I noticed the 2000 GS400 is almost identical to the 2003 GS430 performance wise, but has E-Shift.

So naturally it aroused my curiosity, which led me to hop onto edmunds.com to look at some specs and pictures. I saw that the GS400 has blue backlight in the dash behind the controls. Is it the same with the 03 GS430?

What are the differences between the '00 GS400 and the '03 GS430, other than engine displacement, torque, and 0-60?

Thanks

 

:bump:

 

the interior is much more refined starting 01
4.3 Liter Eng.
Tail Lights
I think that is all.

 

Compared to the '00 GS, the newer model GS's have a few nice improvements. A new instrument guage, the chrome shift assembly, a wood steeering wheel (on the 430), perforated leather seats, more airbags (I think), a new front grill, and a DVD based nav system.

Regarding the "blue" blacklight on the instrument guage, the color should be the same on all GS's. But in my experiences, green is the more common color.

 

Not too sure on this one, but I remember reading a while ago that the GS430 has a new steering ECU in it, similar to that of the L-Tuned one? Any insight on this?

 

Does the steering become less watery at higher speeds or is it the same at all speeds. I could have sworn i read somewhere that I read that as speeds rise the steering stiffens. Any truth to this?

 

hodgepodge...I'll let you know tomorrow when I see my dad (sorry I don't drive the car, its my dad's....im patiently waiting to get my license).

 

awesome, thanks

 

All I know is that my 2003 GS 430 came with the L-Tuned Steering ECU (all 2003 and 2002 do and the 2001 is open to debate) and my steering sucks. Just sucks. Can turn the wheel with one finger, takes 180 degrees of wheel turn before anything happens, etc. Drove a friends 2000 GS400 and it was much better (and he doesn't have the ECU). From what I read the steering any any given GS can be dramatically different. Most 2003s seem to be terrible however.

 

Not. This is on the 300 Sport Edition.

Yup. Side curtain airbags.[

QUOTE]Regarding the "blue" blacklight on the instrument guage, the color should be the same on all GS's. But in my experiences, green is the more common color.[/QUOTE] Electroluminescent lighting varies with temp. Mine go from blue to green to an almost neutral color. But never as blue as in the brochure.

No e-shift; slightly more torque, ULEV motor, more interior wood, rain repellent front door glass. The part number is the same as the L-Tuned ECU for all 430s. There has been debate as well as back to back testing by members (bitkahuna, et al) which served to decide that the L-Tuned ECU calibration is different from the stock ECU's. Wood wheel was optional in 01, but cars without it were rare.

 

mooretorque: According to Lexus.com, the perforated leather-trimmed interior is standard on GS 430's (maybe this started in 2003?).

http://www.lexus.com/showroom/model/...fications.html

 

Correct - perforated leather seats on the GS430 starting in 03.

Also, ECU on steering is same part number and same calibration on 2002 and 2003 - 2001 still under debate.

 

HodgePodge...
I asked my dad about the steering, and he said compared to the GS400 he had, the 430 doesn't seem to have a dead spot and is a little more sporty. I asked him if the steering tightens like you said as the speed increases and he said that he doesn't notice this. Hope this helps, oh yeah one more thing the GS430 has over the 400 is that you can get both premium sound (Mark Levinson) and the navigation system, I think on the older models you could only have one.

 

What year and models have the E-shift.

Do any of the 430's have it. Is like a manu-matic or does it just hold gears longer?

I wish the GS's and other lexus models came with a true manuel tranny...but I have the feeling the Future of Lexus will. more engine options and tranny options!

One more thing...
how much HP did the GS 400 have?

Would this be the same engine in a 94 LS 400. Thatd be my moms old Lex that we sold.

Thanks a ton

 

What year and models have the E-shift.

++ All 98 - 00 GS400's have Eshift. No 01+ GS430's do. GS300's depends on the year (01+).

Do any of the 430's have it.
++ no

Is like a manu-matic or does it just hold gears longer?
++like a manu-matic.

One more thing...
how much HP did the GS 400 have?
++ both GS400 and GS430 have 300 hp

Would this be the same engine in a 94 LS 400. Thatd be my moms old Lex that we sold.
++ newer version of the Lexus v8 with more HP, more torque plus VVT-I. Would be the same as a 98 LS400 engine (or LS430 engine)