Just wanting information about the changes that have taken place with the Lexus V8 engines. I know that they started as 4 liter in 89/90 and are now 4.3 liter with VVTi, any changes in materials, valve design, etc. Also it seems that Lexus builds their V8 engines very conservatively, so when driven hard they are not that stressed. I also think it must speak well for the design and structure of these engines when I see used oil analysis at 12K miles and the oil still has plenty of life left, these engines are some of the best in the world when it comes to being easy on oil which indicates a very well built engine.

PS- did lexus change the engine in 2006 to make it a ULEV rated engine???

 

I'll start off but some are more technical than me.
89-94 4.0 liter V-8 250hp/torque LS/SC
95-97 bumped 10 hp to 260 same 4.0 liter LS/SC
with the addition of vvti in 1998
98-00 GS 400 300hp/310 lbs torque
98-00 GS/SC 290hp
01-06 LS moves to 4.3 V-8 same ratings, now ULEV rated
This engine goes in the GS and SC as well (new SC 430)

Now the new 4.6 engine in the LS is entirely different, 380hp/370 lbs torque
The new 5.0 V-8 is the 4.6 bored and stroked to 5 liters. We don't have exact ratings outside of "400+ hp"

 

In that case, do the cars with the V8 engines have an oil life meter? I mean, it would save the owner money AND save environmental costs if the oil is changed only when needed rather than every set interval.

 

No, this is just information from owners on the www.bobistheoilguy.com site who have done used oil analysis. It is a very very impressive engine.

 

Dang. If GM can have one, why can Toyota? I believe the TL also have one. It makes it so much easier to have to change the oil when the engine needs it rather than when the company says so. I mean, it saves on labour costs too doesn't it? It irks me since my engine isn't on half the time and those Prius owners in the UK get 16,000km (10,000 mile) intervals instead of the 8,000km (5,000 mile) interval we have here.

 

in the UK u can't sue the manufacturer if u forget to change the oil once in a blue moon

 

Did they specify what oil the used?

 

You can sue over here (by which I mean down south :P). Jeez, why am I not surprised.