GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

GS300 or GS400?????

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Old 07-04-06, 04:39 PM
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Carguy34
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Default GS300 or GS400?????

Hi Guys,
I have been a lurker for sometime, but never started a thread. I have been wanting to purchase a second gen GS for about a year now, but haven't been able to afford it (I pay cash for everything). I think that I have decided to sell my RX7 (~500HP if anyone is interested) in order to complete the funding for a GS (and swap). I will be putting a 2JZ-GTE into whatever I buy next summer. So, is there any reason to buy a 400 over a 300? I was reading about how the 400's have a LSD and the 300's don't, but is that the only difference mechanically? That is something that I could easily change at a later date if it's the only difference. I would assume that the trannies are a bit stronger, but I don't think either will hold 600HP without needing a rebuild. I have talked to Boost Logic about the tranny situation and I'm leaning towards having them build the supra tranny that will come with the motor and just calling it good with the 4 speed. Up to this point I have just been considering the 300's because of cost, but it doesn't look like the 400's are going for much more right now. Anyway, any feedback would be appreciated. Also, I know that I want the black interior with heated seats and xenon headlights. If anyone has one for sale, let me know.

Thanks,
Brandon
Old 07-04-06, 06:53 PM
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rominl
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hi brandon, welcome to CL!!!!!!!!

first of all, NO gs comes with lsd at all, not gs400 and not gs300. it's just that with gs400 you can put on the supra rear end and it will fit that's all.

and if you are going for the gte swap one way or the other, just get the gs300 coz' it's usually cheaper for the same condition
Old 07-04-06, 07:05 PM
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LexFather
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Welcome to Clublexus. Just search around, you'll find what yalll looking for
Old 07-05-06, 01:38 AM
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jaja
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i know it sounds like you already have your mind set on doing the swap, but my advice would be to take a ride in a gs400 and see how quick it is. after all you may not need to do the swap. i used to drive a modded 300zx, but the gs4 seems faster. i know it doesn't have the pickup of the turbo, but the bottom end torque of a v8 is hard to beat, not to mention it is the best engine that toyota makes.

so if you can deal without the sound of a blow off and wastegate, my suggestion would be at least to drive the v8 (if you already haven't) if not i agree with rominl get a gs3 - they are significantly less and more to choose from.

my 2 cents
Old 07-05-06, 05:53 AM
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WELCOME


And buy a GS 400
Old 07-05-06, 06:13 AM
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bmgs400
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Welcome to the club.
FYI...I think you need 100 posts to post a car sale...mods correct me if I'm wrong. There's a unique forum here for posting cars for sale.

Anyway...If you definitely are doing an engine swap, then I'd think getting the GS300 would be the best buy. Off the start you get a rear diff gearing of 3.91 and a TC stall speed higher than the GS400 ( correct me if I'm wrong guys). So drop in a 2JZ-GTE...easy on TT upgrade and with light boost plus some wide wheels you should have a nice car. Any heavy boost, I'd suggest a Precision Industries TC and tranny cooler, and an LSD rear-end.
Old 07-05-06, 06:42 AM
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DaveGS4
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Welcome Brandon!

These threads are a bit older but are still applicable and should help. Found them by searching for 'which gs300 gs400' using the advanced search features of the forum .


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ch+gs300+gs400
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=149311
Old 07-05-06, 07:01 AM
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bmgs400
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Gotta love this sites search tools.
Old 07-05-06, 07:38 AM
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chuckb
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Originally Posted by bmgs400
Gotta love this sites search tools.
if I had a dollar for every "gs3 or gs4?" thread, I'd have about $97
Old 07-05-06, 08:26 AM
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I've had both models, my GS430 is what I like the most because it cruises smooth but when I lay into it it flies! My 300 was cool, but didnt have all the standard features the 430 does.

I dont know where your at but there is a GS430, 02 sliver / black that looks pristine. It's in riverside, look in autotrader.com, he wants 29K and it has 39K miles on it.

Good luck, you cant go wrong with either car.

John
Old 07-05-06, 08:29 AM
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Carguy34
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Originally Posted by rominl
hi brandon, welcome to CL!!!!!!!!

first of all, NO gs comes with lsd at all, not gs400 and not gs300. it's just that with gs400 you can put on the supra rear end and it will fit that's all.

and if you are going for the gte swap one way or the other, just get the gs300 coz' it's usually cheaper for the same condition
So there is a difference between how the GS3 and GS4 rear ends mount? If that's the case then the underside of a GS4 would be totally different from a GS3. Thanks for the heads up, this is why I started a new thread. Can anyone else elaborate on the differences in the rear ends and/or how they mount?


Thanks DaveGS4, I appreciate the info. I read through all of those threads and found a lot of people recommending the GS4 over the GS3 if the prices are close, but not really being specific as to why. Most of them just said, "you won't be disappointed." Drive a GS4 and you'll have your answer. I guess my response would be, drive a 600HP 2JZ-GTE and you'll have my answer I'm in a little bit different situation since I have no desire to keep the stock motor. I am more concerned about the suppporting hardware (tranny, rear end, brakes, supplemental coolers, fuel system etc.). I guess I didn't do the best job explaining that in the beginning. As of right now I am under the impression that the brakes are the same, apparently the rear ends mount differently, I have read that the stall on the stock converters is higher on the GS3's, and I'm assuming that the tranny cooler, oil cooler, and fuel systems are all going to be the same and need to be upgraded. Does anyone have any input on those items? Is there anyone who makes 600HP using stock components without issues?

Thanks to everyone who welcomed me. I really do appreciate it. Hopefully it's a little more clear now why I started a new thread and wasn't satisfied with what I found searching.

Thanks,
Brandon
Old 07-05-06, 08:32 AM
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The differences (off top of my head) other than the motor that you'll care about that should be covered in some of those threads

e-shift in GS400, not available in GS300
3.9x gears in the GS300 vs 3.23 in the GS400
Higher stall TQ
Better chance of finding HIDs in GS400 (aftermarket will not do self leveling)

Not many people making that sort of HP, check the FI registry (which is a bit out of date) sticky in the FI / engine, tranny forum.
Old 07-05-06, 09:12 AM
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rominl
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no, the difference on the rear end is just about the center axle (the one going from front to rear). the place where it attach to the rear end pumpkin, the gs400 and the gs300 ones are different. that's it, everything else is the same. that's why if you have a gs300 and you want to put on a supra rear end, you need to change that attachment piece, otherwise it won't fit. again, everything else is the same.

another difference is the front part of the exhaust setup of course, where the gs400 is dual pipe but the gs300 is single pipe.

and just to clarify dave's post, gs300 has higher stall tq converter. but then again if you do the gte swap, you probably don't care about that
Old 07-05-06, 10:28 AM
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Welcome to CL... Sounds like your going to be building a monster...LOL Good Luck.. Were hear to support ya.. Good Luck..

Tony
Old 07-05-06, 04:59 PM
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it seems pretty obvious to me that you should get gs400 which has V8.
why whould you get a V6 if you do plan to get high HP?
unless, you want to replace the engine yourself.....


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