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What should I do with a 190K old engine?

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Old 07-07-04, 12:15 AM
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JamesN
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Default What should I do with a 190K old engine?

I have a 95 SC400. I bought it new and drive it up to 190K w/ a few replacement here and there from normal wear and tear. But I feel that I don't get much kick out of it as i do before. I've been taking care of this car very well. Service like it suppose to and more. The car look great as the day i bought it. I was wondering do I need a new engine? If so, what do you expert in here recommend? I already put aside 10 Grand to overhaul my car. Cuz its my baby . So can you guys please give me opinion about what is the best performance engine I can replace for my car ? I intended to keep it for years to come. THanks.
Old 07-07-04, 01:43 AM
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jet864
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Drive it for uhhh...about 200k miles more. Just keep up the maintenance and use that 10 grand for accesories that are gonna break. As long as the engine and tranny are cool, drive it till the wheels fall off.

James
Old 07-07-04, 05:47 AM
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SupraCoup3
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or with the 10K you could buy an SC300 5 speed project car


Seriously though, if you're looking for that pep, check your air filter, plugs and wires... have you had the latest major service?

For mods, think about an aftermarket torque converter -- JPI is having a group buy right now I think. A TC cuts about 1 sec off of your 1/4 mile time w/o sacrificing drivability.

BFI -- the best free mod for the SC400 & SC300

Also, a nice aftermarket exhaust would also be a nice mod.

for your interior, try www.leatherseats.com -- for 700 bucks you can get new front and rear seats. That leather really goes over time.

maybe an HID upgrade too (4100k-6000k philips bulbs & ballasts only!) -- that's about $500

And maybe a set of tires & rims, if you don't have a set already

Maybe a Supra TT or LS400 big brake upgrade too.

A nice body kit or 97 update

And seriously consider replacing your fuel filter -- it's a pain to get to, but it really gets gunked up over time... after 190k, I'd suspect you're not flowing all the fuel you should be.

That list should keep you out of trouble

If your engine has been properly maintained, there should be no need for a new one.
Old 07-07-04, 06:12 AM
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THE_CEO
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Originally posted by SupraCoup3
or with the 10K you could buy an SC300 5 speed project car


Seriously though, if you're looking for that pep, check your air filter, plugs and wires... have you had the latest major service?

For mods, think about an aftermarket torque converter -- JPI is having a group buy right now I think. A TC cuts about 1 sec off of your 1/4 mile time w/o sacrificing drivability.

BFI -- the best free mod for the SC400 & SC300

Also, a nice aftermarket exhaust would also be a nice mod.

for your interior, try www.leatherseats.com -- for 700 bucks you can get new front and rear seats. That leather really goes over time.

maybe an HID upgrade too (4100k-6000k philips bulbs & ballasts only!) -- that's about $500

And maybe a set of tires & rims, if you don't have a set already

Maybe a Supra TT or LS400 big brake upgrade too.

A nice body kit or 97 update

And seriously consider replacing your fuel filter -- it's a pain to get to, but it really gets gunked up over time... after 190k, I'd suspect you're not flowing all the fuel you should be.

That list should keep you out of trouble

If your engine has been properly maintained, there should be no need for a new one.
I agree 100%...but start with some fuel injection cleaner first...hehe

CEO
Old 07-07-04, 12:55 PM
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aliga
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i have an engine from a 95 sc400 with 60K, can sell for 500 + shipping.
Old 07-07-04, 10:42 PM
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sweetsc400
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This is kind of off the subject, but it blows my mind than an engine like the 1UZFE with low miles will go for $500. I realize it's in low demand, but damn. . . Good to know!

JamesN - what's the most recent maintenance you've had done? Plugs? Wires? anything?
Old 07-08-04, 01:26 AM
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JamesN
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Thank you so much for the advice guys I have recently change new plugs, plugs wire, tranny old and engine old. I need to change fuel filter though.
Old 07-08-04, 01:46 AM
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One HoT
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https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...atherseats.com

Check out the link above. I would definitely do all of what Ryan did. Very nice.

Last edited by One HoT SC400; 07-08-04 at 01:51 AM.
Old 07-08-04, 02:32 AM
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rscott
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he didnt ask what he should do to his car...he asked what he should do with his old motor =)
(as per his title)
Old 07-08-04, 02:33 AM
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rscott
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and for the 300 guys

Old 07-09-04, 05:14 PM
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jet864
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I love those pics. I saw em once a long time ago. I've always wanted to do something like that but never had the stuff to do it with. Anyways, don't worry about the engine honestly, it'll be fine if you keep up maintenance on it.

James
Old 07-09-04, 07:33 PM
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Fred Smith
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Do compression and/or leakdown test. If that checks out, it just needs some maintenance work - filters, fluids, plugs, wires, maybe coils or something...

If it doesn't check out, it may be as simple as needing a valve job. But as the engines are so cheap, it could be just easier to pull it out and throw in a low mile (or even brand new!) engine. Personally, if I had that much cash earmarked for refreshing the car, I'd probably get another cheap low mile motor, and build it up with rods and pistons, for forced induction. Talk to Lextreme!

Last edited by Fred Smith; 07-09-04 at 07:35 PM.
Old 07-11-04, 10:59 PM
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JamesN
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Thanks for the tips guys
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