Just inherited a 97 lexus ES 300 with 56,000 miles. It is silver and gray i believe. I was just curious on any light modifications i can do like intake, rims/tires, ground effect kit etc..... Also would this car be worth modifying? I really like the GS model because there is so much you can do to those cars. Finally, what tire and rim size is good for this type of car. Any websites for the ES 300 models? Thanks tf

 

1) Modifications is more of a subjective matter. General consensus can't rival with personal taste. In any case, I've seen "light" modifications on a '97 ES like tint, lighting (i.e. upgraded halogen bulbs), hi-flow air filter, etc. Pick what you like, and go from there. It's also a good idea to use the search engine since this topic has been heavily discussed before.
2) After you find a list of possible modifications, it's up to you to decide if the ES is worth modifying. No one can't argue with the GS though; it simply has an insurmountable collection of aftermarket mods for that car.
3) If you like a stock and comfy ride, stick with what you have now (OEM). If you want a firmer and more aggressive ride, go with 17x7 or 18x8 wheels/tires. 20's on an ES is possible, but just not practical at all.
4) I think this website is good enough for all your ES info needs

 

upgrading 97 ES parts (like headlights, tail lights, front grills) to 01 ES counterparts seems to be a popular light modding among members here. do a search for nice pics of some of these light modding

 

Upgrade to 2001 front grille,tail lights,dash kit,dvd,tint,rims and all the rest .

 

how do the headlights and dash differ between 97 and 01?

 

The dash should be the same......I'm not 100% sure about the 97's headlights but I beleive they are Halogen, where my 01 came factory equipped with HID's.

 

ahh yes. the HID.

 

The headlights are the same between both years, but the corner lights (for the front turn signals) have a slightly different design. I can't really explain it in detail, but best for you to park or find a nearby '97 or '01 ES to compare to. Lexusfreak is right that the '01 ES has HID (as an option); it wasn't available for the '97.

The dashboard/center console on the '97 ES has the black plastic trim, whereas the '01 ES has the wood trim on the stereo and A/C units.

 

buy all of my parts.. lol

 

Lexusk8 is correct about the HID'.....except for whatever reason all Canadian ES for at least the 01 model year came with the HID's as standard equipment.......the U.S. ES it was an option Not sure why Kind of silly really if you ask me.

 

I think I've decided that I'm going to sell the ES and try to get a GS model. The milage on the ES is only 56,500. The resale value is still pretty good while the milage is low. Thanks for all your help. I'll keep you posted with news on the new car. Thanks. tmf

 

Good luck with the sale tmf, and I can see from where you are (in Florida), you will have no problem selling the ES in a large state filled with car-buying customers. Please stick around the ES forum if you can