Looking for Gen3 performance...
04-26-03, 06:28 AM
#1
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Looking for Gen3 performance...
I bought a blakc/black '99 LS400 last summer with 47000 mi (78000 km) on it. The reason I bought this particular vehicle is because it felt stronger and newer than all others I had test-driven; I attribute that to a lot of highway miles. Car was bought from a Lexus dealer, so had all new fluids, and brand new tires (Michelin Energy MXV4 - my spec, very happy with silence / comfort / durability).
Since purchasing the car, I put synthetic oil in the differential (last oil change I put Castrol Syntec in the engine as well); new NGK Iridium IX spark plugs (added a real 1 MPG to mileage), and a K&N filter. The result is an impressive 33 MPG Imperial (=~28 MPG US = 8.7 l/100 km) on the highway at 75-80 mph.
Enough about great gas mileage! Now it's time for some performance! Here are my questions, lookking for any insights / advice:
1. What are most cost-effective (available) ways to more performance (i.e. HP/torque gains)?
- exhaust mods
- intake modes
- chip
- other?
2. What are most cost-effective ways to enhance handling?
- braces
- shocks
- springs
- revised anti-roll bars
3. What about wheels/tires? I currently have stock (chromed) 16" wheels with the aforementioned Energy MXV's. What looks good on the car, is reasonably priced (no 3-piece for me!) and actually improves performance? I have been considering 18" wheels (OZ Superleggera or the Japanese Lexus VAPC wheels) with the new Yokohama AVS-ES100 tires; do I go 245/45 all around, 235/45 front with 265/40 rear, or 245/45 front with 275/40 rear?
Thanks one and all for any advice!
Howard Katz
Toronto, Canada
Since purchasing the car, I put synthetic oil in the differential (last oil change I put Castrol Syntec in the engine as well); new NGK Iridium IX spark plugs (added a real 1 MPG to mileage), and a K&N filter. The result is an impressive 33 MPG Imperial (=~28 MPG US = 8.7 l/100 km) on the highway at 75-80 mph.
Enough about great gas mileage! Now it's time for some performance! Here are my questions, lookking for any insights / advice:
1. What are most cost-effective (available) ways to more performance (i.e. HP/torque gains)?
- exhaust mods
- intake modes
- chip
- other?
2. What are most cost-effective ways to enhance handling?
- braces
- shocks
- springs
- revised anti-roll bars
3. What about wheels/tires? I currently have stock (chromed) 16" wheels with the aforementioned Energy MXV's. What looks good on the car, is reasonably priced (no 3-piece for me!) and actually improves performance? I have been considering 18" wheels (OZ Superleggera or the Japanese Lexus VAPC wheels) with the new Yokohama AVS-ES100 tires; do I go 245/45 all around, 235/45 front with 265/40 rear, or 245/45 front with 275/40 rear?
Thanks one and all for any advice!
Howard Katz
Toronto, Canada
04-29-03, 01:35 AM
#2
Lexus Champion
Howard,
Welcome to the board. Nice choice on the 99 LS400
Do a search on all my threads and you should get some good ideas engine wise.
I would suggest:
Torque converter: PI or re-curved stock
Exhaust: see my posts
Intake: see my posts
Handling wise I am not an expert but your wheel and tire choices sound reasonable if there is clearance. I would try to find the lightest wheel you can that is attractive to you. Lighter = faster/quicker especially with wheels and tires. This applies to acceleration/deceleration and lateral directional changes.
Feel free to PM me with specific questions or just post them here and hopefully we can get both of our cars in the 13s
Welcome to the board. Nice choice on the 99 LS400
Do a search on all my threads and you should get some good ideas engine wise.
I would suggest:
Torque converter: PI or re-curved stock
Exhaust: see my posts
Intake: see my posts
Handling wise I am not an expert but your wheel and tire choices sound reasonable if there is clearance. I would try to find the lightest wheel you can that is attractive to you. Lighter = faster/quicker especially with wheels and tires. This applies to acceleration/deceleration and lateral directional changes.
Feel free to PM me with specific questions or just post them here and hopefully we can get both of our cars in the 13s
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