Kira X

iTrader: (24)

The only negative side effect of leaving the Power switch on would be the reduced gas mileage. It shouldn't do any harm though. I used to use it all the time in my SC300 and all it would do was use more gas.

AlexusAnja

Suppressed upshift, slightly more "powerful" feel... I really don't think this being a long term "fix." Know anyone that has an LS430 also? Have them drive your car and see what they feel.

I've driven the power button on and don't really feel it all that much given that the power in the LS is pretty good already. You're not going from Ford to Ferrari, that's for sure.

BeachHouse

Yeah, I also have a 2001 Lexus LS430, however it has 112.5k miles on it

I've done a lot of work on it (by "I" I mean my experienced friendly auto shop haha) over the past several months since it sat for a while needing several repairs (and dealership wanted such high prices I put it off and took it to my mechanic instead) it has brand new everything pretty much. All the gaskets, hoses, connections have been replaced/fixed, both shocks and struts are brand new, brand new spark plugs, premium oil change, etc and so on.

It drives smooth and great and I love it-been real nice to have an actual GOOD car up and running again! I also drive with the PWR ETC on as well, and the sequential shifting is great and keeps solid fast acceleration from around 30-35 mph -ish all the way 70+ mph (due to speed limits I can't try higher than 70 mph in my area-I may be accelerating quickly but I'm not going to break the law and drive at dangerous high speeds-I stop accelerating soon as I hit the speed limit )

What I'd like to know, and I'm aware that it's a luxary vehicle OBVIOUSLY, and is designed to perform and behave differently, but I am curious if there's a way with parts/tuning or different methods where I could "get off the line" more quickly. From say a stop sign or red light, with either flooring it, or at first gently hit the gas then floor afterwards, it goes smooth and slow ish up until around 25-35 then that powerful 8 cylinders kick in!

I'm not a very "car tech savvy" person-why I pay my auto shop to do all the work for me haha (never even changed a tire on any car myself-embarrassing but I don't know how to do it! ) and was wondering, what could improve the "off the line" acceleration? Would this be a fuel delivery fix/replacement? (I DO only put premium gas in it, regardless that the priced in California right now are RIDICULOUS) Or any other parts/replacements? I've searched long and hard (months ago) for any "superchargers" or turbos for the LS430 (rather not get a turbo because of turbo lag; as well as I think the engine is already designed and tune so sophisticated that it doesn't need it) I've read and heard about "reprogramming" or resetting "restrictions" or parameters in the cars computer, is this a true/possible thing? If so, would you need a specialist to perform it, and if so, who?

I understand that there is really no "quick fix" or adjustment that could be done to get the results I/we'd like, but you all seem very knowledgeable (especially Kansas!), and any information would be greatly appreciated! Also if there are remedies, just want to add that price is not an issue (for the exception of purchasing the future new 2013 LS )

Thanks!

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

From what I've heard from the GS430 and SC430 guys, headers make a pretty big difference. Headers with a full exhaust and intake should help get you off the line quicker. There is actually a group buy on PPE headers by one of our vendors here on Club Lexus.

sajack

Headers disipate heat so fast that they literally cook anything within a few inches. I would think the heat issue as well as the additional noise would ruin the serenity and possibly reliability of an LS430. I have had two vehicles on which I installed exhaust headers. I regretted them both.
My LS is a fine long-legged highway cruiser with enough get-up to get in all sorts of trouble. I thought stoplight drag racing was a thing of the past.

BeachHouse

Haha you're right, it is a thing of the past, and I as well love the elegant flow that the LS430 has on the highway, with enough power to go 70mph to 100 mph in around 3 seconds flat (friend of mine was in passenger seat napping; I counted in 'Mississippi's' so accuracy is clearly deviated, but I did it several times ) Of which he never stirred or woke up; it's great!

It's just, that a car with so much power and sophisticated craftsmanship, I'd imagine it has the potential to get off the line quicker; note that I am not advocating being able to speed off, just a wee bit quicker to the 25mph-35mph line, after that, it takes off with a woosh just fine. Infact, I was actually concerned for a while, that when accelerating in some fashions, it will reach around that speed and then experience something similar to "turbo lag" ; there will be a slight lull then the beast of Lexus is unleashed! I was unsure if this is a fuel delivery issue, a 'normal' issue/occurrence or what have you (while the Electronic Throttle Control Power mode is active). I don't mind taking it in to my guy I go to to have it looked at to see if there is some sort of complication, however I would first like to have an idea of what to say needs looking at.

All I can say it, I thoroughly enjoy my LS430 even after driving for ten years; I've seen some sneak peaks at the future/upcoming 2013 LS and it's so enticing haha.

fensterlip

A 6 speed transmission has a lower first gear. It will feel faster. I would run some tests through a measured gate or with a stopwatch.