Believe it or not, the several friends that I have who have S550s (2014+), don't put their feet down. But they probably do take for granted that they have tons of torque available almost always. There may not be anyone here old enough to remember trying to build up a little speed prior to reaching a hill. My parents did this all the time on rt 44--if they didn't, the 4 cyl. cars they owned (Toyotas) couldn't even reach the speed limit the entire time of the uphill, bordering on dangerous. So they would attempt to time the traffic signal, so they could accelerate as they approached the foot of the mountain. All unneeded on most cars today. That hill still exists and many have died over the years due to runaway brakes and crashes.

 

Oh no, I get it. My mom had a '91 Mitsubishi Galant with a whopping 102 hp, Unsafe to drive at highway speeds, literally. And we took lots of trips.

My 320lb/ft is all I need (from a legendary V8). I can't think of one time driving where my LS has ever felt overstressed or the engine overtaxed.

 

that's all i need, lol...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSWB...=youtu.be&t=43

 

it was all i needed until i got a ride in 520 lbs/ft haha... part of me wishes i never did though, i'd have spent much less money over the past few years in pursuit of chasing that wonderful fantastic drug adrenaline

 

Lol, I know what you're saying. But it's like this. Back in 2004 320ft/lbs was all you needed for a proper luxury car. And the LS430 did fulfilled its mission perfectly.

Of course cars were lighter, less safe, etc. and now need to be more powerful for a multitude of reasons.

But in an LS430 besides the ride the best thing about it was the V8. I only drive mine once a month if that, I got into the gas the other day.....I already drive a truck with a legendary V8, but flooring that UZ.....yes, the V8 made the car back then. Best thing about it was that silken V8.

The best thing about the new 500 IS NOT the powertrain.

 

why drive the LS so infrequently? it's not like you're going to wear out the engine or anything lol

but exactly i wouldn't have my LS any other way than with the 1UZ... extremely responsive and torquey yet smooth and quiet while getting good mpg and being like the most reliable engine ever! also makes a lovely 32 valve sound, when i drove the 500 the throttle response was nothing like the 1UZ and it made boring V6 sounds... the MDX (and other similarly engined hondas) honestly has the best sounding V6, most others tend to sound boring, just a noise

 

Yukon is always parked behind it which I also quite enjoy (430 is in the garage) and I had an issue with my insurance so for now there's just liability only on the LS....don't want to take any risk some fool totaling my pride and joy. So it doesn't get driven too much but that's temporary. I also don't drive a lot in general, maybe 5k a year. Live very close to everything, etc. We bought our IS350 4 years ago (I think?) and have only put 21k miles on it.

Yes, the motors in our car-- other than mine having a slightly longer stroke and a little more torque, are identical. Same feels, same sounds, same longevity. Perfection.

 

i feel ya on not wanting to get it totaled, the E55 was parked on the street and some lady backed up into it... took over a month before it was fixed!! they only made my bumper from 2003-2006 and finding one proved quite difficult, plus she also broke the headlight... over $4,600 her allstate had to pay, something like that could total my LS since it's so worthless lol

 

Yeah I feel you here too, I'll see listings for 430s for under 5k and be like "Whaaaa?"

They aren't worth much anymore, money wise.