These idle hands do the Devil’s Work... 1995 LS400 tasteful VIP build
#1
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
These idle hands do the Devil’s Work... 1995 LS400 tasteful VIP build
Well, might as well document what has been on my list as one of my dream builds. I picked this single owner, 247,000 mile ‘95 Lexus Ls400 up off of a local LetGo ad for $1900. Looked up the service history and it had been maintained by the original owner from delivery up to 1000 miles ago through the Longo Lexus dealership out here in California.
Here’s a list of what has been replaced or repaired through Lexus
AC system complete replacement
Starter
EGR flex pipe
PS Pump
Complete Rack and Pinion
Cluster was repaired
Complete Timing belt service including camshaft and crank seals, tensioner, water pump, Pully bearings, rear and front seals at 187k
motor and trans mounts replaced
Front and rear seats reupholstered
Both catalytic converters replaced
all struts and springs as well as associated hardware, mounts, etc. replaced
all bushings as well as driveshaft coulee replaced
Junction block replaces...
The list goes on. The previous owner was so OCD that she even took it back to the dealership to have the proper OEM floor mat installed to replace an incorrect one.
I do have the ECU issue which will be sent out and repaired soon.
indo need to replace the passenger side fender due to damage that was poorly fixed. This will result in a compete repaint though.
olans include AME Shallen AX’s (Have a deal lined up for a set of 18’s that have never been on a vehicle for the low price of $550)
Air ride (Also have a lead on a full D2 Elite setup for $1800 with new bags installed on the coil overs)
Complete replacement of the Nakimachi sound system with new Pioneer components that will be installed in the factory locations.
all of this is being done on a budget, all while maintaining the vehicle. Here’s pics of how it sits now
Here’s a list of what has been replaced or repaired through Lexus
AC system complete replacement
Starter
EGR flex pipe
PS Pump
Complete Rack and Pinion
Cluster was repaired
Complete Timing belt service including camshaft and crank seals, tensioner, water pump, Pully bearings, rear and front seals at 187k
motor and trans mounts replaced
Front and rear seats reupholstered
Both catalytic converters replaced
all struts and springs as well as associated hardware, mounts, etc. replaced
all bushings as well as driveshaft coulee replaced
Junction block replaces...
The list goes on. The previous owner was so OCD that she even took it back to the dealership to have the proper OEM floor mat installed to replace an incorrect one.
I do have the ECU issue which will be sent out and repaired soon.
indo need to replace the passenger side fender due to damage that was poorly fixed. This will result in a compete repaint though.
olans include AME Shallen AX’s (Have a deal lined up for a set of 18’s that have never been on a vehicle for the low price of $550)
Air ride (Also have a lead on a full D2 Elite setup for $1800 with new bags installed on the coil overs)
Complete replacement of the Nakimachi sound system with new Pioneer components that will be installed in the factory locations.
all of this is being done on a budget, all while maintaining the vehicle. Here’s pics of how it sits now
#2
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Little update. Since this build is currently in a tight budget, it’s about finding certain pieces and parts on a budget. I was glad that a friend tossed the Megan EZ Street coilovers with Tein springs up front my way for half of what they cost new.
Hopefully next week I will be procuring a set of AME Shallen AX wheels (Also getting them for a ridiculously low price)
#3
Racer
Cool.You stole that car for that price.Why the repaint? I would prefer to keep the original paint.You can sooner or later find that fender in the junkyard with right color for cheap,its just held on with bolts.
Also I had some paint work done on my jeepster after a rear hit,you cant tell the difference from the original paint and the repair.
Also I had some paint work done on my jeepster after a rear hit,you cant tell the difference from the original paint and the repair.
Last edited by spuds; 07-11-18 at 04:22 AM.
#5
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
The paint isn’t as clean as the photos make it look. I did find evidence of body damage on the passenger fender. So I will be replacing the passenger fender soon (A salvage yard near me ha a ‘96 and a ‘97, same original color code as mine with perfect passenger side fenders and fender liners), and whoever attempted the body work did some bondo and a shoddy respray. Lots of orange peel and debris in the paint. With what I have planned for this car, a repaint is in order. Also some minor body work to fix some small parking lot dings. Mechanically and interior wise, the car is amazing though.
#6
Racer
I have same miles,same excellent repair history.You have me on those fantastic seats.Mine was 2500.I do have a couple small imperfections on paint,bumper scuffs for example.My goal is a little different,I need clean and reliable transpo for 5 years,thats it.Since 2000,maybe 3000 miles a year would be pushing it,Im golden.
When mine hits a serious problem Im thinking SC430 or LS430 on the next one.No matter what I get,an L on the grill is an absolute.
When mine hits a serious problem Im thinking SC430 or LS430 on the next one.No matter what I get,an L on the grill is an absolute.
#7
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Just received some of the most important components to this build today, and they only cost me a whopping $130!!! Also found a replacement fender to replace the bindi cracked passenger fender..
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#8
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Oh, yeah, almost forgot... The ECU is currently out and being repaired by DriftMotion in Montclair, CA. While as was at their shop, I also picked up their transmission solenoid kit, so that will be done soon also.
#9
Racer
Great find!!!!! So interested to see the repaired ECU and total costs.Tell us more about the solenoid kit.
#10
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Basically, the solenoid kit is two replacement solenoids, brackets, and trans filter for about $139 before tax. Had to buy a trans pan gasket separate, but that’s about $7 and some change for a FelPro. All I need now is trans fluid. That means a trip to Riverside to my buddy’s work.
#11
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
Got my ECU back from Driftmotion and reinstalled everything. So the throttle response is way better, and I dib’t Have that odd exhaust smell anymore. I still have the weird trans issue, but I haven’t changed the solenoids or filter yet. That will happens as soon as I can get the stupid aluminum crush seal for the drain plug (Seriously, not one local auto parts store carries them, so a I have to go to either Lexus or Toyota to get it). Overall, the Ls seems to perform better and the idle sits at around 650-675 where it should.
#12
Racer
What was the total cost for ECU service?
Last edited by spuds; 08-10-18 at 02:27 PM.
#13
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
#14
Racer
A lot cheaper than the cowboy wanted.IMO I guess the entertainment value; the creative narrative, costs a lot of moolah
Last edited by spuds; 08-10-18 at 04:44 PM.