Hi guys, I'm new to the club/forum. I was looking to trade in my IS300 for a 2004 LS430. Did a little research and I'm confused about performance chips/software upgrades: can any of this be done on this car to boost performance? I'm also interested because my mom just bought a 2004 SC430and she does not like the sluggish throttle (she's been driving my BMW 330i for a while and she likes it how it explodes when she gun's it). Any help would be appreciated!

 

You may want to look into the Blitz Throttle Controller, since the car is drive by wire.

http://www.blitzpowerusa.com/product...n/throcon.html

 

Her SC430 is sluggish? Sounds like it may need some service. I would put my LS430 up against a BMW 330 any day. It may not be two car lengths up on it but it will definitely out run the BMW.

 

That may be yor opinion and I respect that, but I'm not sure you would be saying that if you have driven a 330i, hear me out: my wifes daily driver is the 330i with sport package, that car explodes as soon as you step on the gas! She was actually the first to notice the SC430 not being as responsive as hers and she's not a car nut (BTW, sluggish might not have been the best word, it's just not as explosive off the line as the BMW).

 

I have a LS430 and SC430 and the LS430 is A LOT lighter when I mash the Gas. The SC 430 is definitely sluggish which I think its attributable to the weight.

 

m3nv, have you done anything to improve the performance on th SC430?

 

The LS430 has "Mercedes throttle" syndrome (pretty much every aspect of the LS430 seems like it was designed to take after Merc, save for the reliability I hope). I assure you, the 330i blows the doors off the Lexus in terms of throttle *feel*. What's actually happening outside the car may be another story, but as far as what you feel in the driver's seat... its like your foot is connected directly to the cylinders.

My 2005 Crossfire SRT-6 (an SLK32 AMG underneath the sheetmetal) will demolish any stock V8 Lexus save for MAYBE the IS-F, yet by contrast its crappy Mercedes throttle modulation, and the fact that its a V6 versus an I6 in the BMW, makes it far less entertaining and a major reason I'm dumping it.

The 2001 330i is among the favorite cars I ever owned, even if not as flashy or luxurious as many of the others. What a solid car.

Isn't the Sprint Booster another throttle improvement device? I mean they advertise on this forum.

 

Dang, you must not be a big guy if a crossfire is your daily. I'm 6'2 260 and I literally would not be able to drive one even in an emergency. Kind of sucks being a larger frame dude sometimes.

 

I am not as tall at just under 6 feet but definitely wider at about 270!

 

I don't know how you do it. LOL! Actually come to think of it, I was about 285 when I sat in the Crossfire about four years ago. It was about three years ago and I was hitting the gym regularly so I was bigger all around. It might not be as cramped now.

 

Once I am in it is actually semi-comfortable with the Suede and Leather seats, but man is it a bytch GETTING in and out.