How to make a GS400 a 5-series killer????
11-09-02, 10:28 PM
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
How to make a GS400 a 5-series killer????
Dilemna....parents seeking a new family sedan. Dad wants 540i, mom wants E-class. I want them to get a GS4, but both want a 'sportier feeling car'.
3 different cars....3 different people. So far, we've narrowed it down to the 540i vs. GS4. Only issue left is to convince them a GS4 can perform on the level of a 540i.
What mods are necessary for this to be done? What is approximate cost of each mod? BTW, dad is coming from an 01 M5 so expectations are high
3 different cars....3 different people. So far, we've narrowed it down to the 540i vs. GS4. Only issue left is to convince them a GS4 can perform on the level of a 540i.
What mods are necessary for this to be done? What is approximate cost of each mod? BTW, dad is coming from an 01 M5 so expectations are high
11-09-02, 10:43 PM
#2
well, making a gs4 to hang with 540i shouldn't be that hard, except you can't have stick 
1) torque converter
2) lsd
3) stb
4) front lcb
5) trd sways
6) tom's 6 pieces rear links
7) tom's rear lcb
8) rear stb (depends on the need of trunk space)
9) tein flex
10) better tires / rims
11) brakes (depends on driving)
say you just get better tires with the stock rims, and also with the stock brakes, roughly i would say they all cost about
6k.
1) torque converter
2) lsd
3) stb
4) front lcb
5) trd sways
6) tom's 6 pieces rear links
7) tom's rear lcb
8) rear stb (depends on the need of trunk space)
9) tein flex
10) better tires / rims
11) brakes (depends on driving)
say you just get better tires with the stock rims, and also with the stock brakes, roughly i would say they all cost about
6k.
11-09-02, 10:56 PM
#3
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Re: How to make a GS400 a 5-series killer????
Originally posted by XenonES3
Dilemna....parents seeking a new family sedan. Dad wants 540i, mom wants E-class. I want them to get a GS4, but both want a 'sportier feeling car'.
3 different cars....3 different people. So far, we've narrowed it down to the 540i vs. GS4. Only issue left is to convince them a GS4 can perform on the level of a 540i.
What mods are necessary for this to be done? What is approximate cost of each mod? BTW, dad is coming from an 01 M5 so expectations are high
Dilemna....parents seeking a new family sedan. Dad wants 540i, mom wants E-class. I want them to get a GS4, but both want a 'sportier feeling car'.
3 different cars....3 different people. So far, we've narrowed it down to the 540i vs. GS4. Only issue left is to convince them a GS4 can perform on the level of a 540i.
What mods are necessary for this to be done? What is approximate cost of each mod? BTW, dad is coming from an 01 M5 so expectations are high
11-09-02, 11:58 PM
#4
Lexus Test Driver
L-Tuned is the answer
I'd think that your Mom would prefer either the 540 or GS4 to Dad's previous M5. Unless there's some feeling that the Lexus is a "lesser" brand than the others, the Lex ought to win out.
They’ll probably never push the GS or 540 to their limits – seems to me that simply by having the dealer add the L-Tuned suspension mods (springs, shocks, and ecu) would only be $1,000 or so (guess) and would firm up the handling to satisfy your Dad (he's already coming down from the M5). Those mods would have dealer warranty and the GS beats the BMW’s hands-down on dealer treatment and satisfaction of ownership (J. D. Powers). Lack of problems and dealer treatment is usually important to “older” folks. If other aspects are close to equal – maybe that’ll push them over the edge.
They’ll probably never push the GS or 540 to their limits – seems to me that simply by having the dealer add the L-Tuned suspension mods (springs, shocks, and ecu) would only be $1,000 or so (guess) and would firm up the handling to satisfy your Dad (he's already coming down from the M5). Those mods would have dealer warranty and the GS beats the BMW’s hands-down on dealer treatment and satisfaction of ownership (J. D. Powers). Lack of problems and dealer treatment is usually important to “older” folks. If other aspects are close to equal – maybe that’ll push them over the edge.
11-10-02, 03:46 AM
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As far as sportier look, the GS wins. Suspension is its only thing, imho, that it loses out. Power is equal if not better in the GS4. If stick is a must, then your ONLY option is the 540. I use the "autostick" in my car a lot, but I'm not all sure if they still offer it in the GS430.
Either way, I agree with teh above comments, that if you change the suspension, you have a better car than the 540.
If you do what the first guy told you, you go WAY beyond the 540.
