Chin's build thread
12-02-10, 01:22 PM
#1
Chin's build thread
This will primarily serve as my build thread, but first off I need to apologize. I've been on this board for a while, made a few posts, sold/bought a few parts, but never really introduced myself or my car, excuse my manners... I intend to be more active starting now and want to check out a few meets in the upcoming months.
I just sold my rear bumper to someone on this board a couple days ago, so I decided to take some photos of my car before my mods begin and while it is still in stock form because there is no turning back now. Only mods that I have done so far are 35% tint & Clarion 7" touch screen double din head unit with the Toyota JDM kit.
I have a 2003 Lexus GS300 Sport Design, Crystal White with Saddle Interior.
Here are the parts that I have so far:
L-Sportline front/rear bumper, roof spoiler, and possibly grille
L-Tuned side skirts
Tanabe Medallion Touring cat-back exhaust
OEM front bumper & L-Sportline side skirts are for sale...
I still need wheels, BBK, full stereo, coil over suspension, and last but not least a 2JZ-GTE. My car is due for a 90k service (timing belt, water pump, etc. and I refuse to do it because I want to swap the motor).
I just want to keep the car clean, simple, and reliable... nothing too over-the-top, just basically plan to improve on everything Lexus has done and not really alter the styling, reliability, or usefulness of the car too much.
I used to customize high end cars a few years back before I moved from NY and really haven't customized anything in a while. I plan to do most of the work myself (except for paint)... So on to a few stock pics:
I just sold my rear bumper to someone on this board a couple days ago, so I decided to take some photos of my car before my mods begin and while it is still in stock form because there is no turning back now. Only mods that I have done so far are 35% tint & Clarion 7" touch screen double din head unit with the Toyota JDM kit.
I have a 2003 Lexus GS300 Sport Design, Crystal White with Saddle Interior.
Here are the parts that I have so far:
L-Sportline front/rear bumper, roof spoiler, and possibly grille
L-Tuned side skirts
Tanabe Medallion Touring cat-back exhaust
OEM front bumper & L-Sportline side skirts are for sale...
I still need wheels, BBK, full stereo, coil over suspension, and last but not least a 2JZ-GTE. My car is due for a 90k service (timing belt, water pump, etc. and I refuse to do it because I want to swap the motor).
I just want to keep the car clean, simple, and reliable... nothing too over-the-top, just basically plan to improve on everything Lexus has done and not really alter the styling, reliability, or usefulness of the car too much.
I used to customize high end cars a few years back before I moved from NY and really haven't customized anything in a while. I plan to do most of the work myself (except for paint)... So on to a few stock pics:
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12-10-10, 02:18 PM
#9
Just finished up my first mod. Tanabe Medallion Touring cat-back exhaust installed. Pretty easy and straightforward install. I probably spent more time driving around town trying to find the right size exhaust flange gaskets than it took to actually install the exhaust. I never did find just the right flange gaskets, had to modify the ones I bought by re-drilling the bolt holes, shouldn't be a problem. I didn't want to wait to mail order the exact fit ones because I wanted to install the exhaust today.
There was only 1 slight issue, because the diameter of the Y-Pipe is larger than OEM, there is a potential for it to hit a cross bar that sits right behind the cat. I only had a millimeter or 2 of space between the Y-Pipe and the cross bar. I temporarily removed the bar as others have done, but I am going to space the bar down some with a few washers, or a piece of aluminum and re-install it. Toyota put the bar there for a reason and I want to keep it on. I'm sure it would help protect your exhaust if you were to run over something.
Also removed the front & rear OEM bumpers (both are sold to members here) and just waiting for my L-Sportline bumpers which should be painted in the next day or two.
OEM exhaust will be for sale shortly in the classifieds. If anyone has a set of Bilstein PSS coilovers, I need them! Cash waiting...
Exhaust sounds great at idle and low speed cruising. I haven't had a chance to bring the car on the highway yet but it sounds exactly how I wanted it to...
There was only 1 slight issue, because the diameter of the Y-Pipe is larger than OEM, there is a potential for it to hit a cross bar that sits right behind the cat. I only had a millimeter or 2 of space between the Y-Pipe and the cross bar. I temporarily removed the bar as others have done, but I am going to space the bar down some with a few washers, or a piece of aluminum and re-install it. Toyota put the bar there for a reason and I want to keep it on. I'm sure it would help protect your exhaust if you were to run over something.
Also removed the front & rear OEM bumpers (both are sold to members here) and just waiting for my L-Sportline bumpers which should be painted in the next day or two.
OEM exhaust will be for sale shortly in the classifieds. If anyone has a set of Bilstein PSS coilovers, I need them! Cash waiting...
Exhaust sounds great at idle and low speed cruising. I haven't had a chance to bring the car on the highway yet but it sounds exactly how I wanted it to...
12-10-10, 03:56 PM
#13
Just begun...
There are tons of pics on here, but I will definitely post some up.
Thanks.
The Bronx in my very early years and then we moved to Long Island.
For now... L-Sportline front & rear and L-Tuned sides. I may one day sell the L-Sportline front is there is something I like better. But I don't ever see myself selling the rear or sides. Jeff you may not know me personally, but I am depending on you to walk me through this 2JZ-GTE swap. I've been reading up and since my car is a 2003, there seems to be more wiring involved. Wiring doesn't scare me, that's what I do for a living, but it's always nice to have someone in your corner when you are doing something for the first time...
