TX 1998 SC400 W58 Swap: 92,000 miles, Blk/Blk, $11,000 obo
08-09-14, 12:14 PM
#1
1998 SC400 W58 Swap: 92,000 miles, Blk/Blk, $11,000 obo
Hello Everyone,
I posted this car up in 2/2012 in the SC400 section back when it was initially completed. I was very pleased to have the first (I think) SC400 VVTi with a W58 swap. My vision was to have sportier version of the SC400 with a manual transmission using all OEM Toyota parts. I wanted an SC400 as Lexus should have offered it.
Fast forward two years and I still love the car but I have barely driven it. I was planning on putting in SC430 motor with a TOM's supercharger and changing the transmission to an R154. I was also planning new paint, HID retrofit, LED tails from Clear Corners and several other things. Alas, I have realized that I simply do not have time for two door toys anymore. My Princess is now two and a half and I have another Princess on the way. My priorities have changed and I guess that I am getting old.
Asking Price: $11,000 obo
Anyway, here are the details that I know:
Disclaimer: I did absolutely none of the work on this car. My work takes up much of my time and the rest of the time is for my girls. I am blessed to have good friends in Houston that I trust completely to take care of my projects. Viet Do sourced all of the parts and Mike Nguyen, of Team Shiftpoint, did all the work. I send many, many thanks to both of them. Unfortunately, I cannot answer any questions about the intricacies of this swap. I can, however, try to get you an answer or put you in touch with Mike if needed.
Almost every part purchased new from Champion Toyota, Lexus of Clear Lake, Westside Lexus or Sterling McCall Lexus in Houston, Texas. Used parts that I can recall are the W58 transmission, springs (30,000 miles), Drive shaft, JDM Supra Rear Pumpkin with 3.21 ratio
(40,000 miles)
1998 SC400 VVTi with almost 92,000 miles. I have owned the car since 2008 when it had 63,000 miles. I purchased it in West Palm Beach, Florida and drove it home.
OEM Toyota W58 with tripod shifter from a car with 80,000 miles. Fully checked prior to installation at Bayside services in Houston, Texas. The differential is from a JDM Supra with v161. This rear pumpkin is the same size as the OEM SC400 pumpkin and bolts to the original SC300 drive shaft. It has a factory LSD with 3.21 ratio. Black Momo Anatomico shift ****. Transmission tunnel, shifter bezel also purchased new.
Engine is completely stock. Timing belt/water pump changed at time of tranny swap. I asked Mike to look at all seals and gave him the freedom to change anything that he could find that was leaking or needed replacement. I know seals for cam cover and front/rear main seals were changed. All fluids changed as well. New spark plugs and wires installed at time of swap. All oil changes were done every 3000 miles with either Mobile One Full synthetic 5W30 or Penzoil Full synthetic. Stock catalytic converters removed for the W58 swap. Exhaust is stock.
Bulletcars Bell housing with Heavy duty flywheel and clutch. See Bulletcars.com for details.
Suspension: Supra TT OEM springs with new OEM struts/shocks. TRD TT swaybars front and rear.
New SC400 Upper control arms and new Supra TT lower control arms. I was chasing a suspension noise that turned out to be the original brake calipers. The original control arms were actually still good.
Brakes: Supra TT Calipers, Rotors, Pads, Shims Front and rear all purchased new. Stainless steel braided brake lines purchased from Tire Rack.
Wheels: The ones pictured on the car are Toyota JDM Optional Wheels (VAPC) 18 x 9 with 45 offset. I had them refinished in brushed aluminum with clear coat. I have a set of gently used Supra TT Polished wheels with tires that are now on the car (Please see pictures further down). The close-up pictures of the wheels were to show the brakes and sway bar. Buyer will have choice of wheels at time of purchase.
Body: No accidents. Usual dings and scratches for a sixteen year-old car. The paint has some oxidation and many burns from bird droppings. I purchased the car like this because I planned on painting it anyway. Obviously, I never got to having it painted. The car polishes up very nicely and you could drive it as it is. I am very particular so I want any potential buyer to be aware. Headlights and fog lights need buffing as well.
Interior is clean without rips or tears. No cracks on the door panels or the AC vents. Black leather steering wheel from RX300 with OEM Airbag.
Please see the pictures and call, text or PM if you have any questions.
Again, I am asking $11,000 o.b.o. I think that I have priced the car fairly given the mileage, condition and the modifications. The car will be in either San Antonio or Houston, Texas.
Thank you for your interest.
Luis E. Velez
levelezmd@gmail.com
210 215 8353
I posted this car up in 2/2012 in the SC400 section back when it was initially completed. I was very pleased to have the first (I think) SC400 VVTi with a W58 swap. My vision was to have sportier version of the SC400 with a manual transmission using all OEM Toyota parts. I wanted an SC400 as Lexus should have offered it.
