steviej

this happened on my old SSEi. The honeycomb element inside the cat broke loose and was rattling around in the housing. Oddly enough, my inspection readings were very low, so even loose it was still working. The guy at a muffler shop up here (Speedy Muffler) said I could leave it alone and live with the rattle, or he could cut out the cat and clamp or weld a new cat in. I opted for that, $250 for parts and labor. The rattle was gone and the car actually sounded a deeper growl. I miss that throaty sound. Anywho, I found it was inside the cat by safely raising and supporting the car. Crawl under the car and take a whack at the exhaust pipe with a large rubber mallet. Hit the pipe where there is no heat shield. Listen for any rattle. If your cat element is loose, you will know it. Bring a friend, 4 ears in different locations are better than 2. steviej

much obliged, sir.

always start with the cheapest fix. replace the belt(s) first. See if the noise goes away. If not, look into the pulleys and tensioner pulley. It may be a bushing in one of these pulleys that has dried out. steviej

I have used Mobil 1 and they are of the same quality and price. I don't recommend the $2.49 on sale Fram or off name brand, however, I have yet to try Fram's new high priced model. try here for more info too. http://wwwbobistheoilguy.com steviej

interesting tibbit carried over from CL. The NAV system software in the 02/03 cannot be upgraded to that of the 04 ES330. The nav system in the 02/03 was from NavTech. The 04 is from GTB. That is why there are buttons and sat. radio too. I will be patiently awaiting to see if the tranny problem (sorry..."concern") still exists in the 04. Interesting too the 04 ES has 5 more hp than the GS300. steviej

I'm with SK on this one. There was absolutely no differece in sound with a swap of drop in filters on my 02. The air box, and duct work is the same. Only the filter is changed. sj

Alan, I can't agree with you more. I personally use synthetic only for the longer change interval and because synthetic stays more liquid at colder temps. Something I have to think about on those cold winter start ups. Anyone see the 2004 Farmers Almanac? Supposedly we are in for a snow filled frigid winter. Don't mind me, I am a New England yankee and we think like this. Typically we complain about something before it happens. Stick with the mobil 1 or the oil of your choice. Just buy it when it is on sale. Don't add anything to it, just change it and the filter regularly. At least onece a week, get some highway miles in there, at least 60 mph for 30-60 minutes at least once per week. And, yes, you can switch back and forth. The myth about once you go synthetic you can't go back it total bs. Try each if you want and see which you feel better with. Then run with that one for the life. You be your own judge. steviej

I'm in for the set of 2 for the 2002 as long as the price is less than what I can get it from a Lexus site on the web. JPI, check with the moderators of this site about rules for setting up GBs if there are any. sj

sorry piggy, you wouldn't get anything. You already said the car is in your parents name. They get book value depending on what insurance they have on it. Comprehensive covers fire and theft. steviej

thoroughly clean the throttle body (TB) and look for cracks or pinpoint holes in the air tube leading from the air box to the TB. sj

good thinking, CL did this too. sj

have you looked at the fuses in the fusebox in the engine bay? I wonder if any involved (especially fuses IGN or IGN2) are corroded or just need reseating. steviej

I hope it sounds as good as it looks. I have been to a couple CL meets and have seen these kicker boxes in many a trunk. I can't help but wonder, now where do you put the luggage when you go on a trip!? steviej

here is where you find out how real your "buddies" are. The double volume of oil probably caused a head gasket leak as was mentioned. Now you have coolant going into a combustion chamber. The cylinder head may be warped, but will definately have to be checked. The tranny most definately needs inspection. I'm surprised 10 qts actually fit. I would have a little sit down with "your buddies" and explain what they did. All parties are responcible. The best thing to do is have the car checked out by a professional Toyota/Lexus mechanic or an independent that knows Toyota/Lexus. Have it towed there, not driven. You buddies should foot the bill for this. Here is where they step up to the plate. If they won't, lose them and chaulk it up to experience. Next time learn to DIY or take it to a knowledgable person/shop. steviej

sharone, maybe the tech said TPS and not GPS. It would make more sence if he did. I can't help but wonder how many people will just get the upgrade cause they got the letter and really have not noticed anything was wrong. My aunt got the letter and was all set to go get it. She said she never noticed anything was wrong. She thought it had to be done. As for me, I'm with Steve. I am a little apprehensive to have it done because of the irreversability and cause I don't think it is the end. Gut feeling says it is a temporary fix, while a new ECU is being trialed. I can only hope. My major concern is what is the long term effect of the fix on the tranny. The tranny, I don't think, was designed this way. What if this fix ends up cause premature failing? I hate playing the "what if game". steviej

yeah, sit back, relax, roll the windows down, crank the tunes and just enjoy your Lexus for the smooth ride that it is. Stop worrying so much about ROIs. Life is too short. Now have some fun before it snows. steviej

the 02 manual says 2000 lbs, too. I personally wouldn't do it. If you do it, think about an additional tranny cooler and an oil cooler for the increase heat build up due to the added stress. Dont' forget to figure in the weight of gas and gear to the total weight (boat, motor, and trailer). Gas is about 6.5 lbs/gallon. Keep your tongue weight under 200 lbs. If the car has a sunroof, keep in mind this decreases the cars structural integrity, but the manual does say towing is considered. good luck and stay in the slow lane when towing cause you will have definately maxed out you power availability. steviej

do a search on clearing corners. Even though you may not be actually clearing the corners, these threads will provide you with instructions on how to remove your headlights, open them, clean them out and then reassemble them. You only need an oven, some silicone sealer, some rudimentary tools and a moderate dose of patience. steviej

go here: http://www.tirerack.com click on their tire rotation explanation. You questions will be answered. steviej

I have a set of chrome 18" rims with low profile summer tires. For mid Oct to mid March I will put the stock rims back on with an "all-season" radial that has excellent to very good ratings for snow traction. I need to purchase a new tire for the upcoming winter. Currently I am trending toward the Continental ContiExtremeContact (something like that). These will be mounted on the stock 16" rim. I am outisde of Boston, MA and get my share of snow, sleet, rain and ice. I will not go to a dedicated snow tire cause the sacrifice for traction in snow is increased noise when there is no snow. Think about it, what do you have more of, snow or dry/semi wet roads. I will take a "all-season" with very good snow traction and low noise over a snow tire with excellent traction and mod to high noise anyday. steviej

Elronse, now that you state that the 25.5 mpg is 80% highway, then your mileage is pretty much what we get. The K&N will give you a boost most likely. I am getting 29-30mpg with straightout highway runs, 70mph, cruise control. steviej

here is a satellite picture of the blackout. WOW! steviej

and make your friend pay for it. :chairshot: steviej

skperformance stated in an old thread that he did not have good luck with the K&N drop in filter in his application. I would direct your question to him to find out what decrease in mpg he observed. steviej Personally I say go for it. you cannot lose anything.

sounds likE I will be too. steviej