New 1st Gen Owner!! (trackmkiii build thread)
11-01-14, 03:52 PM
#46
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I thinking about do the 3M Di-Noc too. I like the way it looks. Is it hard to work with Like molding it around different shapes and cutting edges neatly?
11-01-14, 08:32 PM
#47
Pole Position
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No not hard to work with at all just have to use a little heat and stretch a little bit. It is also recommended to buy the 3M primer with it so it sticks to the edges longer and doesn't have a chance to peel up. Use a little heat and the stuff can be removed, reprimed, and reinstalled. It's pretty cool stuff. Check out some youtube videos of it especially the architectural side of it.
11-25-14, 02:02 PM
#50
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Finally got some wheels!! Got them for a steal on Craigslist! XXR 521 18x8.5 f +25 18x10 r +30 Gunmetal. They came with tires with less than 5k miles on them. They balanced out really well and are in pretty good shape minus one spot of curb rash.
I put the wheels on just to test fit today. First thing I noticed was how badly the car needs to be lowered!!!!! Second thing I noticed was the spot of curb rash, I thought I wouldn't notice it but I do so they will be getting touched up and I will probably have them all clear coated to make them "pop" a little more. Third thing I noticed was the tires aren't wide enough. Right now up front I have 235 45 18 and in back 265 40 18 and the lip of the rim pokes out almost like a little bit of streach which I absolutely hate! Here is a pic of what I mean
See what I mean? I think I am going to step up to a 245 in the front and a 275 or maybe 285 in the rear. I think doing so will protect the lip of the rim better and look better in general . What do you guys think?
Best part is I messured from the face of the rotor to the back of the closet of the spokes and I have almost 2.75 inches of space so I am pretty confident these will clear Supra calipers!!
Now its times to figure out how I want to lower this thing. Coilovers or springs? I am leaning towards springs just for comfort since its my daily driver. I have heard good things about Tein springs and Tanabe DF Springs....any suggestions?
I put the wheels on just to test fit today. First thing I noticed was how badly the car needs to be lowered!!!!! Second thing I noticed was the spot of curb rash, I thought I wouldn't notice it but I do so they will be getting touched up and I will probably have them all clear coated to make them "pop" a little more. Third thing I noticed was the tires aren't wide enough. Right now up front I have 235 45 18 and in back 265 40 18 and the lip of the rim pokes out almost like a little bit of streach which I absolutely hate! Here is a pic of what I mean
See what I mean? I think I am going to step up to a 245 in the front and a 275 or maybe 285 in the rear. I think doing so will protect the lip of the rim better and look better in general . What do you guys think?
Best part is I messured from the face of the rotor to the back of the closet of the spokes and I have almost 2.75 inches of space so I am pretty confident these will clear Supra calipers!!
Now its times to figure out how I want to lower this thing. Coilovers or springs? I am leaning towards springs just for comfort since its my daily driver. I have heard good things about Tein springs and Tanabe DF Springs....any suggestions?
11-26-14, 06:51 PM
#51
Depends if you will get low enough on the springs alone to suck up that wheel well gap. That is why I'm holding out for coilovers, if someone would buy that turbo kit...
glad to see you got it back on the road following the news about the cracked head.
glad to see you got it back on the road following the news about the cracked head.
11-26-14, 07:46 PM
#52
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I want Coilovers too but I am afraid it will kill the ride quality. I haven't forgotten about the turbo kit. I think about every time I use an on ramp lol! Yeah the blown head gasket situation sucked but I made some upgrades while it was a part so it turned out to be a blessing!!
11-26-14, 08:00 PM
#53
the choice of spring rate is the factor that affects ride quality. there is a shock dyno thread on here that the BC coilovers were tested on and he found the ideal spring rate for the BCs in the rear was much lower than the one they are sold with. Can probably be switched by the dealer.
As far as ride quality though, my 93 GS300 years ago on Racing Logic coilovers and 18" wheels, dialed to not even full soft damper was a much better and smoother ride than my wife's Honda Accord. No worries.
As far as ride quality though, my 93 GS300 years ago on Racing Logic coilovers and 18" wheels, dialed to not even full soft damper was a much better and smoother ride than my wife's Honda Accord. No worries.
11-30-14, 03:12 PM
#56
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
My car hasn't been washed in about a month since it has been so cold and the guy that normally washes it for me when I don't want to is working at another dealership now and I couldn't take it anymore!! It was about 60 degrees outside today and I went for it!! Very happy with the results!!
Can't wait to see my new wheels on the car when its clean!!
Can't wait to see my new wheels on the car when its clean!!
12-07-14, 07:40 PM
#59
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
I have been meaning to change my coolant temp sensor like many of the LS400 members do to hopefully see improved gas mileage and improved overall operation. I finally got around to replacing the sensor along with the thermostat and gasket. The coolant temp sensor was original and it was absolutely trashed!!
Here is a pic of the old one vs the new one
And here is a pic of the part number from Toyota/Lexus. It was about $50 with my discount.
As you can see the connector portion of the sensor is completely gone. I went to disconnect the connector and the back of the sensor just feel off so there is absolutely no way it could have been reading properly. Glad I change it!! I haven't done a mpg test yet but I have noticed a better idle especially before it's completely up to operating temp and the transmission seem to be shifting better. Notice it more above 50% throttle and when it kicks down at WOT. I will report back if I see improved gas mileage.
Here is a pic of the old one vs the new one
And here is a pic of the part number from Toyota/Lexus. It was about $50 with my discount.
As you can see the connector portion of the sensor is completely gone. I went to disconnect the connector and the back of the sensor just feel off so there is absolutely no way it could have been reading properly. Glad I change it!! I haven't done a mpg test yet but I have noticed a better idle especially before it's completely up to operating temp and the transmission seem to be shifting better. Notice it more above 50% throttle and when it kicks down at WOT. I will report back if I see improved gas mileage.
12-09-14, 09:43 AM
#60
Racer
That sensor is necessary maintenance part for sure! I changed mine and noticed about 2mpg and like you said, improved cold starts and idling.
Nice build, your exterior and fit looks real clean
Nice build, your exterior and fit looks real clean