Stupid question
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Driver
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 106
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From: Arizona
Stupid question
Just curious, I searched for this question and got lots of threads but no real answer. Regarding the GS400 vs. SC400, how is it that a 10hp/10tq difference make the SC400 a full second faster to 60mph? It must be some sort of "magic horsepower", or marketing.
Here you go: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...-98-gs400.html
magic hp in the exhaust design etc.
magic hp in the exhaust design etc.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 361
Likes: 76
From: Houston, TX
Still wasn't answered exactly in that thread. I've wondered this too, what makes the GS400 so much faster than a SC, clearly a 10hp/10tq difference can't make a huge gap in times like that now can it?
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 164
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From: WA
Other than likely different ratios, other aspects of our transmissions could be making a difference, though; things like the smooth shift deal of ours that a lot of people like to disable.
I mean, remember, our SC's aren't race cars and weren't designed for all-out performance. It's similar to the criticism the BMW 850 gets. These are grand touring cars, made for swift and comfortable speed with a bit 'o style. Not that the GS is a race car, either, but it was designed more as a luxury performance car. I put it more in line with the faster of the BMW 5 series of the time, though not M5 level.
Hmmm, without getting into the gearing, the VVTi 1UZ SC400 came with 16x7 rims stock, the GS400 came with 17x8 rims stock, which also affects launch hook up, wheel spin, and ultimately quarter mile times
Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 164
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From: WA
Yes, there's lots more to 0-60 than just power to weight ratios. I think that's the take-away from these exercises.
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ya, exactly. And, they're not a full second apart. Here is a screenshot from the actual Lexus brochures. The difference is 0.4 seconds between the SC4 and GS4
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Pit Crew
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 164
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From: WA
So, (possibly) lower gearing, more torque and HP, better aerodynamics... Those sound like perfectly reasonable factors in a better 0-60 time.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 106
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From: Arizona
I would be interested in knowing what the gearing difference is, if there is any difference. I was under the assumption that the GS400 and the SC400 had the exact same drivetrain; same engine, same 5 speed auto (A650e). Perhaps one was tested with traction control off vs. on? Has anyone run both side by side? Perhaps the tires hook up better on the GS? I drove a GS400 and wasn't exactly impressed by how quick it was, perhaps these numbers are an "estimate" for marketing purposes?
As far as I know, aside from the exhaust manifolds and y-pipe being different, the cars are identical. I mean, 10hp/10tq is not enough to give you 0.6 seconds difference, if so then I don't understand power to weight ratios
I guess what I am hoping is that the SC400 can match the GS400 with very little, OEM mods, like changing to the newer exhaust manifolds, as I am planning on picking one up really soon. 5.7 is exactly where I want to be as a daily driver, 6.3 is kinda slow
Any aftermarket ECU's available or decent (though relatively quiet) headers that can get the SC400 there? Can't believe I have to write this, I mean the fact that these cars aren't identical in real world performance is beyond me.
As far as I know, aside from the exhaust manifolds and y-pipe being different, the cars are identical. I mean, 10hp/10tq is not enough to give you 0.6 seconds difference, if so then I don't understand power to weight ratios
I guess what I am hoping is that the SC400 can match the GS400 with very little, OEM mods, like changing to the newer exhaust manifolds, as I am planning on picking one up really soon. 5.7 is exactly where I want to be as a daily driver, 6.3 is kinda slow
Any aftermarket ECU's available or decent (though relatively quiet) headers that can get the SC400 there? Can't believe I have to write this, I mean the fact that these cars aren't identical in real world performance is beyond me.
Thread Starter
Driver
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
Pffst...no VVTI, not enough power :-D Pre-98 models would almost need a supercharger to compete :-( Plus, the pre-98 intake manifold is just too 1980's for me, single length runners, booooo! Sorry, just having fun
Last edited by soloist3; Oct 16, 2015 at 08:58 PM.
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