463K on My SC300, Original NON rebuilt Engine and Transmission
01-13-15, 03:46 PM
#16
That is fantastic you should make it to 500k and keep going at this rate.
I would suggest next time just upgrade to the ls400 calipers in the front, check it out in the brake section. they make the car stop much better and are more or less bolt on (have to remove/trim a dust shield and use a shorter bolt). they are 4 piston and aluminum so not only do you get much better breaking, you save a bunch of weight up front. the original calipers are twice as heavy they are like iron lol.
I would suggest next time just upgrade to the ls400 calipers in the front, check it out in the brake section. they make the car stop much better and are more or less bolt on (have to remove/trim a dust shield and use a shorter bolt). they are 4 piston and aluminum so not only do you get much better breaking, you save a bunch of weight up front. the original calipers are twice as heavy they are like iron lol.
01-13-15, 07:18 PM
#17
Rookie
Thread Starter
More Maintenance Info to pass along
Ali SC3:
Thanks for that brake upgrade info. Those calipers are heavy, just like you stated.
Chason:
I posted this thread late last night sorry for not adding more info. You are correct as far as the suspension work.
I did replace the front struts about 250k and replaced the lower control arm bushings with some polyurethane ones. I was hear that clunking noise everyone was has heard on these. You will have to keep all the joints lubricated with grease.
I got greaseable U joints installed in the driveshaft and still using original center bearing.
This Stopped the vibration when torque convert locked up at HI way speed. (Yes the wheels were balanced).
This will stop you in your tracks
The Location of ECU is bad location(under the passenger floor mat). Terrible for ventilation of electronic components.
My ECU died on me about 275K or so. I got it rebuilt and modified for better ventilation ( ECU repair on ebay). Plus I got another,and modified the cover for better ventilation as a spare.
Mass air flow sensor (MAF)
Replaced one time. This was the only sensor that activated the check engine light on me.
It wouldn't let the engine rev. Easy Fix.
If you have any question... I will try to fill ya in. Just keeping it stock and reliable. lol
Thanks for that brake upgrade info. Those calipers are heavy, just like you stated.
Chason:
I posted this thread late last night sorry for not adding more info. You are correct as far as the suspension work.
I did replace the front struts about 250k and replaced the lower control arm bushings with some polyurethane ones. I was hear that clunking noise everyone was has heard on these. You will have to keep all the joints lubricated with grease.
I got greaseable U joints installed in the driveshaft and still using original center bearing.
This Stopped the vibration when torque convert locked up at HI way speed. (Yes the wheels were balanced).
This will stop you in your tracks
The Location of ECU is bad location(under the passenger floor mat). Terrible for ventilation of electronic components.
My ECU died on me about 275K or so. I got it rebuilt and modified for better ventilation ( ECU repair on ebay). Plus I got another,and modified the cover for better ventilation as a spare.
Mass air flow sensor (MAF)
Replaced one time. This was the only sensor that activated the check engine light on me.
It wouldn't let the engine rev. Easy Fix.
If you have any question... I will try to fill ya in. Just keeping it stock and reliable. lol
01-14-15, 07:42 AM
#22
OP - congrats for a well maintained car. It wouldn't have lasted that long without the proper maintence
^^^ +1000
Proper Maintainance is the secret for any vehicle to last. Every part have their useful life and needs to be replaced once it has reached that time
For me, fastening that ECU well on that floorboard helps cool down the ECU properly . The floorboard already receives fresh air from beneath thus cooling it and same floor board serves as a heat sink for the ECU if it is bolted properly. Having a heat barrier on the firewall prevents heat from the exhaust heating up said floorboard too. Some SC400 have the heat barrier on the firewalls.
Proper Maintainance is the secret for any vehicle to last. Every part have their useful life and needs to be replaced once it has reached that time
For me, fastening that ECU well on that floorboard helps cool down the ECU properly . The floorboard already receives fresh air from beneath thus cooling it and same floor board serves as a heat sink for the ECU if it is bolted properly. Having a heat barrier on the firewall prevents heat from the exhaust heating up said floorboard too. Some SC400 have the heat barrier on the firewalls.
01-14-15, 01:45 PM
#23
Rookie
Thread Starter
I noticed the ECU repair shop cut a small slit in the ECU cover by the top to allow heated air to escape/ circulate out of the ECU chassis. So I modded my back up ECU the same way.
The tech told me, that they get a lot of ECU's with the same problem of failing from overheating over a period of time.
If you look at the location and whats covering it. The Plastic Box, insulation, then the carpet. You may agree.
The Mounting Tabs the factory to the Floorboard my be sufficient for heat transfer. But a little more air circulation under that plastic cover wont hurt.
E
The tech told me, that they get a lot of ECU's with the same problem of failing from overheating over a period of time.
If you look at the location and whats covering it. The Plastic Box, insulation, then the carpet. You may agree.
The Mounting Tabs the factory to the Floorboard my be sufficient for heat transfer. But a little more air circulation under that plastic cover wont hurt.
E
Great to hear of another high mileage SC out there! Keep up on that maintenance, and you'll make it to a million 
01-21-15, 10:17 AM
#26
Moderator
Congratulations! That is an awesome milestone. I had a 1996 ES 300 and hit over 400K miles then a week later I was rear-ended.
I also owned a 1998 SC 400 but was very sad to get rid of her.
I also owned a 1998 SC 400 but was very sad to get rid of her.
Last edited by Trexus; 01-21-15 at 10:27 AM.
01-22-15, 06:02 PM
#27
Congratulations : I do most of my own maintenance also & drive 155 miles a day @ least. Got 212k on it & catching up. 96 Sc400. Did the rear suspension @ 200k, front coming soon, along with 2nd timing belt & pump, plus tune up. Gonna do cross country road trip & take her up the PCH & back in the future. Mine will run till I die. Yours looks great.
01-26-15, 07:09 PM
#30
Rookie
Thread Starter
Congratulations : I do most of my own maintenance also & drive 155 miles a day @ least. Got 212k on it & catching up. 96 Sc400. Did the rear suspension @ 200k, front coming soon, along with 2nd timing belt & pump, plus tune up. Gonna do cross country road trip & take her up the PCH & back in the future. Mine will run till I die. Yours looks great.
I just fixed my power steering pump foaming and wind a week ago. Reservoir cleaning, replacing the old low pressure return lines and replacing the 20 year old vacuum switch fixed the problem.
Luvmy SC400 and Kez
Thanks for the props.
E