The Revival of the LS
01-22-07, 09:43 AM
#1
The Revival of the LS
So after numerous failed attempts to sell this car on craigslist for under $2000, I have decided to keep my 1991 LS400 and ressurrect it from 5yrs of abuse from an unforgiving father-in-law who feels their friends who fixed cars 30yrs ago has what it takes to piece together.
My plans....
Fix all the bodywork and abuse.
New Monotone Paintjob Toyota Black #202
18x8 18x9 Wheels and tires.
Wald Coilovers.
Wald Executive Bodykit (subtle one)
JDM 1pc headlights
JDM Celsior Grill (to replace mangled stock grill)
New Dash and Audio setup.
1JZ-GTE w/Auto Tranny swap. (yes I know)
Im just tired of seeing this car falling to pieces when I know it has potential.
My plans....
Fix all the bodywork and abuse.
New Monotone Paintjob Toyota Black #202
18x8 18x9 Wheels and tires.
Wald Coilovers.
Wald Executive Bodykit (subtle one)
JDM 1pc headlights
JDM Celsior Grill (to replace mangled stock grill)
New Dash and Audio setup.
1JZ-GTE w/Auto Tranny swap. (yes I know)
Im just tired of seeing this car falling to pieces when I know it has potential.
01-22-07, 02:08 PM
#4
Lexus Champion
Looks like you've got some great plans to make the LS look hot and drive pretty fast. My only suggestion: with the Wald kit, 18" wheels may not be enough. From what I understand, the kit sits quite low, and to get the look you really want, you will need 19" wheels.
What do you plan to do with the dash?
If you don't mind me asking, how much do you estimate the 1JZ swap will set you back? My LS is at about 193K.. sooner or later, I may have to do an engine rebuild, and that may be a better way to go.
What do you plan to do with the dash?
If you don't mind me asking, how much do you estimate the 1JZ swap will set you back? My LS is at about 193K.. sooner or later, I may have to do an engine rebuild, and that may be a better way to go.
01-22-07, 02:18 PM
#5
Looks like you've got some great plans to make the LS look hot and drive pretty fast. My only suggestion: with the Wald kit, 18" wheels may not be enough. From what I understand, the kit sits quite low, and to get the look you really want, you will need 19" wheels.
What do you plan to do with the dash?
If you don't mind me asking, how much do you estimate the 1JZ swap will set you back? My LS is at about 193K.. sooner or later, I may have to do an engine rebuild, and that may be a better way to go.
What do you plan to do with the dash?
If you don't mind me asking, how much do you estimate the 1JZ swap will set you back? My LS is at about 193K.. sooner or later, I may have to do an engine rebuild, and that may be a better way to go.
I want the subtle WALD Executive Line kit not the more Aggressive Sports Kit. I am talking to Stef from D2 right now to see what wheels I can get to compliment the VIP-sort-of look Im going for.
My dash has a tear on the passenger side. I was thinkin of picking up a dash from a salvaged LS400 that is untorn. or get an SC or gen1 GS dash from aliga and do some fiberglass and upholstering work on the unit. I am trying to get away from that hidious HVAC unit. IF I can somehow get maybe an IS300 HVAC control and mold and repin the harness, I would love to. (but all this is speculation at this point)
1JZ swap will run me about $1000 delivered and I'll sort the wiring mess and install myself (as usual) I want a nice twin turbo setup and something that is easier to work on than that cramped 1UZ.
Right now all i want to do is get the Daizen Control arm Bushing kit and sway bar bushing kit. and possibly source a coilover kit.
Thats Step #1
01-22-07, 03:45 PM
#6
id avoid the 1jz motor, 2.5 liter turbo just cant put out enough torque stock to make it worth doing.
your prolly better off either building the 1uz (very very very expensive) or doing a 2jz swap ( www.retrodrive.net has one thats 900hp+)
your prolly better off either building the 1uz (very very very expensive) or doing a 2jz swap ( www.retrodrive.net has one thats 900hp+)
01-22-07, 04:06 PM
#7
Lexus Champion
Haha, I just noticed, is that Aishwariya in your sig? Are you Desi as well? Where are you from?
Take a look at the Work Euroline series that D2 offers. I'm saving up for a set of the Euroline SLs..
Take a look at the Work Euroline series that D2 offers. I'm saving up for a set of the Euroline SLs..
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01-22-07, 06:47 PM
#8
id avoid the 1jz motor, 2.5 liter turbo just cant put out enough torque stock to make it worth doing.
your prolly better off either building the 1uz (very very very expensive) or doing a 2jz swap ( www.retrodrive.net has one thats 900hp+)
your prolly better off either building the 1uz (very very very expensive) or doing a 2jz swap ( www.retrodrive.net has one thats 900hp+)
I am surely not building this car to race.... its just a hobby and I think the JZ blocks look cool in the engine bay (I know Im foolish) I am hoping this will end up being a cool Sunday cruising car. engine will be the last thing to be addressed as this motor has lots of life in it.
01-23-07, 06:26 AM
#10
When the swap is done, its going to be a GTE (Whether 1JZ or 2JZ) I dont want that USDM GE Wrap over Intake Manifold and TB. (I have had it with that and performing basic maintenance)
I'll dig a little deeper into the Swap Archives. Right now i need to clean up the body and suspension and hopefully send out the car for a respray.
I'll dig a little deeper into the Swap Archives. Right now i need to clean up the body and suspension and hopefully send out the car for a respray.
01-23-07, 08:24 AM
#12
suspension control arms
how about lower control arms and ball joint replacements (+/- upper control arms) for safer driving?
your car will be much safer in handling and braking afterwards, if properly wheel aligned...
http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/
your car will be much safer in handling and braking afterwards, if properly wheel aligned...
http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/
