toffee123

My '05 has 40K+ miles. Since I have decided to keep it for a few more years, I thought a mid life update may be in order. Please help me to plan the updates/upgrades?

First off Jeremy Clarkson claimed that SC430s were designed for older country club type. Not sure if he was correct but that fit me to a tee. In fact, 10% of the residents here got a SC430. I am therefore not looking for ultimate performance. Things I would like to improve:

Look wise:
I would like tires to fill up the wheel wells, I am going to buy a spare and dump the run flats. But I still prefer more sidewalls for comfort. 19"wheels+bigger tires + offset? What's best compromise size wise?

Driving wise:
I go up and down this road couple of time a week, '05 in stock form leans/floats too much and quite uninspiring. Bigger anti-sway bars? Firmer spring/shocks?


Hate the slow throttle response, are the '06 onward really that much better? Otherwise, what can one really do? I read on this forum that the sprintbooster are psychological magic trick. But the change to transmission setting from slow to quick would help?

I don't feel like the 430 lack power but just the slow response in accessing that power. am I wrong? or 430 actually needs more torque or so? The slow response really takes all the fun out of driving up and down that winding road.

Let me set the budget between $3-5k. Any input will be appreciated.

bacardi11

iTrader: (1)

i'm 71 the first thing is get the 2008 lexus 17mm ISF rear sway bar for them roads and Figs IS300 rear 17mm bushings. a front Brake upgrade must.

toffee123

Thanks bacardi11, so just the rear sway bar upgrade and leave the front alone? What upgrade did you do to your front brake?

ShawnOk

iTrader: (1)

I also highly recommend the trans pressure mod and the rear sway bar upgrade for immediate enthusiastic driving results. As for looks, a change to the rims, even up to 20" makes a world of difference. I also painted the calipers and got drilled and slotted rotors. I get so many looks and compliments after I went up to 20" Rodderick RW2 Cinque, painted the calipers red, and got new rotors. It'll feels like it did when this car was new. People will stop and stare and break their necks to catch a peek.

fj40ih8mud

I love my sc, because I can drop the top and enjoy life and still haul my family around, have loads of power, with the quality of lexus/toyota.

But.... if I was driving down that road, I would have a S2000 or a Porsche.

Honesty. Does it get you anywhere????

toffee123

Point well taken. I need space for a golden retriever, those tiny back seats came in handy.

Harold57

The throttle response can be greatly reduced by a few methods (all free):
>> Do an ECU reset. (Do a search for ECU reset on this forum. It is out there multiple times.)
>> Take it off of Economy and place it in Power
>> Since you have an '05, you can control the gears by placing the shift lever on the left side and manually shifting it through.

toffee123

OK I have somewhat narrowed down to:

Suspension
I am going to follow Gene's advise and swap to IS antisway bars, front and rear. Sounded like it can be done for $600 or so.

Transmission
Will ask tech to switch to firm from soft during service, not sure how much but another $4-500? Mainly for oil and gasket. Car has 45k so when will it due for service?

Tires/Wheels
After looking a bunch of wheels, I just like the old fashioned look of BBS LM. My 430 is amethyst so quite similar to this pic:

I would prefer to use:
18x8.5 (+26) with 245/45-18
18x9.5 (+29) with 275/40-18 (or 275/45-18)
Over sized tires so speedometer will always be 5 miles or so lower than actual speed. However, BBS doesn't seem to make wheels of that configuration. So I will searching for LM lookalikes. Otherwise I can go for 19" but prefer 18" for ride comfort. Any suggestion on BBS lookalikes?

Brake and exhaust
Not sure but probably go for an exhaust that is just a bit louder than stock.








A relic from the '80s?

bacardi11

iTrader: (1)

toffee
I use EBC GD series rotors front and rear with Hawks Hps blue box front and rear brake pads. great braking

toffee123

but stock caliper?

bacardi11

iTrader: (1)

even with the stock caliper it was a great upgrade stopping was much better. better pads you feel the difference.

toffee123

got it thanks Gene. I might consider upgrade calipers if I go for 19". At this point, I am still trying to find that 18" with right offset.

bacardi11

iTrader: (1)

tofrfee
I get mine wheels from ebay 18" Work Rims 3 pic. they were 3800 new I get mine used for 1500 like new.

bacardi11

iTrader: (1)

check horsepowerfreat.com for calipers great deals caliper and rotors about 1550 front only

mohrd

iTrader: (3)

For wheels what about the Lumarai Kya, designed specifically for Lexus vehicles (hub centric, proper offset, uses stock nuts, etc), available staggered here http://www.getyourwheels.com/view-wh...t-lip-and-face a CL sponsor.