This may be a really newbie question, but is it possible to install the 98-00 SC400 vvti system on my 97? Or is it something really integrated into the engine, requiring a complete engine swap?

 

engine swap.
or just sell ur 97 and get a 98.

 

If you really want it, look out for a '98+. It comes with a 5 speed transmission as well.

 

You ECU will be different most likely.

 

they stop making 5 speed sc300 in the 97 year model.

 

I was asking primarily for fuel efficiency reasons. I can get 30-31 MPG (EPA 23) on the highway without vvti, so I'd assume with vvti I could reach 32-33 MPG (EPA 25). Assuming it cost me only a few hundred to install, it would have easily proven benefitial with gas prices today; however, selling my car and trying to find the uber-rare 98'+ that's also red will be MUCH more costly and a pain.

BTW, he was talking about the 98-00 SC400's 5-spd automatic.

 

gets a safc II

 

250.00 and tune it to lean on fuel

 

It would seriously be more cost effective to sell your 97 and look for a newer model as stated above.

 

I don't see how it would be cheaper to just buy another car. First off, it took me 2 years just to find a 97+ red SC400, and I got it for a killer deal ($6500 w/ 103k miles). Plus I already spent money on rod millen mufflers and a 2.5" cat-back system. Customized cars are much harder to sell, especially if someone's just looking for an SC for luxury, not sport. Technically under federal law any modification to the exhaust is illegal. I would also have to explain someone wanting to buy my car that I removed the 3rd cat and I'm not entirely sure if it will pass emissions. Luckily for me, I got 10 months left before I have to deal with that . Then I would have to try and find a 98-00 red SC400. The last time I checked, the closest one to me was 300+ miles away and it cost $16,000! Plus I'd have to pay for new plates, tax, new registration, a newer/higher insurance, and new excise tax. Also if I bought it from a dealer, I might have to pay dealer's fees.

All that to get 2 more MPG? I know its 30+ HP, but I don't think so. I'd be spending anywhere from a few thousand to $10,000+. This new car would have to be running off water for it to make sense to trade-up. Once again, I was just asking to see if it was something that could be installed on the engine. Since its not, I'll leave it.

 

get a SAFC then. i heard the newest one out was the SAFC neo or sumtin. idk. but yeah just get that if anything. cheaper then buying a new car and u'll get some better gas mileage...i think?

Peace out

 

We're talking about the SC400 here. In '98 the SC400 went to a 5 speed AT with better gears in addition to the VVTi. More hops, yo!

-I think the fuel mileage will actually be negligeable at highway speeds, it's nice to see someone getting ~30 on the highway besides me though. I thought I was tripping. What is your average speed at that mileage? Mine's around 65mph when I clock that kind of efficiency. When I kick it up to 80-85 it goes down to ~25-26.

 

If you want to convert the engine you have now to VVT-i you would need the heads with cams, valves, etc., different intake manifold, and a new ECU. Thats just the bolt on list. You would also have to tap some oil passages in the block because the heads have a slightly different oil setup than the non-vvti version. In any case if really wanted the best route for a VVTi setup, find the later SC400 models it will save some hassle (although not all of it, you still have to register it, etc like you mentioned.)

My advice: take the 30 mpg and run with it, your much luckier than others, i can only get about 22 on the highway running 65 mph at 2500 rpm. I envy you