylight, such as the southern US. So, If you want them, keep them on and use them. Realize that in rain, drizzle, snow, fog, dusk, or overcast, DRL has NO taillights. In those conditions, full headlights and taillights are the safe alternative. If you do not want DRL for aesthetic or other reasons, there is a safe, easy, reversible option. If anyone is interested, please let me know and I will post instructions in a new thread.

Wish I had known. I sold the strut tower brace with the car. Doc

Thanks for the replies. I don't think there is a federal or Tx state law referencing maximum speed, although there certainly are speed limits on roads (state laws only). My Vette comes without a limiter and will do over 180 from the factory with no changes. I do know that the European Union has a voluntary limit of about 155mph that Mercedes, BMW, etc hold to. US imports of those cars are likewise limited to about 155. There is no federal or Tx state law referencing reprogramming a speed limiter. For that matter, there is no law prohibiting cheap tires with no speed ratings being used on any car after it is sold initially in Tx. Some states (eg, California) may severely restrict engine mods that may affect exhaust emissions, but speed limiters are not included. Tampering with the ECU may well void or affect the manufacturer's warranty, depending upon the manufacturer. The major driver of manufacturer and dealer behavior today is legal liability. It seems that individual responsibiity is severely passe. If you douse yourself with gasoline and set fire to yourself, it is solely the fault of Exxon or Bic lighters. So I am not surprised that dealers and Lexus choose to avoid any involvement. That still leaves the question: How does one make the change if one is willing to accept the responsibility for it? Thanks again Doc

The new Lexus LS430 is speed limited to 130mph by the Electronic Control Unit. Probably because the factory tires are HR rated (130mph). Early LS were not speed limited. Can the dealer deactivate or reprogram the ECU? If not, who makes a reprogrammer or module to deactivate the limiter? Of course, the above is undertaken with a change to YR rated tires (186mph). The Euro suspension should be able to handle 150mph if the engine is up to it.

Need a front strut tower brace for my 2004 LS430 w/ Euro Suspension. Had one on my 1997 LS400 that was really nice. Steel brackets painted to match the body color, and a polished aluminum crossbar. Unfortunately, lost the name and phone number of the supplier. Seem to remember that it came from Japan, and fit the Japanese equivalent car, or maybe the Avalon? Anyway, does anybody have a source? I know that Tom's makes one, but it is all steel. Rather have the aluminum for looks and weight savings. Thanks Doc

The top of the front strut tower is identical on stock, Euro tuned, and Air suspension LS's.-The years are different (early LS400, late LS400, and LS430), but within years no difference in the strut tower body for air suspension. Difference is in the shock/springs themselves. I put a strut tower brace on my 95 LS400 w/air suspension--- no problems and same part as standard suspension. Unfortunately I lost the phone # of the guy who got it for me. It was a nice design, witn steel shock tower adapters and a polished aluminum cross brace. Anybody got a good source? Tom's makes one, but it is all steel. I like the look and weight savings of the aluminum hybrid.