JERZYJIM

I have a '97 Sc300 and luv it dearly. I'm thinking about a '98/2000 300 for some of its additional improvements. Does the VVT engine really make a difference and is it more or less reliable. I drove an '03 T-bird and I couldn't wait to get back into my SC. Anything to be wary about an '98-2000 Sc?
thank you,
jerzyjim

1FSTV8

Ive had a 1993 and a 1997 . And the difference is very noticeable , the differences include

An Upgraded drive train 5 Speed auto transmission is a big step up from the auto 4


The LSD is different and spins both of the tires which I think all rear wheel drive cars should always do

But the VVTI makes the SC act more like the V8 it needs to be , the power-band kick in at higher rpms. So the car peaks at higher rpms.

As opposed to the non-vvti which peaked at the low 3ks and then seemed to die out on acceleration at 4-5- 6k . The 98 99's just keep on going ...


Def worth the upgrade , plus you get perferrated seats and a nice 3 spoke wheel .

Jeembo

I must've gotten left out on this one.. No LSD on my '99 SC3 afaik. When I'm going straight and the tire(s) break loose, she wants to turn left.

But yeah.. I get thrown backwards above 3k RPM

ucfa4

iTrader: (2)

I dont think any scs came w lsd but yours might be custom. The vvti motor is much better though.

SH_JZZ30

iTrader: (1)

No Lexus SC came with LSD from the factory. You can still get both wheels to spin with an open diff.

Mr.NA_T

2000 sc300...
wow!!!

snook

iTrader: (5)

is the vvti just for NA engines or on turbos too?

Did they do it in the 97-98 supras too?

Does it matter when you turbo the engine?

SC3_Dred

iTrader: (2)

The VVTi is just a better driving motor - compared to th older sc's I've driven.
I was actually surprised at how fast the car is and how well the auto shifts.

drosan

agreed-- i got a 2000 sc3 with 80K--- feels brand new, and definitely has some kick off the line (for stock, i mean...)

Ryeno

iTrader: (3)

Your better of just turboing your car rather then getting a vvti engine. Plus i thought the vvti's were worse to turbo.

IOWNALEXUS

iTrader: (14)

It all depends on what you want to do with it........ The most noticable difference was in the V8, i wouldnt own a V8 SC if it didnt have VVTi because i would want the 290hp and not the 240-250 of the non-VVTi models.
I prefer NON-VVTi on the 2JZ because i want to add boost and its easier to do without it, i also heard the VVTi engines were weaker and couldnt handle as much power as the older ones(once modded), not to mention i have an auto. and if it breaks i can find a 4 speed to replace mine a dime a dozen but the 5 speed would be a lot harder/more expensive to find.

There isnt enough difference in the VVTi 2JZ to bother changing from a 97 to 98-00 you already got most of the big improvements with the 97, in 98 you add VVTi and a gated shifter,99 gets 3 spoke wheel and perforated leather,00 adds a garage door opener on the sun visor. If you dont plan on boost and you are stuck on getting something else i would suggest a 99-00 SC400, the V8 is fun to drive,fairly quick and its starting to get aftermarket support. Not to mention it sounds AWESOME!!!

$loJam

[QUOTE=INEEDANSC3;4527344]00 adds a garage door opener on the sun visor.QUOTE]


I have a 98 sc4 and it has the visor garage opener. The sob won't program to my fairly new 05 garage opener. My 05 rx330 does though. Must be old technology in the 98.