ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion - Dengman's '99 LS400 build thread

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Dengman's '99 LS400 build thread

Lets just start off with some history. I've been reading lowrider mag since I was in elementary. I didnt just look at the girls. =P Then the whole import scene I was into that.. had a B16 swap in a civic hatch before fast and the furious came out. Worked at a family auto repair business when i was 20-23ish. Then worked with a friend at his shop in Kansas City for a couple of years. Then went to NC to help at the family restaurant. Two years later.. Old buddy Josh in KS called me up and asked if I was ready to buy his LS. The price... I could not pass up. Drove my integra gsr 4dr to Kansas City left it at my friend Johns shop and picked up the LS400. Told John to send me $2000 when he got the integra sold.

Drove the car back like this.
http://www.itzdarave.com/images/ls400/0001.jpg
http://www.itzdarave.com/images/ls400/0002.jpg
http://www.itzdarave.com/images/ls400/0003.jpg

Stock 16s were flat with dry rotted tires. Chrome was peeling. After unmounting two tires and grinding the chrome and bead sealer.. I gave up. Havent worked on cars in 2 years I forgot how to use the tire machine. I laughed at my self. Time was ticking and I had to get home. Luckily John had some bent 18s that happened to fit. Lucky me.

Got the timing belt done since it was 190k+ on its original timing belt. Got some 17" Msw type 14 from Tire Rack. So I could drive to NC to visit the family. (I've used Tire Rack for many years highly recommend.)
http://www.itzdarave.com/images/ls400/0004.jpg
http://www.itzdarave.com/images/ls400/0005.jpg

Megan MKIII supra track coilovers. Cheapest STIFF off-the shelf coilovers with out a wait. (setup a wholesale account with a distributor to get them. ;-) )
http://www.itzdarave.com/images/ls400/0006.jpg
http://www.itzdarave.com/images/ls400/0007.jpg

drilled holes in my towers the other day. My air bags did go off from upper control arm slap.

Next in line new head lights.. Will probably change the lens out.
I need a slide hammer to pull the right side out a little so the head light can mount properly. Was in a minor collision.

I need a new trunk lid. Its bent from a rear collision in the past. It doesnt shut all the way on the right side. I tried everything possible to try to line it up but it seems like its tweaked at a spot I cant bend back.

If you guys have any questions feel free to PM me or post here.

looks good
is it me or are the headlights really hazy?

headlights are cracked and hazy. the post above yours says its next on the list.

the plasti dip is way better than scratched paint for sure
BTW you said the airbags went off coz of the Upper A arm hit the fender wells hard?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dranom (Post 7587790)

the plasti dip is way better than scratched paint for sure
BTW you said the airbags went off coz of the Upper A arm hit the fender wells hard?

yes. 18k springs in the front. In the back of my head I knew it was possible. It just happened to happen on the way back from Import faceoff in Saint Louis.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dengman (Post 7587793)

yes. 18k springs in the front. In the back of my head I knew it was possible. It just happened to happen on the way back from Import faceoff in Saint Louis.

damn insane! did the car went airborne for a bit?
all the airbags deployed?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dranom (Post 7587796)

damn insane! did the car went airborne for a bit?
all the airbags deployed?

steering and dash. and front seat belt pre-tensioners fired.

I dont quite remember if the car went airborne since i was in zombie mode after 12hr day while my passengers were sleeping. my right hand got hit by the air bag. I was going about 75mph and slowed down to 60 and kept driving. windows steamed up. some too. "Oh *****t!" is what my front passenger said. LOL.

Found a couple leads for airbag set and module. I'd rather just change the steering wheel to a nardi wheel. The passenger air bag cover is back in place. I just need new seat belts. I took them apart to unlock. they still work and work mechanically in an event of an accident it still locks. Just doesnt wined back all the way in after unbuckling.

Wouldn't be at all surprised if your rigged coils didn't contribute to the incident, though it seems like you just ran too low without cutting the towers and had a really hard hit.

What are some specs on your current wheels? Im kinda interested in them, never seen them on an ls....:thumbup:

Quote:

Originally Posted by yotaman223 (Post 7588778)

What are some specs on your current wheels? Im kinda interested in them, never seen them on an ls....:thumbup:

Ridler 695
18x8 -2 Front 225/40/18 grinded caliper to the limits and have spacer.
18x9.5 +15 Rear 245/45/18 (tire is thick, so i can haul weight with a trailer eventually.)

Rolled, a little pull and stretch to fit.

Debating about selling them. I just love the looks i get from "domestic" folk since they have no clue what kind of car it is till they see the front emblem. Apparently the car looks jaw dropping when its rolling since the lips are big and its just bling. :woot:

if youre still around champaign you gotta come to the auto club meet! your car looks great! are your headlights getting that plastic fog thing?