Modding 1999 Lexus ES300
02-05-16, 08:59 AM
#17
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Swapping in an ES330 3MZ Engine isn't for the faint hearted in a 3rd gen ES. Everything is different, starting with the drive by wire system, transmission, mounts etc.
What I've read some Toyota MR2 owners do is use a 3MZ-FE block with a 1MZ-FE headers and intake control.
The main advantage of the 3MZ over the 1MZ is midrange torque, though at the expense of noise and refinement. I love the highway pull I get on my ES330! However at the upper end it doesn't pull as hard, where as the 1MZ in my Solara peaks in its upper range.
The TRD Supercharger is another option, but I believe it was mostly intended for the non-VVT-i 1MZ-FE engines, like in the Gen 1 Solara.
Either way, the 210HP with your current setup is pretty much as much as you're going to get out of it right now without spending more than your car is worth. Assuming you're caught up on maintenance, you can personalize smaller things, such as HID/ LED light upgrades, tints and a nice set of rims.
What I've read some Toyota MR2 owners do is use a 3MZ-FE block with a 1MZ-FE headers and intake control.
The main advantage of the 3MZ over the 1MZ is midrange torque, though at the expense of noise and refinement. I love the highway pull I get on my ES330! However at the upper end it doesn't pull as hard, where as the 1MZ in my Solara peaks in its upper range.
The TRD Supercharger is another option, but I believe it was mostly intended for the non-VVT-i 1MZ-FE engines, like in the Gen 1 Solara.
Either way, the 210HP with your current setup is pretty much as much as you're going to get out of it right now without spending more than your car is worth. Assuming you're caught up on maintenance, you can personalize smaller things, such as HID/ LED light upgrades, tints and a nice set of rims.
The following users liked this post:
Cloudyview (12-19-20)
02-07-16, 05:45 AM
#19
Originally Posted by Lexus2000
Sorry to tell you but you wasted your money. The intake system on these cars is very good and does not restrict the engine in any way.
The intake is absolutely HORRIBLE on the twin throttle cars.
02-07-16, 08:09 AM
#20
Lexus Champion
Prove it.
....
....
02-08-16, 10:11 AM
#22
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Ok, well since adding performance shouldn't be something I look for with this car would there be any advice on making my drive any smoother and more reliable/durable? I had read that when the 99 ES was released one of the options to add was air suspension, any thoughts on that?
FYI...I have a pre-2000 Lexus on purpose, not because I can't afford a newer car. I am impressed by reviews for LS/ES between 92 and 99. I initially wanted a 95/96/97 LS but it's hard to find in MA because most people who have one don't want to sell it or when they do, they ask for way more then their car is worth (including the issues that come with the car they happen to be selling).
FYI...I have a pre-2000 Lexus on purpose, not because I can't afford a newer car. I am impressed by reviews for LS/ES between 92 and 99. I initially wanted a 95/96/97 LS but it's hard to find in MA because most people who have one don't want to sell it or when they do, they ask for way more then their car is worth (including the issues that come with the car they happen to be selling).
02-08-16, 01:14 PM
#23
These Toyota/Lexus are quite serviceable and lots of parts out there.
The other good thing is they aren't targeted by thieves like Hondas are.
One day I was searching Craigslist for RX330s for a coworker and came upon my ES300, it was in excellent condition, original owner and only had 46k miles, and it was the 00-01 year I was looking for. I just had to buy it.
Personally I like the 00-01 vs the 97-99, I am fortunate to have a "Platinum series" model so it comes with a lot of the optional parts like HIDs, Sunroof, Woodgrain Steering wheel, 16" wheels, and textured leather.
BTW, the 97-98 Models were non VVTI and used the more reliable U541E transmissions. These have single butterfly Throttlebody
99-01(99 being pre face lift) was VVTI and U140E which is more prone to failure if the trans fluid isn't changed regularly. These have the dual butterflies.
02-08-16, 01:45 PM
#24
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Personally I've owned newer cars and more expensive cars, but reason I bought my '00 ES300 was because I liked the look and style of the 00-01 ES300. Coming from a 99 Camry we got from a family friend for cheap that I owned for about 1 year I liked the power and smoothness of the 1MZ-FE.
These Toyota/Lexus are quite serviceable and lots of parts out there.
The other good thing is they aren't targeted by thieves like Hondas are.
One day I was searching Craigslist for RX330s for a coworker and came upon my ES300, it was in excellent condition, original owner and only had 46k miles, and it was the 00-01 year I was looking for. I just had to buy it.
Personally I like the 00-01 vs the 97-99, I am fortunate to have a "Platinum series" model so it comes with a lot of the optional parts like HIDs, Sunroof, Woodgrain Steering wheel, 16" wheels, and textured leather.
