mnLS400

a few days ago I picked up a 98 LS400 with 229,960 miles on it, drove it from Michigan back to Minneapolis, MN with no issues. smooth and quiet drive all the way back. I did an oil change at McGrath Lexus of Westmont in IL just before heading back. They spotted a few issues major one was a snapped rear drivers side coil spring. the car drove so well i couldn't tell it was broken. rear brakes need replacement soon. the passenger side valve cover was seeping oil (i knew that at time of purchase). the timing belt was last done on 04/2012 at 164,571 miles at the dealer, I'm at 230,6xx miles now do I replace my timing belt/water pump based on age instead of mileage? i read in the owners manual its 90k miles or 72 months.

stopped by Hyde's Mill on our way back.






I was averaging about 25mpg on the way back doing 70-80mph (i was tracking mileage on my phone but the on board computer was pretty close). drove it exactly 640 miles from where I bought it.



my other vehicles are a 07 Volvo S60R (yes, its a 6speed manual with the spaceball shifter) and a 07 Volvo XC90 V8 (yes, its straight piped!) so im used to premium gas...







my last LS400, 1994. sold to my brother in law after he borrowed it. he did not want to give it back.

spuds

MN,thats a beauty.Hope it gives you a ton of miles more.Congrats.You will find everything you need here,this newbie has been literally reading the site for a few weeks now.

mnLS400

thanks! yea I was lurking again a few weeks ago when I started looking for another one. was visiting family/friends in Chicago and came across this one in Michigan and bought it! it was a fun trip.

mnLS400

im planning on doing the rear coils/struts, I can't seem to find a good source for something that would keep the OEM ride other than OEM coil springs but those are $$$$. no VIP plans anytime soon so not going the coilover route! this is what I found, are these good items? anything else i should get at the same time?

Losiracer2

you should get better than 28-30mpg on the highway with your 5spd transmission. I got 27mpg from my trip from AZ to MI (~2000 miles) with a fully loaded car and 18" SC430 wheels on my 97' w/ 4spd tranny.

Try replacing your coolant temp sensor, that typically yields some mpg back. It helped me by about 2mpg soon after I bought my car and I just used an Orielly auto one since mine crumbled when I was inspecting it by removing the plug from the connector.

mnLS400

I'll add that to the list. I plan on doing spark plugs, air filter, cabin filter, fuel filter and now a coolant temp sensor.

Leeroy

I had a broken spring on the right rear of my 2000. I decided to replace all of the struts with coilovers. A little pricier than factory style struts, but worth it.

Legender

Welcome back to the club. Nice looking ride. My favorite color. I would say miles trumps time on timing belts. But that is must my opinion/experience with Lexus. Seems like you've got plenty of there items to focus your attention on without jumping right into the TB. Pretty sure you'll enjoy the 98 over the 94.

mnLS400

hows it ride with coilovers? i really love the smooth soft ride of the stock suspension.

Leeroy

Well, I am running a large diameter set of staggered wheels on my setup. I'm running BC BR coilovers, dropped about 3" front, 3" rear. My damper settings are dead center between soft and firm. Honestly, I prefer the ride to the stock struts. A little stiffer, but not harsh or notchy feeling when damper settings are properly adjusted. If you don't "slam" your car on coilovers and run a more conservatively sized wheel setup, I bet you would prefer the ride of the coilovers when properly adjusted. They helped cut down on body roll and the floatiness of the factory suspension system.

mnLS400

there is a local kid who just installed coilovers on his 92 LS400. I will have to get a ride in his and see how it drives.
i do prefer the cushy ride right now but if i can get better handling and a cushy ride I wouldnt mind that.

mnLS400

removed the rear 4 mufflers, replaced with straight pipes. sounds decent, still not too loud. there is some drone, mostly gone at highway speeds but comes back above 75mph. turn on the radio and you wont notice it. I'll be getting some tips, the shop didnt have any in stock today and will be adding some straight through magnaflow mufflers to help with the drone. not sure if i want to X-pipe it, in place of the current resonator. I'll try to get a video out this weekend.

Losiracer2

I say go with a quad tip setup like I have....really makes the rear end stand out more and look more aggressive. They're some Vibrant 3.5" dual tips that the previous owner put on and did a good job of cutting the bumper to fit.

spuds

That looks good,nice enough on the aggressive scale without having trash cans.Nicely done.

lextout