VKBSC3

Hey all,

I've realized that the 2jz swap isn't very realistic at the moment (second year chemical engineering student = zero monies) and was thinking about cheaper ways to get the speed that I would like out of my car. I've ran into a nice 1997 SC400 with ca. 95000 miles on it and the dealer may be willing to trade me straight up for my SC300. I know that both cars are pretty much bulletproof, but I was wondering if this would be a stupid idea if he decides to go for it? My SC300 has 103000 miles and is pretty much bone stock apart from some HIDs and window tint, but it's in really nice condition.

He told me that his SC400 has a check engine light on that is related to the traction control, and I know I had the same problem with mine when I first bought mine. I managed to get it fixed for under $800 but the car ran fine before the fix, however I obviously don't know if this problem is the same. He gave me the old dealer speech, "Apart from that she runs like a dream!", but I'm still a little skeptical about it because he seems a little too ready to be rid of it. It makes me wonder if there are some bigger problems that he's trying to cover up or if he genuinely wants to give me a good deal (....haha).

I was wondering if any of you knew of any reoccurring issues with this model SC? I've checked the forums but for the most part I've been seeing pretty much the same thing: great experiences from people who want stock power and simple fixes when need be. Of course those simple fixes came from members who knew what to do and had the means to do so; I have no kick *** tools or a lift in my garage so I get boned by the franchise mechanics every time! Basically I'm looking for some nice power until I'm capable of doing my own modifications and I've narrowed it down to keeping my SC300 and rushing a turbo swap, finding a SC400 and having nice power and torque until I'm ready to supercharge, or going German and taking my Dad's Mercedes E320 4matic (he bought it in 2006 with ~52000 miles on it and it currently has ~64000 miles...I think it's safe to say it needs to see the open road a little more often )

Anyway, I'd appreciate any suggestions! Thanks for you support.

VKBSC3

Vadim540i

97 sc400 is just as slow as sc300, well, maybe a bit faster. 98-99 sc4 are a bit faster. Depends on your budget. I had 98 GS4 and it's pretty quick, about 14.2-3 in 1/4 mile plus it's pretty cheap now, you can find one for like 6-7k in alright shape. It's kind of funny and sad that Gs4 is faster than sc4...

scENFORCER

Chemical engineering!? Jeeze ur the genius, u decide what to do!! Haha jk. I say either go 98+ or stay sc300. Forget the '97.

mr2tosc4

iTrader: (1)

Pretty much an even trade unless you've done your timing belt/water pump and the 400 is due. Otherwise if both have done those maintenance at this point in time, I would take the 400. Traction control is an easy fix and you know it.

Klaus

iTrader: (1)

I read this and thought no effing way I have to look into this. Sure enough, the 99-2000 sc4s post up around a 14.7-14.8 quarter. The GS in every review I found hit low 14s, 14.1-14.3. Wow... Both weigh about 3600 pounds, both have the identical motor and transmission- doesn't make sense!

vietunit

iTrader: (5)

98+ if you want a bit more speed.

Vadim540i

Yep, weird huh? Only difference is GS is rated at 300hp, while sc at 290...

scENFORCER

^ always thought that was so because Lexus didnt want their flagship car at the time (the GS) to be at a lower hp rating.

Vadim540i

They had flagship LS from 1992

Matador

You're probably better off just keeping the SC3. A 97 SC4 is gonna be slow too and the aftermarket for the 1uz is less than stellar for down the road. As far as the 98+ the vvti does help, but Id probably get a GS4 at that point. I think the GS4 was rated at 300 due to the ecu/tune being different from the SC. When the 2gen debuted in 1998 it was suppose to be lexus' sport sedan, hence the slightly higher power. The GS was in no way a flagship, it filled the gap between ES and LS.

VKBSC3

Well it sounds like I'd basically be trading for an identical car but with less gas mileage, haha. Thanks for the suggestions everybody, I'll keep you posted.

That dealer is going to be disappointed!

EDIT: It's a 1992 SC400! What was I thinking...I'll definitely be keeping my car now. Definitely didn't read the advertisement correctly, and I knew there was something fishy about the front bumper, haha. I still appreciate the suggestions because I had been looking into the SC400 for few months now, but it seems that I should appreciate my SC300 for what it is...a car that was ahead of its times with a legendary engine and much more potential than the 1UZ. I just wish it had VVTI, but oh well. It's been my baby for a while and I'm not turning my back on it!

Thanks again for your help.

One HoT

iTrader: (5)

Raced my friends 5 speed 97 SC300 versus my 95 SC400...You might think there is no difference but the difference is night and day when you compare the two and put them into a drag race..The difference is not in the HP but in the torque...I basically down the block before he shifted into 2 gear...

Another misconception is the SC300 has better gas mileage. Totally untrue, the V8 has better end of that stick..

Its an upgrade performance-wise but not by much...The difference is subtle at best because both cars are underpowered and heavy...

GS FONZy

iTrader: (6)

The reason for the power difference is the exhaust system. Have you seen the exhaust system on the SC4?

Klaus

iTrader: (1)

that's good for half a second+ ?

lev00221

iTrader: (28)

The difference in acceleration times between the SC and the GS may be the gearing in the transmission. I own a 2000 LS400 and a 1998 SC400. They both have the same engine and a 5 spd transmission but the LS is definitely quicker off the line. I asked one of the service writers at the local Lexus dealer and he said that Lexus had to change the gearing because of wheelspin in the SC. His exact way of describing it was that the "engine and traction control were fighting against each other". Now I didn't talk to him long enough to get any technical details but I did talk to someone in the parts department at Lexus and was told that the cars had different part number for the transmissions but the torque converters were identical.
Anyway, the issue may be similar between the GS and SC. They may weigh the same but the weight may be distributed differently over the rear wheels and thus necessitate gearing changes in order to prevent wheelspin. You certainly wouldn't want to mass produce a car that was tail happy. Imagine the liability involved with that.........