Jimmy Mac 1999 SC300
04-08-18, 08:28 PM
#542
^^ I feel this is a good thing. It's such a contrast of classic Lexus and new Lexus and to me it's Jim's car in that picture that looks the most "Lexus" of the bunch. I know what you mean though and one can't deny how the general look of the brand has changed over the years.
The main difference between the 90's models and today's models to me is that each coupe, sedan or SUV was given its own individual personality, especially in the front end... except that you STILL knew it was a Lexus. This could be said for nearly all brands today. The SC could not be mistaken for any other model whereas at certain angles and long distances I can't tell a 2018+ ES apart from a 2018+ IS... or, from a long distance, the LS from the GS. They all have the same general front ends.
I think I am seeing a burgandy RC350 as the third car to the left of Jim's SC but I can't be sure it isn't an IS200t/350.
Don't get me wrong-- I've yet to see a Lexus that I wasn't impressed by in terms of quality and beautiful presentation but when you sit a modern one next to a nice 90's SC, 98-05 GS, early IS or 90's LS400 there is a much more pronounced sense of individuality in each model which are still unmistakably the models of a certain brand. The LFA and LC500 are two unique exceptions as well as maybe RC based on its overall shape.
Also, Jim I love how the ashtray gauge panel turned out! You've inspired me to get one of my own from him, although it will be slightly different.
The main difference between the 90's models and today's models to me is that each coupe, sedan or SUV was given its own individual personality, especially in the front end... except that you STILL knew it was a Lexus. This could be said for nearly all brands today. The SC could not be mistaken for any other model whereas at certain angles and long distances I can't tell a 2018+ ES apart from a 2018+ IS... or, from a long distance, the LS from the GS. They all have the same general front ends.
I think I am seeing a burgandy RC350 as the third car to the left of Jim's SC but I can't be sure it isn't an IS200t/350.
Don't get me wrong-- I've yet to see a Lexus that I wasn't impressed by in terms of quality and beautiful presentation but when you sit a modern one next to a nice 90's SC, 98-05 GS, early IS or 90's LS400 there is a much more pronounced sense of individuality in each model which are still unmistakably the models of a certain brand. The LFA and LC500 are two unique exceptions as well as maybe RC based on its overall shape.
Also, Jim I love how the ashtray gauge panel turned out! You've inspired me to get one of my own from him, although it will be slightly different.
Last edited by KahnBB6; 04-08-18 at 08:36 PM.
04-09-18, 05:36 AM
#543
^^ I feel this is a good thing. It's such a contrast of classic Lexus and new Lexus and to me it's Jim's car in that picture that looks the most "Lexus" of the bunch. I know what you mean though and one can't deny how the general look of the brand has changed over the years.
The main difference between the 90's models and today's models to me is that each coupe, sedan or SUV was given its own individual personality, especially in the front end... except that you STILL knew it was a Lexus. This could be said for nearly all brands today. The SC could not be mistaken for any other model whereas at certain angles and long distances I can't tell a 2018+ ES apart from a 2018+ IS... or, from a long distance, the LS from the GS. They all have the same general front ends.
I think I am seeing a burgandy RC350 as the third car to the left of Jim's SC but I can't be sure it isn't an IS200t/350.
Don't get me wrong-- I've yet to see a Lexus that I wasn't impressed by in terms of quality and beautiful presentation but when you sit a modern one next to a nice 90's SC, 98-05 GS, early IS or 90's LS400 there is a much more pronounced sense of individuality in each model which are still unmistakably the models of a certain brand. The LFA and LC500 are two unique exceptions as well as maybe RC based on its overall shape.
Also, Jim I love how the ashtray gauge panel turned out! You've inspired me to get one of my own from him, although it will be slightly different.
The main difference between the 90's models and today's models to me is that each coupe, sedan or SUV was given its own individual personality, especially in the front end... except that you STILL knew it was a Lexus. This could be said for nearly all brands today. The SC could not be mistaken for any other model whereas at certain angles and long distances I can't tell a 2018+ ES apart from a 2018+ IS... or, from a long distance, the LS from the GS. They all have the same general front ends.
