I bought KYB Excel-G shocks for about $100 each. They were installed last Thursday. After logging some miles to test the results, the improvement is impressive. My car is no longer being shoved around by pavement imperfections. Thanks to everyone for the good advice.

 

If you are able please post part numbers and the vendor name that you purchased your shocks from.

 

I purchased these shocks from Shock Warehouse. The link is below. The part number is 341266 and the price is $98.18 each.

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/index....cted_year=2002I

 

For the SC430, the biggest issue is the stock springs rate... it is WAY WAY WAY too soft.
While I understand Lexus reason for doing it, and it probably works with the target market who was buying the car.
It is a luxury car and should ride like one, but it doesn't mean it have to ride like a boat.

I would want something a little more responsive then what the OEM suspension can provide.
Had a SC430 before and now itching to get back into one (going to view one soon).
Suspension is something I will address for sure as it makes the driving experience so much better.

I feel the SC430 should ride something like a BMW 3-series (Non M-sport, because even those are too harsh by my standard).
Should be responsive on the curve, but comfortable on the straight.

 

Which coilovers did you get?

 

I recently followed the forums advice and replaced my front struts with the same KYB units. Very pleased and satisfied with the results. Bought mine from a local auto parts house, same part number. Installed them myself.

 

they are called D2, here is the thread...keep in mind, they are more stiff but I really like the handling at 70mph+
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...-sc-430-a.html

 

Thanks, I'm looking for more stiff than stock. Are they stiff - something like a 350Z or S2000? Or M3 or 3series BMW? Something like an IS300 or firmer would be ideal for me.

 

they can be stiff, they have about 36 settings. I have not driven any of those cars...
Did you read my posts in the other thread?

 

Are the struts for our vehicle common among all years?

 

I had the BC coilovers installed and to be honest I didn't find them any less comfy then stock, handling improved like crazy.

Bushings helped with the lose/wandering front end.. for example if I ever drove on uneven roads with grooves/bumps I could feel the front both sides wandering in different directions (kinda pulling the car all over), felt very unsafe. Another thing that REALLY helped is putting narrow tires (stretched) for the rounded side wall, easy on steering and rounded edge lets you steer easily over grooves/bumps, helps the wheels stay together as much as possible. Not sure if you know what i mean?

 

Stretching tires is unsafe, because the bead doesn't seat properly on the wheel. That's why many states have laws against it.

 

Hey Coleroad,

hmm yeah im not sure about the law's there but the tire doesn't have to be a stretch, it just shouldn't be wider than the wheels. Like I had 225's on 8.5inchx20 wheels (which isn't aggressive at all).. vs the stock 245's on 8"x18 which sat like "bell bottom" so there was just too much tire sticking out past wheels and because the SC's steering/front end isn't the most stable specially with the spongy bushings, the wider tire (than wheel width) definitely didn't help and also found turning the wheel a little harder.

I drove 40k miles on the 225 hankooks (20") they were great

 

When it comes to improving driving characteristics, you should talk to Jerrick from Meister R.

 

you are absolutely right a 225 fits just fine on a eight inch rim. When you say stretch a tire I think putting a tire on a wheel that's to wide Such as this.

The bead like this isn't properly seated on the wheel.