redfusion

What is the difference between the 260HP and 290HP SC400 engines? Can the 260HP be updated to the 1998+ spec? Is there a noticible performance/drivibiltiy difference? I found a 97 SC400 then found out the 98s have 290HP!! Please advise


Thanks

gs400998

4.0-liter V8 for the 98+ SC,SC,LS, & GS have the completely redesigned heads, which boast variable valve timing on their intake camshafts via an oil-driven helical gear-drive. 98 and newer Lexus models with 4.0L V8 are capable of low to high 14-second 1/4M.

redfusion

Thanks...how does the 260hp compare to the 98+?

gs400998

I don't have any stats for 97 and 98+ SC400 but the following stats may give you an idea. 98+ SC400 probably will run the quarter faster than 98 LS400 and slower than 98 GS400. The stats between 260HP 95 LS400 and 290HP 98 LS400 shows a 1.5 second difference in 0-60 and one second in the 1/4M.

93 SC400 (250HP) 0-60 6.9 0-100 18.2, 0-130 41.3, 1/4M 15.3 (Car & Driver Feb 1993)
95 LS400 (260HP) 0-60 7.8 0-100 18.9, 0-120 28.4, 1/4m 15.8 (Car & Driver Feb 1995)
98 LS400 (290HP) 0-60 6.3 0-100 16.1, 1/4M 14.8 (Motor Trend Dec 1997)
98 GS400 (300HP) 0-60 5.7 0-100 15.1, 1/4M 14.3 (Motor Trend Nov 1997)

kylesc400

1.5 seconds is completely inaccurate as it was done by different magazines. officially, the 96 sc4 did 0-60 in 6.8 and the 98 sc4 did it in 6.1-6.3.

redfusion

97 with 59K miles for $17000 OR 98 with 67K miles for $19000. Both are Silver with Black int.

kylesc400

if 2k isnt a do-or-die option, go with the 98. the 97's still had the 260hp engine, whereas the 98-99-00 models had the 290hp engine.

redfusion

other than the engine, is there any other differences?

kylesc400

98 also got the updated 5 speed transmission with the gated shifter and wood grain over the shifter, among other such options as perforated leather and such. www.intellexual.net has a comprehensive look at all the changes from model year to model year with the sc.

redfusion

i drove the 98 and was kinda disappointed accelleration wise...took it to redline and seems to have good upper and high end power. low end was weak for a 300hp v8. maybe its because i'm too use to my RX-7s first turbo which kicks in real quick. but comfort wise gatdamn its a world of difference.

anyways you think the 97s have better low end power. i wil probably test drive it this weekend

cloudnine

My friend's 1996 LS400 with the 260 horse engine feels quite a bit more responsive than my '92 SC400, so I was thinking that the 260 horse rating is conservative. The difference in response may have been due to the programming of the transmission too, both the way Toyota did it at the factory and the way my buddy does it with his heavy foot.