Hey,

Just wanted a review on 96 Ls400 smoothness in comparison with a 99 LS400...
I just drove my friends LS400 and notice a big difference in smoothness, however we are running the same tires sizes with same tire sidewall and all...

My 96 LS400 has cataylst codes, that means i have to change my catalysts... Will changing the catalyst makes any difference with smoothness??

Also, my AC's clutch is worn out, probably needs changing.. does it have to do anything with a smooth idle? Everytime i put my hand on a gear lever, and i feel engine running, it wasnt like that before, does it happened because of the AC clutch?

I am running an air suspension, and i drove my car alot of times dropped, how much abuse did they suspension gets? And which parts are more likely to tear out while driving it lowered..

 

Tough question to answer..... but most people find marked smoothness in the ride simply by changing out the transmission mounts. And if you've not done so, changing out the engine mounts is not a bad idea either.
Catalyst or catalytic converter codes will have little to do with smoothness, IMHO.
I cannot speak to lowered.... perhaps someone else can chime in....

Lot's of factors can contribute to smoothness, from normal/periodic maintenance done on time to replacing worn bushings/rubber.

 

I have recently replaced the engine mounts and trammission mounts, from a low mileage donor celsior.

The car is overall nice... Smoothly shifts gear, not jerks and no blown outs...

​​​​​​When I drove a 99, i didnt get a feeling of runnimg enngine and car being driven over road...
but when i drive my 96 Ls400, there is a bit of feel in steering, that the engine is running or car being driven on road..

 

oh... so the 96 isn't 'floating' like the 99. Is that it? Tire age/condition could be part of it. Nothing says smooth like a new set of tires.
What is the age of your tires... miles may be low, but tires get hard with age/sun exposure and less compliant.
I just put new tires on my truck and while the old tires had plenty of tread, the 6 years of life was showing. New tires are like night/day in terms of ride smoothness and handling.

 

The tires were just 6months old... I have installed chine tires so does my friend on his 99. Im thinking, there is something to do with the engine? As i full wash my car from the service station, the car is hell smooth... As days passes out, it gets rough and rough..

 

"The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence."

 

the 99 is a softer car than the earlier ones and I speak with experience , I had 1 94, 6 different 95-97's (two each for my wife & me) and 5 99's... and saved the best for us now (only 1 this late in life)

 

yes, there will be a noticeable difference between the 96 and the 99. not all Ls400s are alike and now that they have aged they are showing there true colors. youll notice the 99 is a bit quicker on its heels and is very very smooth and quiet vs the 96, however of the 3 generations I kind of like the early ucf20s the best, the 95 most because it really is more "mechanical" feeling then the later ones and even some of the earlier ones. the 90 has this trait too because it was there first shot right out of the hole and they were still learning. 93 and 94 ucf10s were much smoother and quieter then the 90 and 91s if you want smooth and quiet as possible go with the 99.

 

Wow..you like your LS!

 

very very TRUE !! and it runs silent down the road .. no nothings..

 

I had a 95 and now a 99. My 99 has 100k more miles and I truly feel that my 99 is smoother too. I love the power too. People are shocked how much get up and go my 99 has.