I'm needing some info from owners that have owned both an SC300 and and SC400..
first off, which one did you like better ( drive/handling, did sc400 feel alot more weighed down)

2nd, maintenance wise, are parts about the same in cost and which one costed you more to maintain ( V8 im guessing)

3rd, whats the difficulty comparison on "do it yourself" jobs.... is the six cylinder user friendly or require more than a basic mechanics tool set to reach regular maintenance items ( alternator, starter, spark plugs, etc)


4th isn't really a comparison question, but do the SC400's have the exact motor as the LS400? Do they use any other same components like rack and pinion and power steering pump?
I've seen a lot of LS400s that required getting a new power steering pump and rack/pinion ..


I'm looking to buy whichever one is least likely to need constant attention, and when it does need attention, doesn't take too long to work on...... Taking off the intake manifold/ plenum to get to the spark plugs isn't too big of a deal, but if it takes more than 10 mins, (moving vacuum lines, wires, etc) let me know

Thanks

 

SC4 and SC3 drive the same stock handling wise. Both are a little loose. There's only a 300 lb difference, but there were some upgrades on the SC4 to compensate so they ride the same.

SC4 gets better gas mileage.

SC4 is cheaper to work on. 2jz parts are more in demand.

SC4 is not hard to work on so both are reasonably easy UNLESS you want to replace the starter.

 

SC400 and LS400 have the same exact core engine. Accessories are mostly the same but there are a few differences (specifically since you asked, the LS and SC P/S pumps and racks are different). SC400 is the more reliable engine but is less mod friendly. SC400 doesn't feel weighted down as it is lighter than the SC300 (aluminum versus iron blocks). Read the many threads on here comparing the two.

 

So in a couple of years, the 4.0 motor parts will be harder to find due to the "10- year rule" where a company stops producing parts for a certain car 10 years after it sells its last model. And 2000 was the last year for the 4.0 motor to be used in a car, correct?

Well hopefully the aftermarket support will continue.... I really want a '98+ SC4 soon!

 

The closest Lexus dealership is a half-hour drive, but there is a Toyota dealership that's local. It's a 5 minute drive from my place. Since the SC300 does share the same 2JZ with the NA Supra, the Toyota dealership doesn't mind taking in my SC for engine work. I think that's one of the perks of the SC3; compatibility with a Toyota dealership for service.

 

Cars like the tacoma and landcruiser came with a UZz so you can get some of those parts at the toyota dealership as well.

To the OP, i have a 1992 sc300 5spd and a totaled 92 sc400 which was replaced with a 98 sc400 so i have a pretty good comparison of the cars.

1) Depends in oem form the 98+ sc400 FOR SURE. Its a LOT faster then the other sc's even my manual and all you need to do is a simple exhaust/header for an easy 20-30hp.

But its still an automatic if you know what i mean. So when you floor it, their is still a delay. For me, a person who DD a manual, its unbearable but i would assume most people who are less into cars then me wouldnt mind that.

Also once you get that exhaust done, engine wise you are basically done. But a simple turbo kit on the 2jz-ge will have you running circles around the 98+ 400. So if you are mechanically inclinded a sc300 has far greater potential then the 400.

2, A 92-97 sc400 is gonna be the most expensive, followed by a 92-97 sc300, 98+ sc400 and 98+ sc300.

3, ya the 2jz is more user friendly well besides the spark plugs. But basically what it comes down to is the 2jz is a smaller engine so you have more engine space.

Honestly i dont think number 2 or 3 should really matter.

4) stuff like rack n pinons needing replaced are going to depend more on miles on the car and not the engine.

 

2JZ-GE parts are dirt cheap, super easy to work on and are pretty much bulletproof if you understand basic maintenance and common sense.

You can buy long blocks with relatively low mileage for $200-$800 bucks if you know where to look.

2JZ-GEs have a more in-depth technical resources that can be easily found online in other forums specific to supras

As for the chassis, its all the same.