Opportunity to buy a UCF20 or UCF21! Which one should I choose

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01-28-13, 05:39 AM

#31

ls400geek

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Quote:

Originally Posted by SuicidnS13

98+ just for the vvti and 5 speed tranny for sure. Also much more modern looking front end in comparison.

I have a comment since I just bought a 1998 LS400. Due to just the age of the car (and not the mileage) -- 15 years old -- all 3 front seals were leaking (both camshaft seals and the crankshaft seal) due to deterioration. Replacing the camshaft seals is a very complicated job on the 1998 and cost me 5 hours of labor for each head versus the 5 minutes of labor it takes for the 1997 camshaft seal replacement. Also, I couldn't trust anyone but Lexus shop to do this complicated job, so I was forced to pay their $102 an hour labor rate for the entire job including timing belt replacement--sigh.

I would of bought a 1997 instead if I had a chance. I spent $2571 to have my timing belt, water pump, 2 camshaft seals, 1 crankshaft seal & 3 pulleys replaced (along with transmission mount & 4 wheel alignment).

Last edited by ls400geek; 01-28-13 at 05:49 AM.

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10-27-13, 12:10 PM

#32

lexury530

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The UCF20 and UCF21 chassis codes do not indicate what year or whether that vehicle came with Air suspension. I personally check all UCF20's here in the states and have yet to see a UCF21. A lot of people believe that the UCF21's are all equipped with Air Suspension but that is false. I have personally seen 6 that were all equipped with factory Airride and sold that way (not after the fact) and all of their chassis codes were UCF20. So that there is a big myth. My belief is that the odd number chassis codes belong to non US models. Not 100% sure though.

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10-27-13, 12:14 PM

#33

lexury530

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And it also doesn't work like this either
UCF20=1994-97
UCF21=98-2000
Another myth

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10-27-13, 02:11 PM

#34

PureDrifter

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Quote:

Originally Posted by lexury530

multiple members here would disagree as they own/have-seen both air/non-air models following that respective coding. Post some pictures up, evidence always helps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexury530

And it also doesn't work like this either
UCF20=1994-97
UCF21=98-2000
Another myth

This part is generally agreed upon.

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10-27-13, 04:22 PM

#35

Sc0pe

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Doc Yota

Ucf 21 for sure. Over a second faster, better mpg, and all around a better car. I have a 99(my second one), and 02 now and the 99 I will drive first with no question. Plus, with the HIDs the car looks more modern. And if you are into performance the K@N air filter trick does work. I run 5.9 to sixty, and 14.2 down the quarter from synthetic oil and K@N. Best car I every bought.