Brian S

Don't know yet. She's at the Toyota dealer awaiting further inspection. After consulting with a Lexus mechanic, it may not be a head gasket. But we'll have to wait and see when the shop opens up the engine...

Lexusfreak

Keep us posted.

Brian S

Still waiting for Toyota to open the engine up. Hopefully tomorrow. In the meantime, I figured I'd be optimistic and see what the 04-05 LS430 rims would look like.

Brian S

And with the graphite IS300 rims...

Brian S

Looks like the engine might be fine:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho....php?p=1288424

chicagoblknazn

The OZs from the other thread ar really nice......get something like them in chrome.

Brian S

I like the OZs, but there's not much in the way of lip. Like 1.5" Brandon from TR said. I liked the wheel (though in silver), but thought they needed a nice chrome lip with a little depth.

Brian

Brian S

Okey doke, I was considering the IS rims, but I stopped by the dealership and had a look and the IS just wouldn't fit with the look I was going for, I think. Too racey and small.

So I've been kinda getting away from the black look, because I don't want to risk turning my beloved lexus into an A-team car. I think with the right rims, black might look good. But I don't know that I've found them yet. I just don't want to lose the elegance of the Lexus. So I started looking at OEM Lexus rims like the IS and GS 17's, and also at the new LS430 18" sport rims. An LS430 was sitting next to the IS, and I would say the LSes rims would be a much better aesthetic fit with my LS. Unfortunately, getting these rims is kind of hard, and I had a look at the ASA ST3's that TireRack sells. I photoshopped both onto my car, and I gotta say, I think the ASA might look better. I think it might have something to do with the fatter spoke setup of the Lexus rim fitting better with the LS430 body style.

I know they're not dubs, but I am coming to the realization that 19" rims may not be the best thing for my car considering the roads I live with, my desire to keep the plushness of the ride, and, at least partially, cost considerations. Besides that, hardcore ghetto/VIP isn't really my style, and a lot of the nicer rims seem to ride the line between nice looking and gaudy.

What do you think?

I have a less washed out photoshop of the Lexus rims on my car...

Brian S

And the ASA ST3's

GS3Tek

iTrader: (8)

Once in a while I see an LS with the same body style, but lowered, dark tint, grey body clad (basically left it stock), and black mesh wheels with chrome lips. It looks very classy, not ghetto. Can you try ps some mesh to see if you like it?

Brian S

Welp, the car's all ready for summer! I wanted to update with some pics of the final product. She's been tinted with 5%, lowered, got new rims, and the bottom cladding and grill have been painted black to match the rest of the body. I'm really happy with the look. It's a nice blend of tasteful bad *** looks. The paint job on the bumper and cladding is amazing.

Here ya go...

More pics at http://gallery.brianandfabi.com/myls400/

Brian S

Not bad looking for a nearly 7 year old car...

Brian S

The newly painted bumper and grill...

Brian S

And I just like this photo.

Brian S

Any improvement?