Daily Slideshow: Lexus SC400 Is One Clean, Simple Build
The Lexus SC400 is a pretty awesome car as is. So it doesn't take much to turn this one into a stunner!
Keeping It Simple (And Clean)
The early Lexus SC is, without a doubt, one of our very favorite models from the luxury manufacturer. Sporting timeless good looks and a rock solid drivetrain, you don't have to do much to make these cars great. So when Club Lexus member Andrew got his hands on a clean 1998 SC400, simplicity was the name of the game. And we have to say, it turned out pretty awesome!
>>Join the conversation about the modern classic that is the SC400 right here in Club Lexus.
Under the Skin
Luckily, Andrew was able to find a very clean SC400 to start with, which makes things much easier. And he was quick to share his future plans! "I'm going for a resto-mod tuner kind of vibe here. Keeping the car relatively subtle. Most of the mods will be under the skin. Want the car to look stock but with modern touches i.e.: new brakes and wheels, etc."
>>Join the conversation about the modern classic that is the SC400 right here in Club Lexus.
Keep the Stock Motor, but Don't Keep the Motor Stock
Of course, that doesn't mean this SC won't receive its fair share of performance mods. "I'm going to keep the stock motor, but I'm not going to keep the motor stock. Not too many performance upgrades for the 1UZ VVTI, but things like upgraded cams, intake, exhaust, and maybe headers are viable upgrades. Not looking to make a ton of power. Just want a car that looks nice, sounds nice, and gives me a decent pull on command. A high-performance Optima battery is also on the list."
>>Join the conversation about the modern classic that is the SC400 right here in Club Lexus.
New Shoes
First up on the mods list? A sweet new set of wheels. In this case, Gunmetal Grey, 17-inch Niche Targa M129s Andrew picked up on Craigslist for a song. He wrapped those new hoops in a set of 245/45 BFGoodrich Comp 2 A/S tires.
>>Join the conversation about the modern classic that is the SC400 right here in Club Lexus.
Add Some "Whoa"
Next up on the list was a set of upgraded BBK brakes from a '99 LS400. Andrew scored the parts at a local junkyard, then proceeded to disassemble, clean, and paint them gold to match the car's trim.
>>Join the conversation about the modern classic that is the SC400 right here in Club Lexus.
Cleaning Things Up
To help those new brakes stop the way they should, Andrew replaced all the stock lines with StopTech steel braided pieces, bled the system, and replaced the brake fluid. He also flushed the power steering fluid and did an oil/filter change for good measure.
>>Join the conversation about the modern classic that is the SC400 right here in Club Lexus.
Polish Her Up
To shine up the old black paint, Andrew used a series of Adam's polishes, spray wax, and sealant. As good as it looked after that, he still wants to respray the car in the original Black Onyx color, however.
>>Join the conversation about the modern classic that is the SC400 right here in Club Lexus.
Glue It to the Ground
At this point, the work on this SC has just begun. In addition to the engine mods, Andrew has a long suspension wish list, too. That includes a full rebuild including upper and lower control arms, bushings, shocks, springs, steering rack, and control arms.
>>Join the conversation about the modern classic that is the SC400 right here in Club Lexus.
Row Your Own (When You Want To)
As far as transmission options go, Andrew has considered doing a manual swap. But he'd rather have an automatic with a manual option, like the IS300. Planned exhaust upgrades consist of a Magnaflow Catback setup with electronic cutout.
>>Join the conversation about the modern classic that is the SC400 right here in Club Lexus.
Tidy Things Up
Plans for the inside and outside are mostly restorative. Outside of the future respray, Andrew wants to redo the original gold trim as well. On the inside, plans include merely replacing/redoing anything that's broken or worn out. Be sure and keep up with this awesome project comes together by heading over here!
>>Join the conversation about the modern classic that is the SC400 right here in Club Lexus.
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