Monsieur Dupont

I continue to use mineral motor oil for the LS 400. I have never heard of any distinguished advantages in using synthetic motor oil for this engine.

Hi I am shopping for an aftermarket brake kit for a UCF10. This is not the well-documented brake upgrade using rotors from the JZA80. Below is what I have in mind, all hypothetical at this stage: Front 350mm one-piece rotor, cross-drilled six pistons Rear 280mm one-piece rotor, cross-drilled four pistons My question is about the compatibility of aftermarket calipers to the UCF10 LS 400 caliper braces... will they fit? What brands and models are known to fit? Upgrading to high-performance aftermarket brake systems is new territory for me. Also, I realize that I probably will have to change the wheels and tires to something bigger and wider to clear the new rotors and calipers. Thank you

The petrol smell is from your fuel regulator. It will look like this (probably in gold colour rather than silver) Depending on the temperature, the actuator inside the regulator will fluctuate. The smell is from fuel leaking from the fuel regulator--most probably the left fuel regulator. Look for wet spots on hoses surrounding them. Using a screwdriver, you should be able to twist the screw at the top of the regulator's cap to adjust the spring tension and stop the leak. I can't remember the direction, sorry... you will have to find out by trial-and-error. When driving, if you close your windows and close your cabin fan system to recirculate, you will not smell it. If you open the cabin air fan, you will smell it because the cabin intake is below the windscreen wipers--directly behind your engine bay.

I've been driving a ~1999 E430 for a little less than a week, which is probably a more appropriate comparison to the LS 430. So far, compared to my car (UCF10) it is nimbler and quicker. My only experience with a UCF30 is sitting as a passenger. The Mercedes-Benz E430 is noisier than the LS 430. The ride is not significantly harsher than an LS 430, but it doesn't make minor road defects disappear like the Lexus LS have always made a habit of doing... so expect more steering feedback, if it matters to you. When you are shopping, I think you should be looking at how good a car is at what it does; not at how much punch it has. What are you shopping for: a pampering luxury car?; or a powerful beast? They both weight near 2 tonnes. Then what's the acceleration worth to you?