Lexus SC430 Drift Car
06-13-08, 09:57 AM
#1
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Lexus SC430 Drift Car
(copy and images all courtesy of SPEEDHUNTERS.COM)
The Lexus SC430 is a platform that is not well loved by tuners. Despite the fact that it is used as Super GT machine, there are very few examples of tuned SC430's in Japan or elsewhere. The few SC's that are modified are usually done in mild VIP-like fashion. Back in January, there was an interesting-looking SC430 parked in the Ray's Engineering booth. The car was painted flat black and had an interesting look to it. Word was that this SC430 would be the new competiion car for D1 driver Toshiki "Toshi-king" Yoshioka who had long been seen in the cockpit of an AE86.
At the time there were very few details given on the new car and I assumed that it would be powered by the factory 4.3L V8 with a supercharger or turbocharger. It turns out I was totally wrong.
Under the hood, you won't find a worked over V8 or even a 2JZ swap...
...but you will find a fire-breathing turbo 3SGE built by Prime Garage (who also did the engine work on Toshi-king's 86). The engine is fed by an HKS 3240 turbine and cooled by a custom ARC V-mount intercooler. The piping and exhaust are also from Prime Garage. Power output ranges from 480-600hp depending on the boost level and whether the nitrous is being used or not. I guess Yoshioka really likes the gas since he used it in his old AE86. The engine is mated to a Super GT-spec 6-speed sequential transmission and power reaches the wheels through an ATS carbon LSD. The transmission makes a very distinct whining sound that I think might be louder than the exhaust itself!
On the exterior, the car is equipped with a complete Tom's aero kit. While the kit itself is fairly subtle, in combination with the graphics and paint it has very aggressive look without being too over the top. I also find the car's lack of a GT wing very interesting, especially given the power this thing is putting out (we'll get to that in a moment).
The Lexus SC430 is a platform that is not well loved by tuners. Despite the fact that it is used as Super GT machine, there are very few examples of tuned SC430's in Japan or elsewhere. The few SC's that are modified are usually done in mild VIP-like fashion. Back in January, there was an interesting-looking SC430 parked in the Ray's Engineering booth. The car was painted flat black and had an interesting look to it. Word was that this SC430 would be the new competiion car for D1 driver Toshiki "Toshi-king" Yoshioka who had long been seen in the cockpit of an AE86.
At the time there were very few details given on the new car and I assumed that it would be powered by the factory 4.3L V8 with a supercharger or turbocharger. It turns out I was totally wrong.
Under the hood, you won't find a worked over V8 or even a 2JZ swap...
...but you will find a fire-breathing turbo 3SGE built by Prime Garage (who also did the engine work on Toshi-king's 86). The engine is fed by an HKS 3240 turbine and cooled by a custom ARC V-mount intercooler. The piping and exhaust are also from Prime Garage. Power output ranges from 480-600hp depending on the boost level and whether the nitrous is being used or not. I guess Yoshioka really likes the gas since he used it in his old AE86. The engine is mated to a Super GT-spec 6-speed sequential transmission and power reaches the wheels through an ATS carbon LSD. The transmission makes a very distinct whining sound that I think might be louder than the exhaust itself!
On the exterior, the car is equipped with a complete Tom's aero kit. While the kit itself is fairly subtle, in combination with the graphics and paint it has very aggressive look without being too over the top. I also find the car's lack of a GT wing very interesting, especially given the power this thing is putting out (we'll get to that in a moment).
06-13-08, 10:42 AM
#3
Great find on the article!
Wow, wasn't expecting a 3SGE in there 
....lol, isn't quite a step backwards (more of like one to the side).
It's articles and pictures like these that continue to inspire my aspirations for owning a formidable drift/track car one day...
....lol, isn't quite a step backwards (more of like one to the side).It's articles and pictures like these that continue to inspire my aspirations for owning a formidable drift/track car one day...
06-13-08, 11:06 AM
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3S engines are quite good in fact you can see them in many built cars along with race cars. It is really cool to see a 430 used in something besides a car show and have more than big chrome rims and a drop. Sweet find.
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06-13-08, 04:35 PM
#8
You ain't gonna get the weight distribution with a 2uz that you can get with a 3S. This is a race car. I dont know if anyone here has had the opportunity to drive the ***** off of any 3S car, when built and tuned correctly they are a fantastic all around motor. If they take enough weight from that Soarer (which I'm sure they have), the 3S wont have any trouble moving that car at a rediculous rate.
thanks!
