95 LS 400 - Girlfriend's Daily Driver Build
04-13-15, 01:53 PM
#1
95 LS 400 - Girlfriend's Daily Driver Build
Hey guys, I've been over on the GS forum for a few months, but I just picked up this '95 LS 400 to be my girlfriend's daily.
She had been flirting with the idea of getting into cars recently, and when she gave me the criteria for what kind of car she wanted, ("big and roomy, but also kind of sporty and luxurious, but also really reliable and under $5,000") I knew there was really only one option: 1st gen LS.
Ended up finding this UCF20 from a local Lexus enthusiast Facebook page and went to check it out. All black exterior, black interior, new Megan coils, new brakes, new tires, 182k, and clean title seemed too good to pass up...
However, I found out after buying it, the seller wasn't exactly honest about the condition of the car. The classic "Check engine light is on, but it's just an O2 sensor, bro," excuse turned out to be a random multiple misfire code, EGR flow code, O2 sensors bank 1 and 2 codes, knock sensor circuit code, and flashing TRAC OFF.
Still, the price was low enough that I figured I'd start doing some basic maintenance and see if some issues would go away before giving up completely. New spark plugs got rid of the misfire codes and flashing Trac Off light. I noticed the timing belt was cracked, so I had it and the water pump replaced. I'm not sure how, but that fixed the knock sensor and O2 codes, leaving only the EGR code to be dealt with.
Immediate plans include: fix EGR code, more basic/preventative maintenance, replace the missing Lexus badge, black out some of the faded gold trim, and give the thing a good cut and buff.
Eventually: Bigger wheels, darker tint, exhaust, stereo, etc. Pretty much whatever she thinks is cool!
These pictures are from the first day we bought it. Since then we've removed the "VIP Starter Kit" window stickers and the old broken antenna. The rest of the changes have been under the hood. The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend, so I'll clean it up and snap a bunch of pictures!
She had been flirting with the idea of getting into cars recently, and when she gave me the criteria for what kind of car she wanted, ("big and roomy, but also kind of sporty and luxurious, but also really reliable and under $5,000") I knew there was really only one option: 1st gen LS.
Ended up finding this UCF20 from a local Lexus enthusiast Facebook page and went to check it out. All black exterior, black interior, new Megan coils, new brakes, new tires, 182k, and clean title seemed too good to pass up...
However, I found out after buying it, the seller wasn't exactly honest about the condition of the car. The classic "Check engine light is on, but it's just an O2 sensor, bro," excuse turned out to be a random multiple misfire code, EGR flow code, O2 sensors bank 1 and 2 codes, knock sensor circuit code, and flashing TRAC OFF.
Still, the price was low enough that I figured I'd start doing some basic maintenance and see if some issues would go away before giving up completely. New spark plugs got rid of the misfire codes and flashing Trac Off light. I noticed the timing belt was cracked, so I had it and the water pump replaced. I'm not sure how, but that fixed the knock sensor and O2 codes, leaving only the EGR code to be dealt with.
Immediate plans include: fix EGR code, more basic/preventative maintenance, replace the missing Lexus badge, black out some of the faded gold trim, and give the thing a good cut and buff.
Eventually: Bigger wheels, darker tint, exhaust, stereo, etc. Pretty much whatever she thinks is cool!
These pictures are from the first day we bought it. Since then we've removed the "VIP Starter Kit" window stickers and the old broken antenna. The rest of the changes have been under the hood. The weather is supposed to be nice this weekend, so I'll clean it up and snap a bunch of pictures!
04-14-15, 08:26 AM
#4
Did some research on it, but I wasn't aware 95's were the worst.
Anyway, I have the resistors that the DIY Thread recommended in a box at home. A buddy of mine has a lot of experience with building/modding ECU's, so I just need to have him solder it all together. Thanks for the heads up!
Anyway, I have the resistors that the DIY Thread recommended in a box at home. A buddy of mine has a lot of experience with building/modding ECU's, so I just need to have him solder it all together. Thanks for the heads up!
04-14-15, 07:44 PM
#5
welcome and great choice on the criteria set forth by the gf.
1st gen 90-94 are most notorious for ECM failures, where 95-97 are next. it's likely on your UCF20 and should be done.
they are not resistors, but rather capacitors that go bad. read that thread (very long and thorough) and forward it to your buddy who is experienced. he will know what to do.
all 90-97 cars are susceptible to EGR pipe leakage. search on this topic more. i would first clear the code and see if it comes back. i passed smog with my leaking EGR pipe bc it never threw a code. i still fixed it though bc fumes are nasty!
keep searching on here, check the FAQ, and gl with the build!
1st gen 90-94 are most notorious for ECM failures, where 95-97 are next. it's likely on your UCF20 and should be done.
they are not resistors, but rather capacitors that go bad. read that thread (very long and thorough) and forward it to your buddy who is experienced. he will know what to do.
all 90-97 cars are susceptible to EGR pipe leakage. search on this topic more. i would first clear the code and see if it comes back. i passed smog with my leaking EGR pipe bc it never threw a code. i still fixed it though bc fumes are nasty!
keep searching on here, check the FAQ, and gl with the build!
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