How many CL members have this option? Not at all sure what the production numbers where.

 

Oh well looking to compare notes, glad I have one!

 

Related question - does anyone know what the rationale was for excluding the Sport package from the CL and UL cars?

 

I think the sport package was a calibration of conventional suspension equipment. CL and UL cars have air ride suspension, which does have a "firm" or "sport" setting IIRC (any UL or CL owner please correct me) but don't have equipment that can be particularly tuned towards a sport setting. The hallmark of most air ride (and pneumatic) systems is the hydraulic smoothness and their ability to dampen effectively, a fundamentally non-sporty design goal.

This thread delineates the difference between the sport suspension and the conventional suspension.

It looks like any LS430 (even one with air suspension) could be converted to sport suspension. Although the process is much easier for cars with the regular suspension. I tell myself that the rear shocks are going out, and I'm thinking about putting in sport shocks and the sport anti-roll bar. I got a mechanic who charges a fair price for good suspension work so I figure why not take advantage of the set up?

I'm extremely happy with the ride of my car, stock suspension 16" and the car (like most Toyotas) can at least be driven pretty quickly, if not endearingly. Since it's a RWD car, I figure that a firmer rear suspension would only help me put the power down. I'm actually only really interested in the thicker anti-roll bar. The car is beautifully stiff, just like an old BMW (and new BMW although I've never driven a new BMW south of 4500 lbs so they better be stiff) and I think that the thicker anti-roll bar would increase the already commendable capacity to navigate highspeed sweepers.

But the car is stable the speed limit as is. Which should be good enough.

But if good enough ever was, everyone would drive Audis and Italian cars...

 

Thanks, airchomper. CLs are not available with air suspension, and that's why many of our members look just for that package when buying one. The UL, which has air does indeed have a "sport" setting. Some members have said that they feel a significant difference between Sport and Normal settings, but I have not ben able to detect it. I was mostly interested in the rear anti-sway bar (which has been fitted to a UL car - reported some time back on Club Lexus). The spring rates & shock setup are built into the air shocks, so would be very expensive to change (if it is even possible). The 18"wheels are an independent option.

 

Has anyone ever driven a Euro Sport?

 

I was considering the KYB Euro spring from Rockauto. Probably is OEM considering they make the shocks.

https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,c...fu9aqio6sigcd2

 

My buddy drove my Euro Sport, he has a standard ML 05 about the same mileage as my 04 Euro with 18's. We both agreed it should be the standard suspension, if ya get a chance drive the Euro Sport.

 

Big difference on cornering/handling and not too different in smoothness and comfort.

 

I find this interesting because I have a 2002 LS 430 with it and a 2003 LS 430 without. There is a difference although not a big one. Both cars have the same 17 inch wheels. I believe that the car with the Euro suspension handles better at 90 MPH and faster.

I also have an IS F so I love cars with a firm suspension. I bought the 2002 from my neighbor primarily because it had the Euro suspension. I don't see the option very often.

The parts that make the Euro suspension different:

a. larger rear sway bar
b. different springs
c. different shocks
d. different suspension bushings
e. different lower control arms

There could be other differences but I'm not sure what they are,

 

The larger sway bar and sport bushes is a plus. Some people prefer the softer suspension. I upgraded to the sports sway bar and bushes on my UL and I like the changes. She handles just that much better even under normal driving. Less highway wondering due to fast traffic and strong wind as well.

You have to go aftermarket for the front if you want something thicker. I believe the factory sports set is about 20% more firm.

 

How many, what % of these things where made, yur smart Lavy?

 

Sorry wisc? I don't understand what your asking.


Edit: Oh sorry, hahah. Had to look at the original question. I have no clue how many were made...