LS400ss

Hey new guy here, I just recently inherited a 1999 LS 400 sedan from my grandmother and it needs VCG bad. It has 110,xxxmi on it and was wondering if you guys would chime in on this subject on how to go about R&R'ing the VCG. I searched the forum but only found a couple of threads on this and I just need some direction. I'm mechanicaly inclined to do this but like I stated, need some direction, pointers, do's and don'ts............This is the first Lexus I have ever owned and this might get me to buy a new one for the wife because this is a very nice car. Never knew how nice they where until now.LOL!!

James

Bradster

http://www.lexls.com/tutorials/

Och

iTrader: (3)

This is pretty much a whole day job. Nothing difficult, but a lot of stuff to remove and put back together.

Once you are at it, might as well replaced cam seals as well.

3UZFTE

3-4 hours at most, and that's with cam seals.

LS400ss

Thank you gentlemen!!! I guess I shouldn't sell it?? The wife and I where thinking about selling it(after I posted)but just wanted to do some research first. She was concerned with cost vs profit.......

Again, thanks guys!!

James

Och

iTrader: (3)

Well buddy, not everyone is as mechanically inclined as you are

Took me the better part of a day on the LS400 to change valve covers and cam seals

LS400ss

One more question, do I go tot he dealership for all of the parts or to my local auto parts store??? If local auto parts store, which is the best place to go??

Thanks

James

PK_Celsior

iTrader: (18)

i would recommend going to the dealership for parts. i notice a big quality difference between oem vs aftermarket through pepboy and autozone. dont forget fpig action

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

l-tunedparts.com for OEM parts.

3UZFTE

If your local store carries Fel-Pro, I wouldn't hesitate to through those in there instead of OEM and save a few bucks. I, being a Toyota freak, try to put all Toyota parts on my car, however in all the engine work I've done, I have never had one problem with any Fel-Pro gasket yet, on any car, just my $.02.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

to hell with fail-pro, quality is hit or miss. im a fan of ishino-stone gaskets as they make a lot of the oem gaskets for toyota

PK_Celsior

iTrader: (18)

http://parts.lextreme.com/packages.html
i would check there also!!! since they mainly concentrate on our motors. they get oem parts at really good prices!!!

Thermactor

iTrader: (1)

just for fun why don't you try tightening the bolts on the valve cover to see if they've spun loose?

LS400ss

Um I guess I could try this.......its possible for one or more to work their way loose.
For you guys on the parts list, I went to the the link from the 4th post or so and it had a pretty good parts list. Should I get all of those items or just certain ones??? I guess what I'm trying to say is what parts are necessary to this repaif?? I am not familar with these cars at all!!!!

Thanks

James

PK_Celsior

iTrader: (18)

there you go all the parts i used to redo my valve cover and everythang!!!!