I often see references made to 97+ OEM. Is there a significant difference in this and older models? Do the newer models sit lower with their bumper and side skirts? I am a little confused on this point. I thought there were no cosmetic differences other than the updated taillights?

Can someone shed some light on this?

 

97+ have differnt front bumper the small grill below the lexus emblem and taillights and maybe sideskirts. also i didn't know this till i got my 2000 but alot of the interior pieces are different such as radio layout ,cluster.

 

97 is not a very different year, 98+ is where the fun begins. 97 is basically the early model with a facelift. 98+ is a dramatically different car that basically has the heart of the SC430/IS300 with the SC430 transmission.

 

How is the 2000 different? I had a totaled 2000 SC300 and other than the gauge cluster showing An extra LED screen and a gated shifter layout, what was different there? In believe the lighting was improved, but the dash component about is identical other than the passenger airbag. How wad the Double Din radio layout different? Parts are literally interchangeable from model to model on a physical basis, not necessarily on an electrical basis.

The big benefit t the 97+ exterior s it's look of a mild and sexy beautiful body kit. Plus the factory daytime running lights...

Ryan

 

the radio control were different i went from a 1997 to a 2000 the disc and track button placement was different just lil **** ive noticed so far

 

Factory drl's ? My 97 does not have this

 

Prob seeing too many Canadians running around

 

So, are you guys saying that the 97+ OEM bumper, etc. are like doing a body kit upgrade on an older model? Does it sit lower, or look lower than the older models? Does anyone have a side-by-side photo comparison for a visual reference?

 

I know a 97+up front bumper sit a little farther (nose) than 92-96 bumpers
Ive heard they have a tendency to ground out more.

 

........google images?...........

 

I believe the manufacture of the radio changed to pioneer for the 99-00, and instead of having a 12 disc cd changer it only had a 6 disc.

The 99-00 also came with the factory 3 spoke steering wheel and perforated leather.

Only the 99-00 came with factory DRLs in the US. This feature makes it really easy to spot a 99-00 on the street.

 

lots of dnifferences... 98-00... vvti engine also. just to add to what u guys hhave already said.

 

97 had a complete new body kit with new foglights, taillights, and a grille. 98+ came with a VVTi engine and a gated shifter, there's probably more that I left out but it's just significantly an upgrade.

 

I believe the only diff are vvti, cluster, outside temp display and mpg display (cluster). The gated shifter, mild motor tweaks and tranny's. The interior layout is the same. I have a 98 interior in my 94! also my 93 and 94 had factory DRL.

 

I think that you might have misunderstood what DRL represents. It stands for Daytime Running Lights which only the 99-00 SC's came from factory with. You might be referring to Cornering lights on your 93 and 94.