I think I am seeing a burgandy RC350 as the third car to the left of Jim's SC but I can't be sure it isn't an IS200t/350.
Don't get me wrong-- I've yet to see a Lexus that I wasn't impressed by in terms of quality and beautiful presentation but when you sit a modern one next to a nice 90's SC, 98-05 GS, early IS or 90's LS400 there is a much more pronounced sense of individuality in each model which are still unmistakably the models of a certain brand. The LFA and LC500 are two unique exceptions as well as maybe RC based on its overall shape.
Also, Jim I love how the ashtray gauge panel turned out! You've inspired me to get one of my own from him, although it will be slightly different.
The burgundy car is an ES350, which proves your point exactly. Lol they have all started to look VERY similar. The older cars definitely had a uniqueness to them. Their own identity if you will.
I can say this with certainty, I love my car. But there is a lot to be said for modern day technology in the new cars. The Mark Levinson sound systems are amazing. Led triple beam headlights. If I could get an affordable lease, I would have an RCF right now. Nothing like the sound of that V8 and a 50,000 mile warranty lol
04-09-18, 11:17 PM
#544
That's great news! I can't wait to see what you both have come up with! I asked him if he had any plans to repurpose the cup holder assembly just behind the shifter and threw out some ideas and variations hoping it would inspire him for the future. There are several areas of untapped potential for a custom panel or insert.
The burgundy car is an ES350, which proves your point exactly. Lol they have all started to look VERY similar. The older cars definitely had a uniqueness to them. Their own identity if you will.
I can say this with certainty, I love my car. But there is a lot to be said for modern day technology in the new cars. The Mark Levinson sound systems are amazing. Led triple beam headlights. If I could get an affordable lease, I would have an RCF right now. Nothing like the sound of that V8 and a 50,000 mile warranty lol
I can say this with certainty, I love my car. But there is a lot to be said for modern day technology in the new cars. The Mark Levinson sound systems are amazing. Led triple beam headlights. If I could get an affordable lease, I would have an RCF right now. Nothing like the sound of that V8 and a 50,000 mile warranty lol
Wow! That I was able to confuse two totally different models that easily...
I feel like brands giving their models more individual identity may become a thing again though. Eventually.I agree with you that there is a lot of modern technology to like in new cars (and some modern tech not so much but it varies, depending). The Mark Levinson systems are brilliant, yes. Modern headlight systems too. The RCF is a beautiful and impressive car. Love its V8 and that it has an optional (or is it standard?) Torsen LSD. Of course I still wish they'd offer it with a 6-speed M/T
All the RC's are heavy but even the RC200t (with the optional Torsen package) is a really nice RWD coupe based on looks alone.
04-19-18, 05:24 PM
#545
Lexus Test Driver
I'm looking forward to this weather breaking so that we can start the SC's and coffee again. This car has changed so much since the fall. Congrats on a phenomenal build, Jimmy!
04-21-18, 04:45 AM
#546
Also, my car was featured on an IG web series. If you guys get a chance, check it out and follow him. He writes about some really cool cars!
04-26-18, 06:57 AM
#551
Wow. Looking good man.
04-28-18, 04:07 AM
#552
Jim - glad you are enjoying your boosted car 
! It doesn't stop there , it is addictive . I wonder how long it will stay at that power 
.
I might have missed the following info on your engine. I am trying to decipher the quench / squish & final compression on that engine you currently have since I would like to experiment on the GE stuff and performance parts I have laying around !
I know you have a pre 95 stock short block and a vvti head ....
a) did you ever get the vvti head or block decked / milled ?
If yes , how much was taken out for each ?
If not , I assume both have never been touched or worked on before you got them ...meaning the vvti head still have the .025" recess and block the .005" piston to deck clearance ?
b) you did use the TT head gasket right ?
! It doesn't stop there , it is addictive . I wonder how long it will stay at that power .I might have missed the following info on your engine. I am trying to decipher the quench / squish & final compression on that engine you currently have since I would like to experiment on the GE stuff and performance parts I have laying around
!I know you have a pre 95 stock short block and a vvti head ....
a) did you ever get the vvti head or block decked / milled ?
If yes , how much was taken out for each ?