Fast forward two years and I still love the car but I have barely driven it. I was planning on putting in SC430 motor with a TOM's supercharger and changing the transmission to an R154. I was also planning new paint, HID retrofit, LED tails from Clear Corners and several other things. Alas, I have realized that I simply do not have time for two door toys anymore. My Princess is now two and a half and I have another Princess on the way. My priorities have changed and I guess that I am getting old.
Asking Price: $11,000 obo
Anyway, here are the details that I know:
Disclaimer: I did absolutely none of the work on this car. My work takes up much of my time and the rest of the time is for my girls. I am blessed to have good friends in Houston that I trust completely to take care of my projects. Viet Do sourced all of the parts and Mike Nguyen, of Team Shiftpoint, did all the work. I send many, many thanks to both of them. Unfortunately, I cannot answer any questions about the intricacies of this swap. I can, however, try to get you an answer or put you in touch with Mike if needed.
Almost every part purchased new from Champion Toyota, Lexus of Clear Lake, Westside Lexus or Sterling McCall Lexus in Houston, Texas. Used parts that I can recall are the W58 transmission, springs (30,000 miles), Drive shaft, JDM Supra Rear Pumpkin with 3.21 ratio
(40,000 miles)
1998 SC400 VVTi with almost 92,000 miles. I have owned the car since 2008 when it had 63,000 miles. I purchased it in West Palm Beach, Florida and drove it home.
OEM Toyota W58 with tripod shifter from a car with 80,000 miles. Fully checked prior to installation at Bayside services in Houston, Texas. The differential is from a JDM Supra with v161. This rear pumpkin is the same size as the OEM SC400 pumpkin and bolts to the original SC300 drive shaft. It has a factory LSD with 3.21 ratio. Black Momo Anatomico shift ****. Transmission tunnel, shifter bezel also purchased new.
Engine is completely stock. Timing belt/water pump changed at time of tranny swap. I asked Mike to look at all seals and gave him the freedom to change anything that he could find that was leaking or needed replacement. I know seals for cam cover and front/rear main seals were changed. All fluids changed as well. New spark plugs and wires installed at time of swap. All oil changes were done every 3000 miles with either Mobile One Full synthetic 5W30 or Penzoil Full synthetic. Stock catalytic converters removed for the W58 swap. Exhaust is stock.
Bulletcars Bell housing with Heavy duty flywheel and clutch. See Bulletcars.com for details.
Suspension: Supra TT OEM springs with new OEM struts/shocks. TRD TT swaybars front and rear.
New SC400 Upper control arms and new Supra TT lower control arms. I was chasing a suspension noise that turned out to be the original brake calipers. The original control arms were actually still good.
Brakes: Supra TT Calipers, Rotors, Pads, Shims Front and rear all purchased new. Stainless steel braided brake lines purchased from Tire Rack.
Wheels: The ones pictured on the car are Toyota JDM Optional Wheels (VAPC) 18 x 9 with 45 offset. I had them refinished in brushed aluminum with clear coat. I have a set of gently used Supra TT Polished wheels with tires that are now on the car (Please see pictures further down). The close-up pictures of the wheels were to show the brakes and sway bar. Buyer will have choice of wheels at time of purchase.
Body: No accidents. Usual dings and scratches for a sixteen year-old car. The paint has some oxidation and many burns from bird droppings. I purchased the car like this because I planned on painting it anyway. Obviously, I never got to having it painted. The car polishes up very nicely and you could drive it as it is. I am very particular so I want any potential buyer to be aware. Headlights and fog lights need buffing as well.
Interior is clean without rips or tears. No cracks on the door panels or the AC vents. Black leather steering wheel from RX300 with OEM Airbag.
Please see the pictures and call, text or PM if you have any questions.
Again, I am asking $11,000 o.b.o. I think that I have priced the car fairly given the mileage, condition and the modifications. The car will be in either San Antonio or Houston, Texas.
Thank you for your interest.
Luis E. Velez
levelezmd@gmail.com
210 215 8353
Last edited by lev00221; 11-18-14 at 09:30 PM.
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08-09-14, 08:41 PM
#8
I apologize for not getting a picture of the engine. I will post it along with the pictures of the polished TT wheels.
The W58 has held up great! I am a spirited driver but I don't abuse my cars. The W58 gearing is a perfect match for the 3.2 rear end. Acceleration is quick and smooth while highway cruising is quiet. The car handles great but retains all the comfort of a Lexus. It's not bouncy or jarring at all. Toyota/TRD did their homework with the suspension. Overall, this car is great fun to drive and I will miss it.
The W58 has held up great! I am a spirited driver but I don't abuse my cars. The W58 gearing is a perfect match for the 3.2 rear end. Acceleration is quick and smooth while highway cruising is quiet. The car handles great but retains all the comfort of a Lexus. It's not bouncy or jarring at all. Toyota/TRD did their homework with the suspension. Overall, this car is great fun to drive and I will miss it.
Last edited by lev00221; 08-09-14 at 08:55 PM.
08-09-14, 09:44 PM
#11
08-18-14, 07:43 AM
#15
Driver School Candidate
I see old men in EVO's quite often