BTW, the 97-98 Models were non VVTI and used the more reliable U541E transmissions. These have single butterfly Throttlebody
99-01(99 being pre face lift) was VVTI and U140E which is more prone to failure if the trans fluid isn't changed regularly. These have the dual butterflies.
These Toyota/Lexus are quite serviceable and lots of parts out there.
The other good thing is they aren't targeted by thieves like Hondas are.
One day I was searching Craigslist for RX330s for a coworker and came upon my ES300, it was in excellent condition, original owner and only had 46k miles, and it was the 00-01 year I was looking for. I just had to buy it.
Personally I like the 00-01 vs the 97-99, I am fortunate to have a "Platinum series" model so it comes with a lot of the optional parts like HIDs, Sunroof, Woodgrain Steering wheel, 16" wheels, and textured leather.
BTW, the 97-98 Models were non VVTI and used the more reliable U541E transmissions. These have single butterfly Throttlebody
99-01(99 being pre face lift) was VVTI and U140E which is more prone to failure if the trans fluid isn't changed regularly. These have the dual butterflies.
02-08-16, 02:47 PM
#25
I got some nice 17's with quiet tires for summer (Bridgestone Turanza, but they don't make the one I have anymore). TireRack wouldn't guarantee they would fit, but I've had no problem with them.
Don't use 17's for winter, as the short tire sidewall is no protection from potholes (I bent one badly, but was able to get it repaired).
Last edited by kj07xk; 02-08-16 at 09:48 PM.
02-08-16, 05:16 PM
#26
Originally Posted by kj07xk
Keep your 15's for winter and put some good winter tires on them (I put Mich Xice on mine).
I got some nice 17's with quiet tires for summer (Bridgestone Turenza, but they don't make the one I have anymore). TireRack wouldn't guarantee they would fit, but I've had no problem with them.
Don't use 17's for winter, as the short tire sidewall is no protection from potholes (I bent one badly, but was able to get it repaired).
I got some nice 17's with quiet tires for summer (Bridgestone Turenza, but they don't make the one I have anymore). TireRack wouldn't guarantee they would fit, but I've had no problem with them.
Don't use 17's for winter, as the short tire sidewall is no protection from potholes (I bent one badly, but was able to get it repaired).
02-08-16, 09:59 PM
#27
Honestly, for 17", if you have a set of snow tires, get a nice set of summer tires to use for the other 3 seasons. Having a set of all seasons in addition to snows is defeating the purpose. It's better use for your money. All season tires: Jack of all trades, master of none.
The fact that I bent a wheel with them, forced me to rethink the all season tire strategy, and put winter tires on the OEM wheels.
One of the best decisions I ever made. For northerners that have never tried a true winter tire, you don't know what you are missing. They make a huge difference in snow, slush, and ice.
02-09-16, 07:53 PM
#28
Originally Posted by kj07xk
At the time I bought the Turanza's, they were one of the quietest rated tires on TireRack, which was my highest criteria for a set of tires at that time (I think they are back in production again, but I don't know if it is the same, better, or worse than what I bought).
The fact that I bent a wheel with them, forced me to rethink the all season tire strategy, and put winter tires on the OEM wheels.
One of the best decisions I ever made. For northerners that have never tried a true winter tire, you don't know what you are missing. They make a huge difference in snow, slush, and ice.
The fact that I bent a wheel with them, forced me to rethink the all season tire strategy, and put winter tires on the OEM wheels.
One of the best decisions I ever made. For northerners that have never tried a true winter tire, you don't know what you are missing. They make a huge difference in snow, slush, and ice.
Case in point: My Firestone Winterforces. One of the best rated snow tires on tire rack. It's noisy as **** and would drive most up a wall. These tires have saved my *** so many times for years on my ES300. This winter these same tires are on my RWD SC300 and it's a blast in the snow. Go figure.
02-09-16, 10:27 PM
#29
Quiet tires don't mean much when your car is loud (me lol)
Case in point: My Firestone Winterforces. One of the best rated snow tires on tire rack. It's noisy as **** and would drive most up a wall. These tires have saved my *** so many times for years on my ES300. This winter these same tires are on my RWD SC300 and it's a blast in the snow. Go figure.
Case in point: My Firestone Winterforces. One of the best rated snow tires on tire rack. It's noisy as **** and would drive most up a wall. These tires have saved my *** so many times for years on my ES300. This winter these same tires are on my RWD SC300 and it's a blast in the snow. Go figure.
The Mich Xice are not quiet tires, but not objectionally loud either. Plenty of grip, and I've put them on three cars so far, and have been extremely happy with the results. Blizzaks are another great choice (from what I've heard from those that have used them).