Hi, Im looking into buying a sc400, but after reading some posts on this site I have come to the realization that there are not a whole lot of performance mods for them. I think this was also quoted by someone in one post. The sc400 Im looking into buying is a 98 (has vvt-i) does this mean it is not as suitable for perforance mods as the older sc400's?

Im not looking for the same amount of performance mods as there would be on perhaps an acura rsx (my current car), but is it possible to obtain basic performance mods such as an intake, exhaust, and headers, etc.?

is this true for the 98+ sc300's as well?

thanks in advance.

 

intake:
-buy the SRT intake or K&N for a gs400 (some custom work is needed)

Exhaust:
-Custom exhaust

Headers:
-S&S fits the block, but u will need to get some custom exhaust work done

I would suggest a piggy back ecu after these mods are done, like apex afc neo.

When it comes to suspension/wheels/brakes, there is a ton.

 

VVT-i really only becomes a performance hindrance in high boost applications. Boosting the V8 high enough to get into difficulties would require a full engine rebuild.

The basic performance upgrades for an SC400 (exhaust, intake, torque converter, LSD, etc) can all be done very successfully with the VVT-i SC400. Ultimately, if you want to put down earth-shattering numbers, the SC300 is probably a better platform. For the price of the basic modifications on the V8, you can have a much faster car with the 3L.

Most performance modifications require custom work, since the availability of an aftermarket for Lexus is small to very small. There are a couple bolt-on intakes and a couple bolt-on exhausts (for the 3L). However, with custom work needed, you offer yourself the chance to piece together a fully unique and personalized car.

 

I always wondered if the SRT intake would work, could you elaborate more on the "custom work"?

 

dude!

vortech

 

well, in one of my magazines i read about a new product from either GReddy or HKS (cant remember), that is suposed to work with variable valve timing systems from the different manufacturers to increase performance or adjust the variable valve timing system to adjust the powerband i would assume. i dont know much about it but i figured this was a good thread to bring it up in, seems cool, i wonder if anyone has any more info about it??? but for headers and exhaust and all that, everyone has pretty much covered it

 

Its not that there is no aftermarket support for the engine .Its just the motor was not built like the older 1uz engine to withstand tons of abuse. Lexus realized they made a mistake with building the first 1uz indestructable .I dont think anybody on here ever blew up a older 1uz engine also i dont think anyone ever did a forced induction system on the vvti (a least for the sc's.)

 

98 SC300s has more mods available compared to sc400s. The mods available are not even half of the RSX but a good amount to achieve good hp.

 

Srt intake has an ecu modulator in it so no need for a piggyback and in the gs400 has huge gains, so with that, headers, and torque converter you could be doing quite well. Possibly around 340hp and high to mid 13's. I've really wanted to see someone put these things together in a 98+ sc400 and see the results.

 

im about to find out after this 98 engine swap,just what this motor is capable of on a small scale...i can hardly wait!

 

Keep us posted, sounds like a great project...

 

Wait so you're swapping a 98+ motor into your sc400? what year is your car?

 

i have a 95 sc400 (doing a full drivetrain swap from a 1998 sc400)

 

just about completed...all mechanical work should be completed in about a week or so

 

^ooo nice, can't wait to see what you've done with it!