The lady in red
09-18-12, 06:38 PM
#1
The lady in red
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalogerus/8001625436/http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalogerus/8001625436/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/kalogerus/, on Flickr
During my last trip to Baltimore on Saturday to inspect a car, Ian Watson, a fellow NELOC (North East Lexus Owners Club) member, was kind enough to come along and assess the mechanical side of things. That is when I met his SC.
Any keen Lexus SC owner would tell you that it is a special kind of car that provides unique performance and requires more TLC than other cars, which puts it in a different category than just a luxury car; it is officially a true enthusiast’s car. Ian’s 1995 SC300 is a proof.
With a twin turbo 1JZ-GTE engine, 2JZ-GTE A340LE transmission with shimmed accumulators, Supra 4” downpipe, 3"catback, a custom twin intake, and tuned with a SAFC Ecu; it is pushing 289 rwhp @10.5psi. Other modifications, including Powered by Max Coilovers, polyurethane bushings, and the LS400 big brake kit in the front, manage to give it tighter and more stable handling.
However, this build isn’t just about boost and handling, but it is also tastefully done cosmetically to match the performance with a sexy approach. The sleek maroon body with a black wing and 17" G35 touring wheels (for the winter) allows it to aggressively stand out from the crowd while the engine continues to roar. Future plans for this beaut include converting to a single turbo, single exhaust and Map Ecu 3. Ian’s mission is to keep it simple yet aggressive, and as Hans Hofmann once said “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”
As an SC owner, I know that it is not a car to neglect; I also know the frustration it could give its owner while attending to its common problems such as the alternator that keeps giving up, the rubber bits that get worn out, the starter terminals that decide to stop working, the window regulators, the trunk shocks, interior parts, … and so on. When I asked Ian about his relationship with his car, he said:
It was truly a pleasure meeting such a car in person.
During my last trip to Baltimore on Saturday to inspect a car, Ian Watson, a fellow NELOC (North East Lexus Owners Club) member, was kind enough to come along and assess the mechanical side of things. That is when I met his SC.
Any keen Lexus SC owner would tell you that it is a special kind of car that provides unique performance and requires more TLC than other cars, which puts it in a different category than just a luxury car; it is officially a true enthusiast’s car. Ian’s 1995 SC300 is a proof.
With a twin turbo 1JZ-GTE engine, 2JZ-GTE A340LE transmission with shimmed accumulators, Supra 4” downpipe, 3"catback, a custom twin intake, and tuned with a SAFC Ecu; it is pushing 289 rwhp @10.5psi. Other modifications, including Powered by Max Coilovers, polyurethane bushings, and the LS400 big brake kit in the front, manage to give it tighter and more stable handling.
However, this build isn’t just about boost and handling, but it is also tastefully done cosmetically to match the performance with a sexy approach. The sleek maroon body with a black wing and 17" G35 touring wheels (for the winter) allows it to aggressively stand out from the crowd while the engine continues to roar. Future plans for this beaut include converting to a single turbo, single exhaust and Map Ecu 3. Ian’s mission is to keep it simple yet aggressive, and as Hans Hofmann once said “The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.”
As an SC owner, I know that it is not a car to neglect; I also know the frustration it could give its owner while attending to its common problems such as the alternator that keeps giving up, the rubber bits that get worn out, the starter terminals that decide to stop working, the window regulators, the trunk shocks, interior parts, … and so on. When I asked Ian about his relationship with his car, he said:
Originally Posted by Ian Watson
“I absolutely love my car to pieces. It has never given me a major problem and the problems that I did have were extremely simple and cheap fixes but somewhat complicated to find. For people who want to own SC's the best advice I can give is do research so you can recognize small problems because, as it may sound crazy, the car will warn you of when something is going to go wrong.”
09-19-12, 05:41 AM
#4
1JZ Single SC400
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This hit home. How many other members compliment others on here? These are the threads I also like to read. Great story in my book. Now if only someone would do this about me and my SC. LOL
09-19-12, 12:25 PM
#6
Thanks Maceugood!
1992 I definitely agree with you. We need to give more compliments to peoples work but some people only like to focus on the bad.
Kal even I almost shed a tear after reading this dude. Lol I really appreciate the love and admiration you put into this. As always its a pleasure being in your company and if you need anymore help with anything let me know. Any update on the car you were looking at?
1992 I definitely agree with you. We need to give more compliments to peoples work but some people only like to focus on the bad.
Kal even I almost shed a tear after reading this dude. Lol I really appreciate the love and admiration you put into this. As always its a pleasure being in your company and if you need anymore help with anything let me know. Any update on the car you were looking at?
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09-19-12, 09:29 PM
#10
I hate reading, so I never read this til now, but it was a good read. As much as I love receiving complements in restoring my SC, I love to give big ups too to people who recognize the real car enthusiasts from the ones who are just in it to look "cool". So big ups to you Kalogerus.
09-19-12, 09:34 PM
#11
Lead Lap
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I think this thread compliments both of you and adds to both of your character. OP has the ability to say nice things and post about someone elses hard work. We may not all agree that someone has done exactly what the next thinks is "awesome" but we do have the ability to be nice and compliment. I myself hate when I post and all I hear is people posting about the bad things they see. They dont focus on what the OP was trying to show. Its just kind of a let down. So compliments to both of you and you projects!!
09-20-12, 08:23 AM
#13
Another reason why I hang out here on a regular basis. Ian's always been very supportive (and his Caddy definitely qualifies as an enthusiast's car).
It's cars like his that show others why this was one of the most unique cars ever invented. Examples like this act as ambassadors for the brand, and inspire others.
It's cars like his that show others why this was one of the most unique cars ever invented. Examples like this act as ambassadors for the brand, and inspire others.
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