I'm new to the lexus game and can't decide if I want a sc300 or sc400. How much better is the sc400? How much faster is it? Is it worth the extra couple grand? I'm used to a rediculously slow 87 saab, so either one of these will seem like a rocketship to me. Any recommendations on what to look for in a used one? Low miles? Are any of the years not as sound, mechanically? Thanks for any replies.

Also, do the 12 disc changers play cd-rs? Thanks

 

The 300's good with the stick shift, but many people buy them almost exclusively because they intend to put a turbocharger on it. The 400 is also good, but badly under-tuned. The VVT-i version claims 290 HP.. I can pull near that on a dyno after remapping the ECU and improving flow (yes, I'll post it.. just wait ) and I feel that the v8 sound and torque is very attractive. Eventually I think I'll have both.. just keep in mind that the six is kinda underpowered for the weight of the car w/o turbo.

 

SC400 are autos.

 

I think that I would get the 92 SC3 5 spd. U could then upgrade everything w/ the Supra TT parts and put the Supra 6spd. engine in it. I didnt complain about gettin a 92 SC3 Auto b/c it is my first car so........

 

I'm looking at an auto..my main goal isn't speed, it's just to get something nice...and it'll be a huge upgrade from my saab. The sc3s autos aren't that slow are they. I found somewhere that they are 0-60 in 7.4-7.8 seconds. Is that somewhat accurate? I might have a good deal on one, so I was just wondering how much better the SC4 is. Thanks for the replys. I dont think I'd upgrade to the supra stuff.

 

Well, we are kinda bitchy when it comes to power. if you want a solid car with decent power get a V8. If you don't care and you're just looking for the comfortable ride the I-6 is fine, but don't expect it to be very powerful.
papanature: I was saying that the sc300 with the manual is good. I know the 400 doesn't have one.. I wish it did.

 

So it is slow for a 225 hp v6?

 

If you dont care THAT much about speed, then just get your 300. Even if you do, the 300s are more easily upgradeble then the 400s. (the 400s are faster though stock obviously, and will still be faster when it comes to minor upgrades, exhaust intake tq converter etc...., problem is that its really damn hard to turbo a 400, but why would you need THAT much speed anyway?)
Anyways you dont seem to care much about that stuff so just go with the 300 you have the deal for. And as for your cd r question, yes it reads cd r,s JUST FINE (at least all 3 brands of cd-rs ive tried in my car), but the wierd / shitty thing is that it will NOT read BRAND NEW CDS! Dont ask me why I have no damn idea, it could be just my 12 disc, but I have heard similar things elsewhere. And as minor of a thing as that is, it gets annoying real quick when I cant listen to a cd just because its new...... I think it has something to do with the whole cd/computercompatibility thing... anyways ill stop rambling now. Get an sc there dope

Jason

 

Oh and as for your, is it slow for 225 hp v6, i cant help ya out, but the Sc400 is a little slow for a 280 hp v8 (but hey 280 hp stock is quite amazing so im not complaining)

 

The Ikon's .02 cents, if you are not looking to strip the car and add turbos, get the SC4. The drive train is bullet proof and as refined as it comes. It has more than enough power and torque to satisfy the average consumer.

The SC3 is a great deal as well. The SC3 auto is kinda sluggish as mentioned; however it is all Lexus too. They are identical twins one just has more muscles than the other...

For the value and panache, I'll get the SC4... Oh yeah, I already did.

You will be a winner any way you look at it!

The Ikon

 

Can somebody post a link to one of these turbochargers to the sc3? Will it work with an auto? How much are they? Thanks for all the replies.

 

Go to the section up top "engine transmission section"... There's a long informative thread about turbos for the SC3. There's threads about exhausts, intakes, etc...

 

How much would the cheapest turbos be?

 

I've found a 92 SC300 auction that I think will probably go for 9-10k. It has a 12 disc(not lexus, bought at best buy..), no sunroof, and only 69,000 miles. The other car is a 92 SC400 that is being sold at 10,500. It has 94k miles. I am not sure what it has..the seller hasn't emailed me back yet. I've seen pics of the SC3, and the leather looks really good. I dont really know what else to look at. If the sc4 is in good shape with a cd player and a sunroof...which does everyone think would be a better deal? At what price would the sc3 be better assuming I could bargain the sc4 down to 10k? Thanks.