Either way, I agree with teh above comments, that if you change the suspension, you have a better car than the 540.
If you do what the first guy told you, you go WAY beyond the 540.
11-10-02, 04:02 AM
#6
Originally posted by ThemisN
As far as sportier look, the GS wins. Suspension is its only thing, imho, that it loses out. Power is equal if not better in the GS4. If stick is a must, then your ONLY option is the 540. I use the "autostick" in my car a lot, but I'm not all sure if they still offer it in the GS430.
Either way, I agree with teh above comments, that if you change the suspension, you have a better car than the 540.
If you do what the first guy told you, you go WAY beyond the 540.
As far as sportier look, the GS wins. Suspension is its only thing, imho, that it loses out. Power is equal if not better in the GS4. If stick is a must, then your ONLY option is the 540. I use the "autostick" in my car a lot, but I'm not all sure if they still offer it in the GS430.
Either way, I agree with teh above comments, that if you change the suspension, you have a better car than the 540.
If you do what the first guy told you, you go WAY beyond the 540.
anyway, yes, the new gs430 doesn't have e-shift anymore, my guess is it has something to do with the emmission. so if you are looking for a stick shift then the 540i sport is the only thing possible.
i actually wanna know why your parents are downgrading from the m5 to either 540 or gs430. i mean the m5 is still very luxury, it's not like with the 540 it will be a great sedan.
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11-10-02, 02:04 PM
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Originally posted by IS200 3SGTE
i doubt anyone can really push a M5, 540i or GS4 to its limits on the road. the GS4 is plenty sporty and with the L-Tune parts it can easily outrun the 540i.
i doubt anyone can really push a M5, 540i or GS4 to its limits on the road. the GS4 is plenty sporty and with the L-Tune parts it can easily outrun the 540i.
11-10-02, 02:37 PM
#9
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Originally posted by IS200 3SGTE
i doubt anyone can really push a M5, 540i or GS4 to its limits on the road. the GS4 is plenty sporty and with the L-Tune parts it can easily outrun the 540i.
i doubt anyone can really push a M5, 540i or GS4 to its limits on the road. the GS4 is plenty sporty and with the L-Tune parts it can easily outrun the 540i.
Given all the options above - keep the M5 if you can! It's ony a couple years old and is a great car. Lease must be up?
e43Guy (and anyone contemplating responding to his post), let's not turn the civil conversation into a battle please.
Last edited by DaveGS4; 11-10-02 at 02:40 PM.
11-10-02, 03:43 PM
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That is going to be hard to do if the decision is based soley on performance. I assume he is looking at 6 speed 540i. A very quick sedan right off the floor. I considered one before I bought my 430.
My reasons for a 430 vs a 540i where:
1) I don't want to shift.
2) The radio in the 540 is a POS compared to the Mark Levinson in the 430. At best the system is tinny, at worst....
3) The Nav system in the 540 is a weak compared to the one in the 430.
4) The 430 is a smoother and quieter car. It feels more refined.
5) Lexus reliability is difficult to beat. I want a car I can get in and not have to be concerned about it starting or breaking down 200 miles from a shop.
jerry
My reasons for a 430 vs a 540i where:
1) I don't want to shift.
2) The radio in the 540 is a POS compared to the Mark Levinson in the 430. At best the system is tinny, at worst....
3) The Nav system in the 540 is a weak compared to the one in the 430.
4) The 430 is a smoother and quieter car. It feels more refined.
5) Lexus reliability is difficult to beat. I want a car I can get in and not have to be concerned about it starting or breaking down 200 miles from a shop.
jerry
11-10-02, 10:14 PM
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Hey
e43guy yes you could but that is not the question here is it? he wants to know what it will take for a GS4 to take on a 540i and i am just putting my suggestion if you don't like what i said make your own suggestion.
And lets not forget the GS4 is a pretty quick off the line and no slouch in the corners stock but with a little modification it can be a very quick car or with a lot of mods an extremely fast car (aka GS400TT i know it is not a very common mod but it can but done and make it into a extremely fast car).
but really it is up to the family on how much you want to mod the car. Also the 540i is 51,900 and the GS430 is 48,000, i am sure price is not a issue but still good to know.
either way it is up to the one with the money.
e43guy yes you could but that is not the question here is it? he wants to know what it will take for a GS4 to take on a 540i and i am just putting my suggestion if you don't like what i said make your own suggestion.
