Todd's LS
 

Well since parts will begin to trickle in bit by bit, I figured I would start my build thread. The goal is to make my LS better in ways that appeal to me. Reading the build threads of you pioneers gives me inspiration!

The guidelines are simple - make it look, sound, go, turn and stop better than when it was new (no easy task). It will be a budget build, but hopefully tastefully executed and not done in a way to detract from its classic lines.

The project car is a 1997 silver jade LS400 sitting at 219,600 miles. I know that with maintenance it will see plenty more. And maintenence is cheaper than a car note.

I've added my first mod and gained 50hp.
https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...5c88f846bf.jpg


https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...11263c7b90.jpg

More to come!

Looking better already
 

Got my new led tails in and I must say I'm impressed! They are bright as heck! Added the Phillips 7440 red turn signals to keep it all red and clear in the back. Clear corners up front, looking 100% better already.
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...aca70c572e.jpg


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...8976899cac.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...471a412cd0.jpg


https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...9b1efe0925.jpg

I love those tails! Do they mess with the "light out" indicator?

They come with 6 resistors to stop that from happening. Mine is still on because I changed the 3rd brake light bulbs to led as well but haven't put the resistors in yet. I picked some up yesterday and haven't put them in yet, so I'll let you know if it does the trick.

So, what is the "fix" for the "tail lamp out" error?

Usually it's putting a resistor in the line to match the load that the incandescent bulbs have. These tails come with load resistors that you install into the wiring harness for the lights. When I fired up the car and turned the park lights on, there was no bulb out indication, but as soon as I hit the brakes, it popped up. That leaves only the third brake light bulbs.

I'm going to head out and put them on as soon as I get munchkin down for a nap.

The resistors did the trick. I found a small pack of 2 at pep boys where they have all the led lights. They're about an inch and a half long so they fit down in the hole under the 3rd brake light.

It's important to note that you have to put the connector very close to the base of each bulb because of how they're wired. But I'm all buttoned up with no light out indicator.

Ok, the part of modding that sucks is having to redo work you've already done. That being said, DO NOT BUY THE RESISTORS FROM PEP BOYS!!! They get entirely too hot and I could smell them cooking. So I'm going to suck it up and buy the bigger Sylvania ones from Auto Zone. I've got them hooked up on my Expedition with no issues. There is a metal shelf under the 3rd brake light that will allow me to mount them with 2 sided tape.

Back to the drawing boards...

Bigger what by Sylvania? Bigger LED setup? I'm just curious because I have the "Taillamp Out" popping up in my error messages, lol...

Lol, no, load resistors. The Sylvania ones are physically bigger than the cheap ones I got from Pep Boys.

JBrady done
 

Finally got the intake mod done. Now to get the 2 rear resonators removed and the extra fresh air in and gas passing out will be much better.

Under the hood detailing and brake calipers asking to be done before the eat and get fat holiday is done.

A little paint work
 

So before getting my turkey wings ready tonight, I spent the evening painting a few parts under the hood. Sorry for the bad pic.

I've got a few spots to touch up, but it looks better than it did before.


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...257d2d05e4.jpg

Brake time
 

Finally got around to doing the brakes. Have some detailing and touching up to do, but I'm digging them. Think they'll look good peeking from behind some 19" graphite wheels with some cross-drilled and slotted rotors turning in them.

What do you guys think?

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...b371f570b2.jpg


https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...3b3449c54e.jpg

Did you order the tails from Japan that are on Ebay?If so, what was the wait time?

They may be from Japan but they shipped from California. I ordered on Monday and they arrived on Saturday. I got the combo deal that included the tails and clear bumper lenses.