Lexus SC400

In trolling CL, I am finding some of the earlier ones for low money. They seem to push some interesting buttons- V8 power, good looks, Toyota engineering. Can these be modified for better performance / handling for not much money? Is there a forum of fanbois? They look like they could be fun for low money, or are they money pits? How about a "tune"? Do they exist? Thanks.

All of these things are possible but take time, not necessarily money. You can get the parts to swap a manual behind on for less than $500 (have to get a PDF to make the transmission adapter plate). Go to lextreme.com for tuning and such. Handling, I would imagine is like most cars, buy parts A, B, and C and install.

I know the SC300 was basically a non-turbo Supra. The TT swap was done often.

From what I have read, they use a lot of Supra parts. Again, I'm no expert in them, just "net wisdom," so take it for what you will.

I do know that the 98-2000 1UZFE's will make more power than the earlier ones, and my 99 makes significantly more power than my 98, by seat of the pants dyno, even though they are supposed to be the same. Note that this could be related to the various nannies like stability control, etc., limiting the power. I think the 99 got a better factory tune. Anyway, I would ideally hold out for a 99 or 2000.

Off to CL again. I was hoping you would chime in!

There's a guy on eBay selling manual swap kits with a bellhousing flywheel etc (supply your own transmission) for somewhere around a grand. W58 kit: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1uz-1uzfe-toyota-Bellhousing-w58-gearbox-FREE-SHIP/281763668828?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D33098%26meid%3D8d5c6f10dbee456597906d34f6810b4a%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D4%26sd%3D271946648607 The same guy also does a R154 kit for $1450.00, or you can get the bellhousing by itself for $485.00.

I worked for a Toyota/Lexus dealer when those came out and yes they are basically a reskinned Supra. Pretty much anything you can do to a Supra is applicable to these, but they are heavier and more complex. Toyota sold Soarers overseas, same basic chassis and there's a TON of upgrades/know how on Soarer sites around Oceania. Good place to start: http://planetsoarer.com/indexfull.html

Another fun fact: the 1UZ from a LS400 has a front sump oil pan. A SC has a rear sump oil pan and it's a direct bolt on. Really opens up swapping possibilities... such as stuffing one in a Jensen Healey.

The SRT-4 came in blue.
This is GRM. There HAS to be at least one post that has NOTHING to do with the OP. Just following the forums example.

Dr. Boost- Also keep in mind that Jamaican politicians are corrupt.

This thread is goin' off the rails like a crazy train...

There is a HUGE base of fanbois, to answer your question. I always liked the SC300/400 and because of their following and tuneability, I've had a hard time seeing ones that aren't set up for Drifting that they'll never actually do. The clean ones sell surprisingly high. Last time I was in a friends was about 5 years ago and it was still quieter and smoother than most brand new cars at the time. As others stated, the later ones have the best improvements/styling updates and I've seen some pushing 400hp+.

I do notice that the later ones go for much more money. 92's can be 1000.00, but 99's go for 5-6000.00. I'm wondering if it is possible to get late model power without much grief.