Hi Guys. I recently sold my 2000 platinum GS 400 about 3 months ago and have pretty much regretted it since . There were none to be found around here, so I recently 'settled' on a 2003 LS 430 cream puff. This car is NICE! I have only owned it for 1 day thus far, but I notice the acceleration is no where near what my GS was. I understand this model has an electronic drive by wire vs the GS so I knew there would be a little bit of a difference, but it still drives too slow, IMO. Basically, I feel as if I have to floor the gas pedal to make it go. I don't think this is typical, but perhaps you guys can help answer that. There are no CEL or warning lights on. I've already been doing a little bit of search and have seen recommendations to clean the MAF sensor. Can anyone give me further guidance? The car has 216k miles.

Thanks in advance!!

 

I feel the same way about my 2003 LS430. I reverse wired the Power switch so that it is in that mode all the time.

How is your acceleration on the highway; 50-80 MPH acceleration? Any smoke on hard acceleration at highway speeds?

Try and drive another car like yours, if possible and get a comparison. A MAF cleaning, some Techron, new plugs and Air Filter are all good ideas.

Let us know what you find, as I am sure others may have the same experiences as well.

Thanks!

 

I've owned both - the GS400 is slightly faster but the LS is close (.3 - .5 seconds slower 0-60 depending on reviews). It's not all performance... don't forget there is quite a bit more sound deadening from both outside sound and exhaust noise on the LS which quiets the cabin. Reducing the aural part of full throttle acceleration makes things feel slower as well.

Also suggest resetting the ECU by pulling fuse or disconnecting battery might help.

 

I recently drove my buddies 04 LS430 and compared to my GS400 it did seem slower. I have intake and catback if that makes any difference. I liked how comfortable the LS430 was in comparison. Like others suggested I would start with pulling ECU fuse let ECU relearn and go from there.

 

Yes, the sound proofing is awesome. I was really surprised the first time I hit the gas with the windows open. It really does have an exhaust note!!

 

The other 1UZ and 3UZ cars seem to be a little bit faster than the LS430. The GS400 is considered to be the fastest.

You would probably need headers and full exhaust to match how quick the GS was.

 

You know, I think what you said about sound deadening has a lot to do with it. I have also noticed that this car is shift happy. Maybe it's just mine, but it shifts so quickly! I sure wish it would hold some of the lower gears a little longer. I plan on resetting the ECU and hopefully the car will learn me better. The previous owner was a lady in her sixties and I hardly doubt she pushed the car ever.

 

Although my GS400 had many cosmetic flaws, I really loved the pep and response it had! Call me odd- but I never got into the mod scene. I prefer my vehicles stock.

 

Hmm, I will need to search for the DIY on wiring my power switch also. I'm assuming doing this will not cause too much premature wear on the transmission?
To be honest, I couldn't tell you regarding the 50-80 MPH acceleration yet. I have not driven on the interstate much. I will check and let you know.
I have not noticed any smoking from the tail pipe.
I plan on cleaning the MAF right away and doing the plugs in the near future.

 

The GS400 was quick car. Even if you were to mod the LS the GS may be quicker.

I would leave it stock. Although I own a modded LS, a clean stock LS looks and drives so nice.

 

At 4,000 lbs, isn't the LS430 heavier that the GS400?

 

I've found the speed to be completely dependent on the transmission. I'm almost positive that when left in full auto mode, the transmission starts off in 2nd or 3rd gear.

Try putting the transmission into sport shift mode and start from 1st. The acceleration difference is night and day.

and then, as others have stated, pull the fuse to clear how the adaptive transmission control has learned the previous owner. It should now learn your driving style and change its shift patterns.

 

My shifts are so smooth I dont even know when they happen, but then I dont push it. Its not a race car. My Saturn Sky Redline is for pushing it, 0-60 in 4.2 sec and 181 top end speed. The Lexus is what I will use when I have to get a driver when I get too old to drive and he/she better not "thrash it" as the Englishman that sold me the 1968 Jag 320 in London called it when I tested it before buying it.

 

Interesting about 2nd (or 3rd) gear start in auto mode. Can anyone confirm?

 

I just tried starting my car in S and D. I can't really tell the difference from either when driving as I normally do. When I start in D and accelerate faster I can see the car reach around 3500 rpm and shift at bout 35 mph. I think it starts in 1st gear under that condition. I suppose a better test would be start and do a maximum acceleration in both S and D. Then you might be able to detect any noticable difference. I don't have a nearby street to try that experiment.