Horta

Hey All

I just sent this question over to Lexus Customer Service. I wonder if they will have an answer? Does anybody out there have some definite input?

Discussion Thread
Customer (Jerry Horta) 11/18/2002 10:49 AM
Hello

I just purchased a 1998 LS400 with 24,500 miles several months ago. My question is could you please give me some detail into exactly what changes in the car when you activate the Perf button to the left of the shifter? I can not seem to find a technical or even very detailed answer on that. I assume it change the shift points and possible how long it keep in a certain gear, but to my seat of the pants feel it also seems to make the throttle a little more sensitive and lively. Does is change the VVTi setting in the engine or possibly the power steering?

Any information you can provide would be appreciated.

Jerry Horta
**************

If they reply I will post it. Anyways last week I was in a big rush so I decided to try the button. I was shocked at the difference I felt with it engaged. Now I had a 91 and to me the button did not really seem to make any big difference (at the same time I only had it for about three months before I wrecked it). Well I have put 5,000 miles on my 98 and I know how it behaves.

The main thing I notice was that the car felt like the horsepower was sitting there waiting for me to need it. I mean the throttle seem to be very sensitive to my foot. Example going about 80 mph on the turnpike normally if you press the throttle about 1/4 inch you very slowly speed up but barely. With the perf button engaged you press 1/4 inch on the gas you start speeding up to 82, 84, 85 quickly.

Also in city traffic it made my car drive more like a smaller sport sedan than a big cruiser. Maybe it just that it keep the car in one gear lower than usual but I don't know. What I hope is happing and what I'm trying to confirm is that in 98 Lexus came out with the Electronic Throttle, maybe they worked it that the perf button also change the throttle response???

All of you with 98 or newer give it a try and let me know. Mind you when First got the car I messed with it and really didn't feel any difference but now that I know the car better I can feel the difference. Dirve like normal and try to mudulate the gas peddel and see how fast the car responds to your pulses. Now engage the Perf button and modulate the gas pedal. Does the car respond quicker?? Is it just me wishing??

Let me know
Jerry

SW03ES

When I drive my dad's 98, I always leave it in the ECT PWR mode. I was really dissapointed when I started looking at the ES that it didn't have this function like its predecessors did. One reason why I started looking at CPO LS's (which I still am BTW).

The reason you feel more of a change in the 98 vs your 91 is because the 98 has throttle by wire, electronic transmission computer and VVT-i. All of these move into different settings when the car is in ECT PWR.

I've noticed the quicker response, and it almost makes the LS feel lethargic in the normal mode after being used to it doesnt it?

Horta

Ok all sometimes I suffer from "BoneHeaditus" I gotin my car to drive home and its not the Perf button but as stated the PWR button. I do hope Lexus customer service nows what Im asking about.

Also I did the quick test I mentioned, and you dont feel a difference when you just switch back n forth. I asume most of you drive the same route every day to and from work. Turn it on and leave it enaged for most of your trip then turn is off say the last third of the way. Also if your just putting along you may not notice a difference so play around a litlle maybe pass a car or two but be safe.

Jerry

1994 LS400

Hey ~
In my LS I use the "ECT PWR" button to pass and get around "putting along drivers", I notice a significant increase in power, it is so fun ! , and it is what assisted me in winning when I raced a 2000 Mercedes (ML320, no big deal) a while back.
** Also I am sure some of you have felt the LACK of power when driving with the AC (compressor) on, uggg do not like that, no fun **
Paul

Thuggybear

Horta, Follow this link I think it gives a better understanding of the ECT button.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...mission+points

Horta

Hey That thread was great. It explained and confirmed what I was feeling.

Thanks