On my last two cars: SLK 230 and BMW Z-3 when I would switch to the "power mode" you could see the rps's jump up 1,000. Not so with the SC430.

I haven't really noticed a big difference in this mode. Can anyone tell me where or what gear (s) the ECT mode will be noticeable? I've only owned my SC for less than a month.

 

I may be mistaken, but I thought that the Power switch on the ECT for the SC 430 just held to that particular gear under hard acceleration to the redline, rather than making a shift somewhat before the redline under normal driving. However, it always seems that if you punch the gas in normal mode it will hold the gear anyway. I'm probably confused. There's not much oxygen out here at this altitude!!!!
Doc C

 

The problem with that feature is the stupid 'intelligence', which adapts to your driving style, just like in 'normal' mode. If you drive the car aggressively for a while, it'll upshift at somewhat higher rpms, and downshift more readily, but by the time you drive 15/20 miles on the freeway, the car thinks your Grandmother is driving now, and goes back to 'lazy'. Frustrating. 'PWR' should have been programmed as 'sport' ALL THE TIME. That's the whole purpose of having 2 settings, isn't it? By the way, it's been like this since my first lexus: '96 SC400. What I dislike the most about Lexus transmissions is their reluctance to downshift. BMWs are almost telepathic, making any manual shifting utterly unnecessary. They could also learn from them a thing or two about handling. Other than that, the car is just about perfect.

Anyway, I've had the setting in 'PWR' all the time, and also sense no difference. My only problem now is the stupid 'PWR' green light is starting to drive me nuts, coupled to the fact I have to shift manually anyway, so I might put it back to 'normal' at any time.

JC

 

I usually never have the car in Power Mode. When I do put on ECT, the car feels like it is changing gears faster. I should say at lower RPM's.
It does feel a little sportier.

 

I got the impression from my few and limited experiments with that button that turning it on and stepping on the gas causes the shifts not to be made until almost the red line. In other words, shifts happen later in order to allow the engine to run itself out.

But I don't use it all that much, so I could be wrong.

 

Tim ...

Would the operational definition of your comment be:
Transmission in D
ECT PWR on
Floor it.

If so, then I, like ElPaso, will not bother engaging the PWR switch because I do my own shifting.

Sad to say, the day is soon coming when my beauty goes into hibernation. I just may have to dump the Outback and get an RX330 just so I can sit in a similar environment during the winter.

 

Tim,

How do you do your own shifting? My understanding is the SC is not made for that.

 

If that question is addressed to me, the answer on my part is that I don't "do my own shifting." My previous post above discussed my observations that I think the ECT button runs the engine out more before shifting into the next higher gear.

I've had lots of stick shift cars during my slide down the razor blade of life, and I sometimes enjoy the intimate interaction of man and machine which this transmission provides. Lately, however, I feel that I am too old. tired or stupid to bother, and I am content to let the transmission shift for itself.

Like any automatic, however, you can control the shift points to a certain extent by shifting the automatic transmission into a low gear while stopped, and then moving the shifter up towards D as your speed increases. This is fun for a while, but the thrill soon wears off. I dated an actress once, and it was kind of the same thing.

The SC300 had an available stick shift, but I do not believe Lexus has ever put one into a car with the big V-8. That would be fun for a day, but most purchasers of cars in this price range just don't want a stick shift.

I think I'm rambling on, so I'm going to sign off now and finish up the new Christmas outfits for the poodles.

 

....

 

WOW. Thanks for the fashion tips.

The poodles thank you, too.

Would you happen to have any ideas for the kitties????

 

...

 

This is the best forum ever . . . .

Thanks to you, it will be a very merry Christmas this year at my house, for man and beast alike.

Ho, Ho, Ho.

 

I think it effects downshifts more than upshifts.

 

cool... i have 95 gs300 that has this feature and was just checking the forums on this...thanks