If not , I assume both have never been touched or worked on before you got them ...meaning the vvti head still have the .025" recess and block the .005" piston to deck clearance ?
b) you did use the TT head gasket right ?
Last edited by gerrb; 04-28-18 at 06:47 AM.
04-28-18, 06:19 PM
#553
Jim - glad you are enjoying your boosted car ! It doesn't stop there , it is addictive . I wonder how long it will stay at that power .
I might have missed the following info on your engine. I am trying to decipher the quench / squish & final compression on that engine you currently have since I would like to experiment on the GE stuff and performance parts I have laying around !
I know you have a pre 95 stock short block and a vvti head ....
a) did you ever get the vvti head or block decked / milled ?
If yes , how much was taken out for each ?
If not , I assume both have never been touched or worked on before you got them ...meaning the vvti head still have the .025" recess and block the .005" piston to deck clearance ?
b) you did use the TT head gasket right ?
! It doesn't stop there , it is addictive . I wonder how long it will stay at that power .I might have missed the following info on your engine. I am trying to decipher the quench / squish & final compression on that engine you currently have since I would like to experiment on the GE stuff and performance parts I have laying around
!I know you have a pre 95 stock short block and a vvti head ....
a) did you ever get the vvti head or block decked / milled ?
If yes , how much was taken out for each ?
If not , I assume both have never been touched or worked on before you got them ...meaning the vvti head still have the .025" recess and block the .005" piston to deck clearance ?
b) you did use the TT head gasket right ?
I don’t beat on the car but I certainly put it through its paces and (knock on wood) the W58 isn’t giving me any issues and it’s near 600whp and 520wtq. Fingers crossed.
05-01-18, 05:08 AM
#554
Thanks Jim . Your compression is around 9.2:1 because of the .075" squish .
A healthy stock pre vvti short block with the vvti head is a great setup . One can even use the stock vvti intake with a treadstone exhaust manifold. Can easily get into the 750rwhp without breaking the bank. I would suggest milling the head .035" to get a squish / quench of .055" with a TT head gasket to get more power then replace all bolts and studs with ARP hardware . Compression will be somewhere around 9.35:1 . It will be a very cost effective boosted engine.
Enjoy buddy ... just don't hammer that W58 !
A healthy stock pre vvti short block with the vvti head is a great setup . One can even use the stock vvti intake with a treadstone exhaust manifold. Can easily get into the 750rwhp without breaking the bank. I would suggest milling the head .035" to get a squish / quench of .055" with a TT head gasket to get more power then replace all bolts and studs with ARP hardware . Compression will be somewhere around 9.35:1 . It will be a very cost effective boosted engine.
Enjoy buddy ... just don't hammer that W58
!
05-04-18, 04:35 AM
#555
Thanks Jim . Your compression is around 9.2:1 because of the .075" squish .
A healthy stock pre vvti short block with the vvti head is a great setup . One can even use the stock vvti intake with a treadstone exhaust manifold. Can easily get into the 750rwhp without breaking the bank. I would suggest milling the head .035" to get a squish / quench of .055" with a TT head gasket to get more power then replace all bolts and studs with ARP hardware . Compression will be somewhere around 9.35:1 . It will be a very cost effective boosted engine.
Enjoy buddy ... just don't hammer that W58 !
A healthy stock pre vvti short block with the vvti head is a great setup . One can even use the stock vvti intake with a treadstone exhaust manifold. Can easily get into the 750rwhp without breaking the bank. I would suggest milling the head .035" to get a squish / quench of .055" with a TT head gasket to get more power then replace all bolts and studs with ARP hardware . Compression will be somewhere around 9.35:1 . It will be a very cost effective boosted engine.
Enjoy buddy ... just don't hammer that W58
!as for the W58, it is holding up strong so far. I don’t slam gears or neutral drop the car. I drive it hard though. It has almost 700 miles on it now since completion.
I finally got my a/c working last night. My AUX terminal was not set correctly in my ecu so it wouldn’t send the signal to the magnet clutch relay. All fixed and now i have ice cold air! Will be perfect for that trip you and I are taking to Florida!!!
If I do actually make that trip I am going to really miss my cruise control though.