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

L-tuned GS430; came factory or modded by individuals??

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Old 01-07-10, 08:54 AM
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1QWKGS4
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Default L-tuned GS430; came factory or modded by individuals??

Yesterday, i came across a GS430 L-tuned for sale and I contacted the owner. Owners says the car is authentic L-tuned. One of 500 made?!? True or False.

I have seen one, a guy i knew from my home town pickup up one back in '04 but i was never sure if the car was modded to be a L-tuned or was it a factory one.

Does anyone know whats the story with the L-tuned models and how can you tell its authentic? Is there a numbers signature plate somewhere in the interior or is there additional documentation with the car's paper work/sticker sheet?

Here's a pic.

Thanks in advance.

Last edited by 1QWKGS4; 01-08-10 at 06:52 AM. Reason: Add pic
Old 01-07-10, 09:15 AM
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ZippyGuy
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My understanding is that the L-Tuned could be delivered as a "factory-tuned" vehicle, but I can not verify that fact. My suggestion is to contact Lexus directly on this. From the Press Release below there is no reference to a factory made L-Tuned, only after market with Lexus warranty:

Lexus L-Tuned Sport Package Will Add More Performance and Style to GS Series
2000 Lexus GS 400, 2000 Lexus GS 300
Torrance, CA (August 9, 2000)

To enhance the driving pleasure of the GS 300 and GS 400, Lexus and Toyota Racing Development (trD) have developed an aftermarket sport package called L-Tuned, which will be available through Lexus dealers August 1, 2000.

"The GS 300 and GS 400 are great cars to drive, but some drivers want even more performance and sporty style from their vehicles," said Denny Clements, Lexus group vice president and general manager. "By ordering a manufacturer-approved aftermarket package through Lexus dealers, our customers know they're getting high-quality parts, reliable installation and a warranty."

For the GS 300/400 series, L-Tuned will offer two distinct packages to accommodate a broad range of driving techniques, road conditions and vehicle styling.

L-Tuned's Series 1 Package is comprised of a body kit, one of three wheel/tire combinations and special L-Tuned badging. The body kit, made of durable polyurethane, includes side skirts and a unique body-color grille surrounded with a laser-cut mesh insert.

The Series 2 Package includes the Series 1 components plus performance shocks and springs, a re-calibrated steering ECU and stainless steel mufflers with polished tips for a sportier look.

With each package, GS 300/400 owners will have the choice of three different wheel and Z-rated tire combinations:



17" x 8" OZ Superturismo Alloy Wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Tires (235/45Z)
17" x 8" OZ Superturismo Alloy Wheels with Michelin XGTZ4 All-Weather Tires (235/45Z)
18" x 8" (front), 18" x 9.5" (rear) OZ Alloy Wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport Tires (235/40Z, front and 265/35Z, rear)
L-Tuned packages are available in Crystal White, Black Onyx and Millennium Silver Metallic with other factory colors offered via special order only. Although Series 1 and 2 Packages are engineered to work together for maximum performance, the individual components also are available separately, including all wheel/tire combinations. When installed by an authorized Lexus dealer, L-Tuned parts carry a strong warranty that complements the vehicle's Lexus warranty.

Lexus L-Tuned Price Summary*


Packages
Stage 1 (17" all-weather tires) $3,089
Stage 1 (17" dry tires) $3,315
Stage 1 (18" dry tires) $3,685
Stage 2 (17" all-weather tires) $4,452
Stage 2 (17" dry tires) $4,670
Stage 2 (18" dry tires) $5,047

Individual Components
Wheel/Tire Set, 17" all-weather $1,717
Wheel/Tire Set, 17" dry tires $1,950
Wheel/Tire Set, 18" dry tires $2,336
Aero kit $1,389
Badging kit $80
Front and rear shock set $275
Lowering spring set $350
GS 400 sport muffler set $676
GS 300 sport muffler set $676
Steering electronic control unit $148

*Prices subject to change and do not include dealer installation 8/1/00

General Inquiries: 1-800-255-3987 (Option 2)For general inquires about Lexus, our vehicles or our dealers, press 2.TTY/TTD Users: Dial 711; request the operator to dial 1-800-255-3987
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., EST. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., EST.
Old 01-07-10, 09:40 AM
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Lexus 4 ME
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This car looks great
Old 01-07-10, 09:45 AM
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Zippy, wow.. i'm always impressed at the slew of information other club members know...Thanks!!
Old 01-07-10, 10:38 AM
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Great car... Yes its straight from the dealer.. All dealer parts installed.. Nice GS
Old 01-07-10, 01:12 PM
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aka paco
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I dunno, i think alot of people also claim to be selling L-tuned cars, this one may be legit though.. i'm with you i want to know how you can be sure.
Old 01-07-10, 02:49 PM
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TYPEII
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I think the owner pieced it together, I see an aftermarket TTE lip on the front, cause that's not part of the L-Tuned package or it's Legit and he just added the lip. Let's see the back for the exhaust...
Old 01-07-10, 03:26 PM
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Originally Posted by TYPEII
I think the owner pieced it together, I see an aftermarket TTE lip on the front, cause that's not part of the L-Tuned package or it's Legit and he just added the lip. Let's see the back for the exhaust...
Heres the rear..

Old 01-07-10, 07:01 PM
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L-tuned debuted in the late summer of 2000.....as stated they were offered initially as packages for the GS. ZippyGuy's info is accurate.

Many of us here liked some of what it offered but didn't want all of it. Then Carson Toyota started selling the parts individually and we ordered like nuts

That car in the pic has a TTE lip as well. I've seen a couple silver L-tuned GSs in Atlanta...couldn't get any owner to wave or look.

There is no serial number or VIN way to check as they were dealer installed accessories. As for the claim "only 500 made" I am not sure how many completed L-tuned vehicles were sold.
Old 01-07-10, 09:01 PM
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it dosent look far off
Old 01-07-10, 09:13 PM
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IT looks legit IMO... The only way to find out is to contact the dealer and give the VIN.. The dealer can look up what was installed and done on the car..
Old 01-07-10, 09:38 PM
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It looks genuine. I was looking at one for sale but it's out of my budget
Old 01-08-10, 01:33 AM
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Ay-nako
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Originally Posted by tmf2004
IT looks legit IMO... The only way to find out is to contact the dealer and give the VIN.. The dealer can look up what was installed and done on the car..
Originally Posted by BLK13X
It looks genuine. I was looking at one for sale but it's out of my budget

Actually that is not the only way, If this is a true L-tuned GS if you open the drivers door next to the vin plate there will be a badge, better yet another "plate" i suppose you can say and it will have some info on the L-tune package, i still have a picture of it from my "ltuned gs-430" but now my dad drives it and im not sure if i can snap a picture of it, im sure another member with a REAL ltuned GS can step in... that plate next to the vin plate is 100% legit... not many members know of it because not many members have or even seen a real L-tuned GS!

-David
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Old 01-08-10, 01:58 AM
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JeffTsai
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Crazy man, I think you have more GS's than me lol.
Old 01-08-10, 02:07 AM
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Ay-nako
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Originally Posted by JeffTsai
Crazy man, I think you have more GS's than me lol.
haha I like GS' what can I say...





btw sent you a PM


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