I sold my SC400 and purchased 2002 Onyx Black GS430 It is essentially stock except for the K&N Filter.

After reading all the posts now I am infected with the Upgraditis Syndrome. I don't want to spend tons of money on the car (at least that's what I think right now). Some the upgrades I like to start off are:
1. Suspension: L-tuned springs/shocks or Tein CS coilover ($300 vs. $1800)
2. 19" staggered wheel set up (I am thinking of the Black iForged wheels that was featured on Maranay's car) approx. $4000 (wheels and tires). There's something elegant about black on black...
3. L-tuned aero kit ($300 - side skirts and front grill)
4. Torque converter approx. $1500 installed
5. Torsen LSD $ ????
6. Borla exhaust $ ???

As you can see, this is approaching $10K... Of course, I can't spend this kind of money right now...my wife would kill me. Of these which one would you think I should start with . I am looking to improve the handling and appearance of the car without compromising much of the Lexus ride nor reliability.

Thanks a lot...you guys are great but definitely are detrimental to my wallet

 

Most would suggest at least a L-tuned drop and upgreaded sways. My suggestion is attack certain parts of the car first, suspension, then looks, then speed. This keeps you focused on finishing one part. With suspension upgrades, you can try to sell to the wife it makes the car safer

 

I did my mods in the following order:
1. L-tune suspension and RMM Exhaust
2. 18" staggered setup
3. L-tune side skirts and grill
4. 3.76 lsd

If I had to do it again, I'd do #1, #4, #2, and #3
btw, I'm thinking about TC but not sure if I want to look at a cel light all the time

 

Thank you guys. The least expensive upgrade from the above is the L-tuned suspension. Right now Sewell Lexus has the special on them so I will get them

Rheiy: What improvement do you feel with the 3.76 LSD to bump it up the #2 upgrade?

 

Pearl.

Congrats on your new Lexus!

Check out this thread for some good input from our members on their favorite mods.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-2nd-gen-1998-2005/52182-how-satisfied-are-you-with-your-modifications-long.html

 

Start with L tuned because once L-tuned is sold its sold no more .

Also are you from Vegas?

 

Short of doing fi or a tc, the 3.76lsd will give the gs faster response across the entire power band.
Launch is quicker and the car pulls harder in every gear. I don't have any measurements in 0 to 60 but other cl members have stated u get about .2 to .3 sec better. There are a bunch of threads on the 3.76 and everyone (non FI) who's done it has no regrets. Before the 3.76, my 430 would shift just a hair shy of 6,000 (with power mode on). Now the car shifts just before redline with out bouncing against the rev limiter. If you want your gs to go quicker than stock, a 3.76 will do it

 

Upgraditis Syndrome- is that worse than the mod bug???

 

well you already said you want handling, so it's suspensions and tire/rim combo to start off

if you want performance then get the tc and lsd, you won't regret for sure (keep in mind about the check engine light)

 

Yes, it's the worse of its kind. First you get all tingly, short of breath and fast heart beat when you see the potential for upgrade Some people have been known to drool uncontrollably. Second, you work yourself up to a feverish pitch thinking about the potential upgrade Sometimes you would get insomnia and possible night sweat when you woke up realizing that your super-car is only in your dream Third, you would work out the number and yikes, it's beyond your financial capability Then you would think and think and then realized that by selling/pawn off a few personal stuffs you can get your 'upgrade' After that you ride happily into the sunset . The problem with the 'Upgraditis Syndrome' is that it can strike again at any moment notice esp. when you frequent the ClubLexus Forum. The symptoms can worsen over time. There is no known cure for this The only temporary cure is when your wife hit you over the head and said "Time for bed"

 

I'm from Henderson...

Is L-tuned out of business? Why? Toyota doesn't feel aftermarket Lexus upgrade is worthwhile? This is bad news...

 

well first of all as ALWAYS...start off with suspension and rims....you wont regret it and the tein CS you can get for around 1300....thats a big difference from 1800....try check out tmengineering or carson toyota.for your parts.....they have great products and great service

 

Coil overs and wheels is a fantastic start...

Then grill / side skirts and lip. hehe.