GreatWade

Hey there fellow lexus owners 😀 (feels good saying that). I have just aquired a 1998 lexus sc400. Ive loved these cars for awhile and dod a fair share of research on them. With that being said, i was wondering if i could supercharge this model 1uz without any major issues following up. I know that the earlier 1uz with thicker rods have no problem doing so on stock components but i cant find anyone actually supercharging my 1uz in stock form. I just want to know if its worth doing and how much psi would be a good fit if applicable. I also know that the stock transmission can only hold up to about 400 bhp and thats around the absolute max power i would even want. Thank you

Durvelle27

Yes it's doable to about 6PSI which should net close to 350whp. Any higher and you'd run into problems with the transmission and engine.


Also depending on mileage i'd suggest doing some engine maintenance

Starter as its a pain in the *** to replace and better safe than sorry
Alternator
Spark Plugs
Spark Wires
Coils
Distributors
Water Pump and Timing Belt
Transmission Cooler
MLS Headgsket
ARP studs
Oil

I'd also suggest upgrading suspension

Ali SC3

iTrader: (10)

you can get away with it if you keep the boost very low and make sure the tune is correct with a piggyback ecu.
to some low boost is a waste of time, but then again even a small 6 psi can make the engine considerably faster, and probably not destroy the auto trans which might be worth it to some.

Durvelle27

Yea i know a guy who has a drift pre 95 SC400. He runs 5.5PSI with a single turbo and he dynoed 370/420 on stock ECU and piggyback with 440cc injectors


You won't make alot of power but you'd definitely make the SC more fun to drive

Aron9000

I'd keep her stock or do a LS GM swap with forced induction if you want some real power. A 2JZ-GTE swap would also be nice, but you're going to spend WAY more $$$ than the guy with the engine/trans/ecu out of a 3/4 ton van with a turbo on it, and end up being just as fast.

Blkexcoupe

iTrader: (8)

I'm going to suggest that you try taking a look over in the 2nd gen GS forum. I've found more useful information about 98-00 engine modifications on the GS forums. I know RMM made a supercharger for the GS400 which is the same engine as a 98-00 SC400.

Ali SC3

iTrader: (10)

all you need is the fish supercharger bracket and the right supercharger, its mostly bolt on except for oil lines etc.. the normal stuff, and you need to relocate the battery to the trunk cause its in the way.

JasGS350

iTrader: (7)

Correct, as well as a LS 400 fan bracket, pulley, and couple of electric fans. Also, depending on your supercharger choice, oil lines might not be required as there are self contained units available.

Ali SC3

iTrader: (10)

Def, it all comes down to the parts you choose but yeah, those are the basics. The ls400 fan bracket is a must as its mechanical, but thats the easy part. the self contained units would make the job super easy, as IMO running oil lines is a good bit of the work you can avoid with the right SC.

SCFactory

iTrader: (2)

I would say 1st or 2nd gen 1UZ for FI, I wouldnt bother with the VVTI, It already makes pretty good power.

Kobrakai

Seems kinda silly, you'll be really pushing the auto box if you supercharge it, it's already making about 300 to the crank right? Nothing says you can't do it though, I know I'd definitely humor the thought

If you do decide to, please post results, I'm wondering how well the vvti 1uz holds under boost.. I'd honestly suggest a ka24 manual swap, though if you plan to take it seriously.

Ali SC3

iTrader: (10)

if you add a trans cooler I am pretty sure that trans can take whatever power the vvti rods can.

Kobrakai

That's a good point, not sure why I didn't even think about that, d'oh. You could also shim the transmission to give it more oomph while you're at it, that's a great mod for the a340e from what I've heard

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

The 1998-2000 SC400's came with the beefiest version of the 5-speed A650E. Rated 325hp (crank) from the factory. The stronger A340E 4-speeds were never paired with the VVT-i 1UZ-FE's.

Kobrakai

I actually wasn't aware of that one, so I guess that just gives all the more reason to give it a shot. Does that also mean that with the variable valve timing they gave it a higher rev limit or did that stay the same? Not very well versed in the VVTi 1uz. I'd definitely like to see what it puts out under boost.