First foray into LexusWorld, UCF21 build
10-12-14, 06:34 AM
#62
Got tired of my tires rubbing on my fenders so I decided to ramp up my spring rates. As I've said before I have 14/10 now, decided to buy a set of 1000# (~18k) front springs and move my fronts to the rear for a final rate of 18/14k. Also the rear spring would be going from 220mm to 200mm so I was hoping that would reduce the amount I had to lower the rear perch below zero preload to get the ride height I wanted.
Originally I was gonna order some Eibach ERS springs but after some research decided to go with a pair of Hypercoils. They're a pretty respected brand and if its good enough for Indy cars I'm pretty sure the Lexus could handle it (http://www.hypercoils.com/).
Here is a pic of the difference between the stock BC (left) and Hypercoil (right) spring, as you can see they wind their springs with less coils much like the Swifts. Thats one of the reasons I went with them over the Eibachs, also they were $30 cheaper
The height diff between 200mm and 8" is minuscule as shown by this pic so if you ever need to replace BC/Megan/whatever you can do it without having to get their subpar springs or shelling out big bucks for super JDM Swift springs (ID will be 2.5").
Taking apart the coilover wasn't difficult either since they maybe only had a couple thousand miles on them. Now if I were to just do the spring swap I would've been done in no time but heck since they're out might aswell completely take them apart and clean them.
I will say though that even with so few miles I still had issues, the rears on mine were especially dirty which made it hard to take off the lower shock mount b/c of all the crud that had accumulated.
About a month ago I ran 4 AWG power wire to the trunk to hook up my sub and amp. Upon taking my wheel off this greeted me, so that was the slight burning smell every so often
So off to HF I went to get their hydraulic crimper which I'd have to say was the best $40 (with a 20% off coupon of course) I ever spent. Made the job MUCH EASIER and did a fantastic job of crimping the 4 AWG butt connectors I bought.
I also redid my battery fuse, I didn't like the way the one I had just used a set screw to hold the wire on so I bought a bigger one that utilized ring terminals to make it a more solid connection.
For the past 7 months I've been driving without a back seat since I didn't want to put them back in until I installed my system and dampening extenders, well the sub is in so that just left the adjusters!
I sorta guesstimated the height I needed them to be since I couldn't remember how far up the headrests went. Needless to say I can barely remember what happened yesterday let alone 7 months ago. It was pretty easy to cut them, had to use a cut off wheel since the actual cable is steel and the plastic wrapping around it is metal aswell. Just remember that the inner cable needs to be longer than the plastic sheathing.
Not the best pic but you can see how far it sticks out. I installed the seats yesterday and have to say that length was pretty spot on, just about the same height as the headrests if they're down all the way
Originally I was gonna order some Eibach ERS springs but after some research decided to go with a pair of Hypercoils. They're a pretty respected brand and if its good enough for Indy cars I'm pretty sure the Lexus could handle it (http://www.hypercoils.com/).
Here is a pic of the difference between the stock BC (left) and Hypercoil (right) spring, as you can see they wind their springs with less coils much like the Swifts. Thats one of the reasons I went with them over the Eibachs, also they were $30 cheaper
The height diff between 200mm and 8" is minuscule as shown by this pic so if you ever need to replace BC/Megan/whatever you can do it without having to get their subpar springs or shelling out big bucks for super JDM Swift springs (ID will be 2.5").
Taking apart the coilover wasn't difficult either since they maybe only had a couple thousand miles on them. Now if I were to just do the spring swap I would've been done in no time but heck since they're out might aswell completely take them apart and clean them.
I will say though that even with so few miles I still had issues, the rears on mine were especially dirty which made it hard to take off the lower shock mount b/c of all the crud that had accumulated.
About a month ago I ran 4 AWG power wire to the trunk to hook up my sub and amp. Upon taking my wheel off this greeted me, so that was the slight burning smell every so often
So off to HF I went to get their hydraulic crimper which I'd have to say was the best $40 (with a 20% off coupon of course) I ever spent. Made the job MUCH EASIER and did a fantastic job of crimping the 4 AWG butt connectors I bought.
I also redid my battery fuse, I didn't like the way the one I had just used a set screw to hold the wire on so I bought a bigger one that utilized ring terminals to make it a more solid connection.
For the past 7 months I've been driving without a back seat since I didn't want to put them back in until I installed my system and dampening extenders, well the sub is in so that just left the adjusters!
