OK, if you HAD to choose between going with the Torque Converter w/trans cooler or LSD which would you go with first? And why?

 

Well I am guessing you know they work best together. But for just one right now - go with the TC. It will be the most fun to have while you wait for the other one

Jonny

 

I have the 430 and I went with the 3.76lsd instead of the tc. My reasoning is simple:
A tc on a 430 may cause the cel to come on. Since my state uses odbii for emission testing, I can't risk installing a tc and having the cel light up. So I went with the 3.76lsd to get that extra kick off the line. It would be interesting to see if anyone has done actual testing (no butt o meters) to see which mod (TC vs 3.76 LSD) would provide quicker times in 0 to 60 and from a 60mph roll

 

We don't have emission testing here so excuse my questioning - but what does the TCsetting off the CEL have to do with emissions? Or will they fail it automatically just because it is on??

Jonny

 

1st thing they ask before the inspection is "is you cel light on?" If so, your told to take it to the dealer.
If you reset the cpu and get rid of the cel, you also erase the drive cycles recorded. The NC emission computer will then fail to complete the test due to "too many unset readiness not ready codes" or in plain english the state's cpu can't talk to your cpu cause there's not enough information recorded for testing. They then tell you to drive for a week and come back. As much as I want a TC, I just can't risk getting caught between a rock and a hard place

 

I had the same thought as you since I have a 01 430. I had heard some people with early production 430's did not get the CEL after installing the TC. I read all the threads about the TC being THE first Mod to do but nothing about the LSD. I know the TC seems to add that "right now" feel the stock car is lacking. Does the LSD do the same thing? More thought on your LSD install would be appreciated. Since I just bought new wheels I need to make a decision on my next mod and what to keep it around 1K. I know the TC plus LSD is the way to go but not if you don't have the $$$.

 

With the 3.76lsd, the GS is quicker off the line and pulls strong in all gears under wot. When I had it installed, the lexus tech took it for a test drive and when he returned he said "you wanted fast, you got fast" The install cost was inexpensive at $245 but the part itself will cost about $1700 with shipping. A 3.76lsd will run about 2K installed while a TC will be in the area of 1400 to 1500 installed. Neither part is cheap but they are worth the $$$'s

 

I've got both and if I had to keep one or the other I'd keep
the 3.76 LSD. Having power to both rear wheels is a major difference.
And you can just hammer it around a corner, what a blast. Also the VSC does not
seem to come on as much with the LSD. Also if you ever drive in the snow the
Torsen LSD seems to help with traction.

Both give you more acceleration I just think the LSD gives you some other things along with it.
Plus the install is much much easier. I've seen used ones on CL for $1000 more or less.


Good luck
Ivan
3dog

 

If you have to choose and you ar talking 3.76 gears I would do the LSD. Both wake the car up tremendously, but I think the 3.76 may give you more of a kick in the pants.

 

How does chaninging the ratio affect your mpg? I know when i changed tire size on my rangler, i went from getting 21 to 15 mpg. I just regeard that from 3.07-4.11 should get most of that back.

 

Changing the gear ratio will, in itself, reduce your mileage somewhat since you are turning higher rpm at a given speed (about 3k vs 2700 stock at 80 mph). But most of the reduction in mileage comes from enjoying the increased performance of the car! I don't even check my mileage anymore. If I wanted a high mileage car, I wouldnl't have bought the GS4 and then modified it...
Don't decide between the two mods (LSD vs TC) DO BOTH!! YEAH, BABY!!

 

A TC will decrease your average gas mileage about 2-3mpg. I would rather have a LSD over TC.

 

what's the reason?

 

You may be one of the unlucky ones who gets the 3.76 and then has the limiter problems. Me being one of those!!

Jonny