I just stated a fact!!! I've had years of experience modifying suspensions, engines and all sorts of automotive customization years before you were born. I was the president of the "Long Island Timing Association" which dealt with drag racing, road racing, sponsoring meets all over the country. I resent your implication that I'm a misfit!!

When an automobile manufacturer does R&D on a new model they try to balance out all aspects of what they're trying to achieve when designing a new model. The ES was designed to be a smooth, quiet , refined vehicle and if you think you can improve on what they've done.....why don't you go out and apply for a job there.

Never in all my experience have I seen these types of modifications improve the quietness, smoothness of these ES's. Sure, you could improve the handling, acceleration and such of these cars, but at the sake of compromising other factors.

So, my friend you go right ahead and do your thing, but don't tell me how to feel about my attitude towards certain modifications!!!

Finally, sorry to say I lost a lot of respect for you since this last flaming post. Your immaturity came through load and clear!!!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Threxx
I've liked the 02+ Camry/ES300's shape ever since I first laid eyes on it. The new camry's interior is decent, but the new ES300s interior is NICE.

Personally I think both inside and out, the 02+ ES300 looks MUCH better than the older one. [/QUOTE

I hate the new es300

 

Trade-offs. The Altima interior looks like a 10 year old Kia (no joke). The Accord is having tranny problems. The ES is not designed to be a sports sedan, Lexus TRIED that route and decided to make it a full blown luxury car, and BROUGHT the IS 300 to be the sports sedan.

A 2003 IS and a 2003 ES are TOTAL opposites. On purpose, you want a lil of both, buy a G35 or TL-S which try to combine the two aspects.

And guys, everyone is entitled to their opinions, no flaming or personal insults from here on please, thanks.
amf1932, we could learn from all your experience and knowledge.

 

amf1932- I wasn't trying to insult you in anyway. I apologize if it sounded that way.

I never said the ES was a sports car. I simply said STRICTLY IN APPEARANCE; 19's and a lowered suspension would vastly aid the ES's appearance.

That's all.

 

BTW amf, why'd you get so mad?

By misfit I meant most people on this site are willing to sacrifice a smoother ride for better handling and looks.

I wasn't "flaming" you.

 

Apology accepted.

I felt I needed to state that I do have qualifications in the automotive modifications area and I wasn't just talking off the top of my head when I posted here originally. Guess I just had to vent when I saw your post.
Now, how's about going out with me and grabbing a beer.

 

Hahhahahaha....Damn, 4 more years to go (legally that is )

 

If the pattern holds true, the car should be due for a mild styling freshening for '05.

1992: new ES300
1994: mechanical changes (aluminum engine, revised tranny, dual airbags, cfc-free a/c, outside temp guage, etc.)
1995: Cosmetic changes (no more projector fogs, revised headlights/tails)

1997: new ES300
1999: mechanical changes (VVT-i, new transmission, VSC, daytime running lamps, etc.)
2000: Cosmetic changes (red/white tail lights, new front bumper, revised grille)

2002: new ES300
2004: mechanical changes (engine, dunno what else...yet)
2005 cosmetic changes?


For what its worth, the look of the '02+ ES has really grown on me, I like it more and more each day. And the interior...yum. First-gen ES300 is still the best though

 

It's really quite simple. If the ES330 has steering wheel radio controls I'll probably buy it. If not I won't. Hopefully we'll know whether it does by the end of the month.

 

Yup yup...I can't believe how Toyota keeps having a hard time putting controls on car models with 3-spoke steering wheels.
The RX330 steering wheel is the first good sign. Hopefully it'll make its way into the other 3-spoke steering wheel models (i.e. GS, ES, IS and even SC).

 

I thought the 2002/03 ES300 was a big improvement, could have more speed but I like the car for cruising and just being a Lexus.

The Navigation should not get messed up with Rims or a drop, just recalibrate it and your set, it is satellite linked following you from space not working from the car/wheels

 

OK, I agree that the NAV system can be recalibrated for accuracy , but how do you recalibrate your Speedometer for accuracy with the different circumference of a changed tire size?

 

If the "plus sizing" is done according to specification, it's possible to go up to 19" without enlarging outside diameter (thus keeping the speedo and Navi OK), according to the Tire Rack. I posted a reply earlier up on this thread comparing the OEM size to the Tire Rack recommended plus-3 setup. I'm just posting this to provide factual information to members--I'm not taking sides on the appropriateness of putting 19's on an ES.

 

To recalibrate the tires you have to change the pinion gear in the trans, it is easier just to know how much faster your going at 60, like 2 mph faster than change the gear

 

I'm aware that you could change the gear in the transmission, but where could you get it and how do you determine the proper size gear? I'm more concerned about the inaccuracy of the odometer because that is cumulative so you'll never know how many miles you've driven or the proper service intervals for your car. I know this inaccuracy might be small but I wouldn't like it.