I sorta guesstimated the height I needed them to be since I couldn't remember how far up the headrests went. Needless to say I can barely remember what happened yesterday let alone 7 months ago. It was pretty easy to cut them, had to use a cut off wheel since the actual cable is steel and the plastic wrapping around it is metal aswell. Just remember that the inner cable needs to be longer than the plastic sheathing.
Not the best pic but you can see how far it sticks out. I installed the seats yesterday and have to say that length was pretty spot on, just about the same height as the headrests if they're down all the way
10-13-14, 07:40 PM
#65
looks great, surprised your power wire actually got frayed first before the tire made contact with that inner seam aka tire guillotine! that means your power wire is actually hanging too low! glad you got it sorted.
how does the car ride with the new springs?
how does the car ride with the new springs?
10-14-14, 05:54 PM
#67
but got it on there more securely now.The ride isn't too bad its just a little stiffer than before. The car is so big and heavy you'd really have to get super super stiff rates to get a jarring ride like a GTI or civic. It can get a bit bouncy on successive large bumps though, I chalk that up to still having to run < zero preload on the rear and I'm also out of the "safe" range on my shock valving. Pretty sure its mostly the preload cause it seems to be the rear, not that happy with my BC's overall but whatever you live and learn.
Thanks man I really appreciate it!
Last edited by TMAdash1; 10-14-14 at 05:59 PM.
11-22-14, 06:15 AM
#68
I finally decided to take my car to a meet and introduce myself to some people. Had an awesome time, kinda wish I started doing that earlier in the year since now there probably won't be many because of the weather 
Some more shots of the car by others, you can tell cause they're actually decent compared to the ones I take.
Some more shots of the car by others, you can tell cause they're actually decent compared to the ones I take.
12-08-14, 08:09 PM
#71
Thanks man! I try to set it up as if I were the person reading it, I'm hoping I put enough info that if anyone wanted to do what I did they would have it.
Took a couple pics tonight after throwing on my 17" steelies in the front, maybe its just me but I really like the steelie look....
12-09-14, 11:11 AM
#72
Thanks man! I try to set it up as if I were the person reading it, I'm hoping I put enough info that if anyone wanted to do what I did they would have it.
Took a couple pics tonight after throwing on my 17" steelies in the front, maybe its just me but I really like the steelie look....
I like the look, but too bad as I already went with the oem wheels for winter.
12-09-14, 06:32 PM
#73
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/crr-83-7714
I did have to run 1" spacers though, I was hoping the fact that they were FWD wheels with a +38 et I'd be good but that wasn't the case. Of course in hindsight I didn't even need them since the spacer moved the wheel out so much my stocks cleared my tie rod but, oh well
12-27-14, 05:00 PM
#74
Sadly, the Lexus has passed onto a new owner. I came across a trade I couldn't refuse and took the car back to stock.
Heres a pic right before I sent her off to her new owner
It was sad getting rid of the car, went through a lot with it in the short 1.5 yrs I had it. It was nice to have a vision for a car and see it fully through. I'll def miss rolling around town in it, never had a car that got so much attention before, the stares were priceless
So what did I trade it for? An 87 GTS (gotta keep it in the Toyota family!!)
I had a mint 85 SR-5 hatch about 6 years ago and always told myself I'd get another but a coupe (personally I like the coupes better). Its in pretty good shape considering its a 27 yr old Corolla, PO kept good care of it. Anxious to start the build with this car and see where it takes me!!
Anyway just wanted to thank anyone whose helped me on this journey, everyone has always been super helpful to me. Eventually I would like to get another LS, who knows maybe sooner then later as my clapped out Camry daily might soon be on its way out
Heres a pic right before I sent her off to her new owner
It was sad getting rid of the car, went through a lot with it in the short 1.5 yrs I had it. It was nice to have a vision for a car and see it fully through. I'll def miss rolling around town in it, never had a car that got so much attention before, the stares were priceless
So what did I trade it for? An 87 GTS (gotta keep it in the Toyota family!!)
I had a mint 85 SR-5 hatch about 6 years ago and always told myself I'd get another but a coupe (personally I like the coupes better). Its in pretty good shape considering its a 27 yr old Corolla, PO kept good care of it. Anxious to start the build with this car and see where it takes me!!
Anyway just wanted to thank anyone whose helped me on this journey, everyone has always been super helpful to me. Eventually I would like to get another LS, who knows maybe sooner then later as my clapped out Camry daily might soon be on its way out
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