Our 99 is faster than our 98. Supposed to be the same. I think that they probably both make the same HP, but the 99 will give it to you much more often than the 98. Throttle by wire, so you don't really know what's going on. I never ran them, but I think the 99 would have taken the Esprit (RIP) up to about 60, then the Esprit would have walked it, but it would have been a battle.
I still prefer the w140 S600 over the LS400 
I remember limited slip diffs being an issue from the original aristocrat group.
Just not many diy options for LSD. Andy Neumann would be the one to ask.
In reply to Joe Gearin:
that is quite an endorsement...
Robbie wrote: I remember limited slip diffs being an issue from the original aristocrat group. Just not many diy options for LSD. Andy Neumann would be the one to ask.
Still a great car overall as long as it is still in good condition. Pretty easy to find a pre 2000 model for under 3k. If you wanted to race it there aren't many options for an LSD and yes it is necessary. Currently have a 1993 with 113k miles on it, just boring enough to enjoy being bored every once in a while.
Rally Lexus or go home.
I would hold out for the Nakamichi audio. I have one of each, and that Nakamichi is fantastic. Not the best car stereo I've ever heard, the best stereo I've ever heard.
Tyler H wrote: Cheap, ridiculously good build quality, RWD v8. Starters are a PITA to R&R. I think the EL illuminated needles in the cluster tend to go out. I'm not really sure anything really goes wrong with them.
Good thing they rarely go out. Thank you, Nippon-denso! As most here know, I am the leading cause of 1uz-itus. I can talk for days about the motor and the ucf10/11 chassis. It's big, heavy, the motor is "underpowered" by today's standards. And the worst part? That IRS has no hope for a cheap LSD. It's either 2500$ for a tomei kit, or spool, or weld-a-diff. The early motors have thick rods and less compression, good for turbo. 7psi will net you.... "a lot more power" (I'm avoiding the angry people here that like to pretend they know more than me about this engine, though they likely have never even played with one). I think a SC300 IRS subframe and bits, and a r154a with A chinacharger would make a killer car. Murdered out on airbags... lightened to the max for that "WTF" moment when you deliver a 10sec pass for less than 10grand.
Too much fun for the cost.
In reply to Dr. Hess:
Dr. Hess, toyota tank hoarder.
I have had a couple as daily drivers and they were great. I've road raced one at Gingerman that was well prepared and it was amazing. You can apparently put a Supra read end in it for an LSD but it is not bolt in. Some fab work required. Also power seat sliders and racing seats with cage and harness are really great for getting the belts tight.
Also,just when I thought I was over them ... now I'm gonna go shop again. Thanks you berkeleyers!
Picked mine up from a stripper that was gone to vegas to (I kid you not) teach her daughter to dance. I talked the old pimp pappy down to $450. Found a used tube of vagisil in the trunk. Passed a kidney stone going over the mountain with that car. Memories.
Wouldn't you have to set fire to the Lexus for that to be a fair race?
Dr. Hess wrote: Our 99 is faster than our 98. Supposed to be the same. I think that they probably both make the same HP, but the 99 will give it to you much more often than the 98. Throttle by wire, so you don't really know what's going on. I never ran them, but I think the 99 would have taken the Esprit (RIP) up to about 60, then the Esprit would have walked it, but it would have been a battle.
Yes, I'm a hoarder. You should see my driveway right now. MR2, LS400, LS400, LX470, RN Truck, RAV4 in the shop. Toyota motors in a Europa and Locost. 3SFE and 3SGTE sitting on engine stands.
WE always talk about these. Every time the subject of a q45 comes up. Then we devolve into discussions about 740 e38s.
In reply to penultimeta:
The late 90's was a good time for rwd v8 sedans 
I have one (LS430) and I'm with Joe on keeping it stock. I kinda have all the potential motorsports bases covered with my other vehicles.
What I need this car to do is be a clean, quiet, luxurious & dependable vehicle that I can use to pick up the parents at the airport or drive to Los Angeles tomorrow. This is my "grown-up" car.
Flight Service wrote: My concern is the trans. Anything to make it more responsive as opposed to 1968 Lincoln Continental?
Some outfit in Australia makes manual transmission adapters.
Alternatively, you can control the A340 transmissions that a lot of these cars had using a MicroSquirt.
maschinenbau wrote: Single-turbo 1UZ build porn http://www.lextreme.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14743
I raise you an AE86 with a twin turbo 1UZ
In reply to The_Jed:
By and large prefer the SC400. I remember when there used to be scores of those in junkyards, but they all seem to have vanished now.
MadScientistMatt wrote:Flight Service wrote: My concern is the trans. Anything to make it more responsive as opposed to 1968 Lincoln Continental?Some outfit in Australia makes manual transmission adapters. Alternatively, you can control the A340 transmissions that a lot of these cars had using a MicroSquirt.
I used one out of Georgia to use a 240sx 5sp manual. Brett Collins from Collins Adapters.
Brought it back from the brink, lowered it and threw some SC430 wheels on it and gave it to my dad who loved it the last few years, everyone who rode in it couldn't believe it was a 1993, it really did drive like a cloud. Super straight body but it needs a lot plus the transmission so not worth fixing. Eyeing a LS430 Ultra Luxury for my dad.
Transmission went and it's been sitting for a year so I'm getting ready to part it out. Will probably make a good chunk of the original $1300 purchase price back and end up with the engine, ECU and cats... son wants me to get another RA29 and swap it in (his will have a 7mgte)
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