Hi, I'm new.
 

Hello everybody who decides to read this thread.

I am planning on getting a older 92-ish SC300/400. I wish I could do a more extensive search, but I would like your opinions on the following:

Is the 1jz-gte VVt swap worth it? My biggest concern is if anything mechnanical breaks, a regular mechanic would have trouble finding parts.

Is changing to a manual transmission from an automatic a common swap? I would like to drive a 5-speed again.

What would be the first thing to get for the car (suspension and engine-wise)?

Thanks, and I'm glad to be here. When I get home, I'll use the search function more.

Well, the first thing you need to do is really sit down and decide what your goals are for this vehicle. This will help you decide whether the 300 or 400 is right for you. Each model heads off in their own direction when mods start!!

I couldn't tell you whether the 1jz swap is worth it or not, since I have the 1UZ, but there are people here that have done the swap. If you are already looking in that direction (engine swap) than the 300 may be more up your alley as mods are very limited on the SC400.

The 1UZ-FE engine has very few aftermarket components available for it while the 1 & 2jz does.

If I were you, I would lurk around here for a while first. Try to get a handle on what people are doing to their cars and costs involved!!! Nothing is cheap when it comes to Lexus! :p

Give it a little time and then you'll be in a better position to decide which ride is the one for you.

agree with mkorsu perfectly..

it's really up to you if you want your future SC project to be. sounds like you want an sc300 5 speed but it took me awhile to get mine actually (year of searching for a decent deal) as sc4's only come in auto.

i've heard mixed reviews on the VVTI 1j.. personally when i have the chips i'm going to go to with the TT 1j myself and build off of that platform... i have friends that have 1j's and are reliably driven so i'm sold on it.

lastly, various people on this forum start off with different mods (ie : getting rims first or springs first.) personally i like function over form so i went with a coil over setup and plus dropping the car makes our cars look so much better

search around and you'll find what you're looking for.. gl! :thumbup:

thats good you know how to search, but I got most of my info for the sc project under www.intellexual.net

i have been there and reading stuff. personaly i was about to swap my 300 to 1jz but i desided to go with turbocharging the stock 2jz with some other mods will do just fine for me... you just have to think about what you want to do with your car and move from there like these two gentlemen told you to... just surf around here get lots of info as possible(i got mine a lot from here too...) and have fun with the car... good luck on your new project though...

Welcome :) Read the stickies.

I ideally want a SC300 because it'd be cheaper than the 400 and I might come across a 5 speed.

It wont necessarily be cheaper. And since the manuals are hard to locate, you need to search specifically for that. Good luck though!!! Don't sacrifice! Get what you want! :thumbup:

welcome, have fun reading & posting in the forums :)