And lets not forget the GS4 is a pretty quick off the line and no slouch in the corners stock but with a little modification it can be a very quick car or with a lot of mods an extremely fast car (aka GS400TT i know it is not a very common mod but it can but done and make it into a extremely fast car).
but really it is up to the family on how much you want to mod the car. Also the 540i is 51,900 and the GS430 is 48,000, i am sure price is not a issue but still good to know.
either way it is up to the one with the money.
Last edited by IS200 3SGTE; 11-10-02 at 10:22 PM.
11-10-02, 11:14 PM
#12
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Originally posted by rominl
well, making a gs4 to hang with 540i shouldn't be that hard, except you can't have stick
1) torque converter
2) lsd
3) stb
4) front lcb
5) trd sways
6) tom's 6 pieces rear links
7) tom's rear lcb
8) rear stb (depends on the need of trunk space)
9) tein flex
10) better tires / rims
11) brakes (depends on driving)
say you just get better tires with the stock rims, and also with the stock brakes, roughly i would say they all cost about
6k.
well, making a gs4 to hang with 540i shouldn't be that hard, except you can't have stick
1) torque converter
2) lsd
3) stb
4) front lcb
5) trd sways
6) tom's 6 pieces rear links
7) tom's rear lcb
8) rear stb (depends on the need of trunk space)
9) tein flex
10) better tires / rims
11) brakes (depends on driving)
say you just get better tires with the stock rims, and also with the stock brakes, roughly i would say they all cost about
6k.
11-11-02, 12:26 AM
#13
Originally posted by bitkahuna
You don't need to do all that to hang with a 540i with sport package. My neighbor has one which I've driven. *I* don't have all the pieces you list above on my GS4 but I can run circles around my neighbor's 540i.
You don't need to do all that to hang with a 540i with sport package. My neighbor has one which I've driven. *I* don't have all the pieces you list above on my GS4 but I can run circles around my neighbor's 540i.
say i don't have the tc and the lsd, would i still be able to run circle around it?
11-14-02, 09:37 PM
#14
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Wow, thanks for all the responses!
To clarify some things:
1. My parents want to step down from the M5 because the lease will expire soon, my mom dislikes driving stick, and we need a car that can be driven in snow.
2. My dad still wants a car he can push and have fun with (even though he's now 50 ). And since I still have 1.5 years left before I leave for college, I don't mind taking the car out once in a while, because a GS4/540i would be the best car I'd drive for the next 20 years till I could afford my own
He would choose the GS4, (it beats the 540i in pretty much every way), but doesn't feel it would be as fun to drive as the 540i. But, thanks to the input from you guys, it seems like the L-tuned ECU, shocks, and springs would make the GS4 a thriller!
COUPLE MORE QUESTIONS:
1. Would the 17's with stock tires be sufficient at handling snow? How about with snow tires? Or is the best bet to go with 16's?
2. Regarding the L-tuned ECU, shocks, and springs....they are covered by Lexus warranty right? Approximately how much would the trio cost with installation?
Thanks very much, you guys have been very helpful!!!!!
To clarify some things:
1. My parents want to step down from the M5 because the lease will expire soon, my mom dislikes driving stick, and we need a car that can be driven in snow.
2. My dad still wants a car he can push and have fun with (even though he's now 50
). And since I still have 1.5 years left before I leave for college, I don't mind taking the car out once in a while, because a GS4/540i would be the best car I'd drive for the next 20 years till I could afford my own He would choose the GS4, (it beats the 540i in pretty much every way), but doesn't feel it would be as fun to drive as the 540i. But, thanks to the input from you guys, it seems like the L-tuned ECU, shocks, and springs would make the GS4 a thriller!
COUPLE MORE QUESTIONS:
1. Would the 17's with stock tires be sufficient at handling snow? How about with snow tires? Or is the best bet to go with 16's?
2. Regarding the L-tuned ECU, shocks, and springs....they are covered by Lexus warranty right? Approximately how much would the trio cost with installation?
Thanks very much, you guys have been very helpful!!!!!
11-14-02, 10:26 PM
#15
Hey Xenon, I checked with McGrath here in Chicago, and they quoted about $1400.00 not including the ECU.
I'm driving the stock all-season 16" crap and they were sufficient in the little snow we got last year. Definitely gonna need all-season on the 17's, too.
I'm driving the stock all-season 16" crap and they were sufficient in the little snow we got last year. Definitely gonna need all-season on the 17's, too.