pfantom68

Okay guys, my baby Alexandra (clarification for dumbasses: my LS400) is coming along nicely.

Now I'm to the point of buying a grille and muffler tips.

I decided to go with Magnaflow 12215 (I think) mufflers. Helluva lot cheaper than a 14829, but doesn't come with a tip. So now I want to see what would look good. I don't want any crazy-large upswept VIP crap, I just want some noticably large chrome tips. Slight upsweep is okay, but the cost factor is a big issue here. They should be able to fit 2.25" piping, and should not cost more than like $60.

Here's the car in question (old pic):


And next up... I want a grille. I absolutely HATE, HATE, HATE the stock UCF10 grille, and refuse to spend good money on one. The UCF11 is a step up, but the visible vertical bars still kill it for me. I want a billet grille or something of the sort. None of that ebay-kit stuff, I want a real billet grille that will hold the Lexus logo, and I would probably end up painting it pearl black, leaving the chrome around the edges...

So where can I shop around for grilles that are REASONABLY PRICED. I have yet to find a grille that doesn't look like total garbage, and doesn't cost like $200+. Paying that kind of money for a damn grill is just outrageous.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

get the 430 grill and retrofit into the 1LS frame.

pfantom68

Do the LS430's grille contours work with a 1LS?

I know it's been done with a 2LS grille before, but the UCF20 grille really doesn't float my boat for the amount of work involved.

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

i think the 430 grille is a lil bigger lol. im goin with spintechs + GTO tips soon.

pfantom68

Yeah, I know I'm going to be doing cutting, but I'm just wondering if the curvature would look "at home" on my car.

This is really frustrating and pissing me off. I know exactly what I want... a black version of the Trenz billet grille. Hell, I'll paint it myself, but it seems that everyone wants some crazy amount for it. I'm not made of money goddammit, I'm not paying $250+ for a stupid grille.

At this point, I'm considering just giving in and buying a billet grille for a 92-97 Ford F250, and cutting that down to size. Would probably work just fine.

TJW98LS

iTrader: (1)

That might actually be a good idea to tell you the truth. IF you do go that route, take some pics for us

steveski

For your tips I would visit your local muffler shop since they probably have several in staock or go to Wal-Mart, Autozone, etc. That way you could get 3" and 4" tips to see how they look. I went with 3" on mine and could have easily fit 4" and they would have been fine.

As for the grill I hear you - I am looking and have been form my 95. For now I just painted it all black (including surround) and it makes it more suitable for now.

Interesting idea on the billet grill - didn't think of cutting one down.

Brandicus

iTrader: (6)

why dont you fix the rest of your car first...

pfantom68

Such as...

Have you seen my update thread? I got a new hood, new headlights, and I'm working on getting a hood latch and a door handle and whatnot. It's coming back together for sure, and this is the next step.

steveski

Tough crowd here

PK_Celsior

iTrader: (18)

i have a billet grill for the UCF20. that im willing to let go for a good price. if anyone wants to jump on that. im to lazy to put it on haha. so im just going to sell it since its just sitting in my garage.

steveski

FYI, Chubby is selling his JP insert also for UCF20 - I recently bought a JDM billet from Luis @ Carson. Didn't think it would fit UCF10

PK_Celsior

iTrader: (18)

take some pictures when you get it on. i bought a billet grill from dennis-c with the jp shroud. maybe you might motivate me to put mine on .

steveski

Definitely - this new grill will be the last mod for my car - it will finish the front with no emblem and match the shaved trunk