Hi there.

I have just got hold of a 2001 GS430 Sport (my first Lexus).





The modification scene here in the UK is very limited for these cars so im hoping that you guys can come to rescue and answer a few questions for me (i can see me being a regular visitor).

Firstly, would Toyota Aristo coilovers fit the GS 430?
Secondly would an Aristo Exhaust (cat back) fit the GS430?
I have also been reading up on the PI torque converter but the possiblity of the CEL coming on has deterred me from going for this at the moment.

The car is my daily driver and with petrol prices being somewhere around $9 per gallon here, i have to at least be somewhat concious about fuel. Also this means that i wont be going mad with performance mods or running the car silly low (roads here are terrible) and i have the 200 for that. I will however be looking at lowering it a bit and fitting 19's or 20's if they dont totally destroy the ride quality.

Also after hearing the sound clip of DR G's Greddy EVO 2 exhaust im kinda sold on getting hold of one. I am however keen on trying to avoid the drone that often comes with uprated performance exhaust (i should know i have a 500+ HP fully stripped Nissan 200SX that you cant hear yourself think in).
If anyone can advise on how loud one of these will be inside the cabin whilst cruising / town driving (low RPM) then that would be great. I wont be changing the headers but may invest in an intake kit?

Im sure i will have more questions as i learn more about the car but if anyone can help with any of the above questions that would be great.
I have had a good search round the site so of any of these questions have been asked before then apologies but i couldnt find them.

Thanks

Nath

 

Beautiful car with a few mods already!

Welcome to the site.

 

Thanks for the compliment on the car and the welcome to the site. I absolutely love her but its totaly standard. The sport version comes with the front splitter, rear spoiler, 18" wheels and slightly lowered suspension as standard. Its also the navigator version so has the Lexus Sat nav (need to get ipod in there ASAP).

 

Whoever owned the car previously, added all of those modifications. The front lip spoiler is a TTE lip which is highly sought after across the pond. Forgot what brand the grille is, but it's not factory. The wheels are OZ Salina's and came on the L-Tuned GS's.

 

Thanks for all the info its all good to know. However im still pretty sure that all those items are standard on the Sport model over here. Whilst i was looking i saw 3 models all with exactly the same items.

Heres a link to another one exactly the same as mine currently for sale on EBAY UK.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/2003-LEXUS-GS4...item4aa906ab75

Nice to know i have some nice parts on it though.

 

That is awesome! Too bad these sport models never made it to the states.

 

Whaaaaaaaaat? That's fantastic! Utterly jealous now....

 

Yea this side of the pond we get mod crapped on and are (loaded packages are rarely loaded like it is over there) I hate that but hey its good ol US of A I dont mind. That is a very nice car indeed charish it it will treat you well im sure.

 

Seeing as its a bit of a rarity i might have to keep it standard now lol.

Would still be great if anyone knew any info on my original questions though just in case

 

Welcome To Club Lexus! and Congrats on your purchase..!

I've owned my GS400 for over 12 years (since new) and I recently picked up a GS430 so I can answer alot of your questions..

First off, there is NO "Sport" model in a GS430.. However, there are L-tuned versions and looking at your wheels - its a L-tuned package car - there are 3 levels of L-tuned (you can do a search and read about them) They do not come from the factory this way, its usually a dealer add-on.

Yes and Yes! The GS's are basically non-Japanese versions of the Aristo.. It is an Aristo.. but the closest one would be a GS300, because the True Aristo has the 2JZ Twin-Turbo motor. So, yes coilovers fit and exhaust will fit in the rear-section but if you get the full cat-back make sure its for the V8's..


I have the PI TC on my GS400 and its a blast to drive but I've driven other peoples GS430's with the same TC and its not as responsive as my 400 and has the CEL, so IMO - I wouldn't do the TC on a GS430..


Lowering it is fine. Coilovers usually have a better ride than Springs because you can control the settings on the Coilovers. I've had 19's and it isn't too bad but a bit harsh, 20's is in fact alittle better because the alot of people run the "fat setup" 245/35-20.. its not too bad.. but your car will be less quick because the diameter of the tires is higher than stock range. If you run the recommended 245/30-20 your tires will be like RUBBER BANDS.. If you ask me, if you plan to daily drive your car - get an ultra-light and strong set of 18's! I'm running a set of SpeedLine 18's and you can't get any better in performance/ride combo quality than a great set of 18's..


I don't have first hand experience with the Greddy EVO exhaust but from my research almost all of them has some kind of DRONE, the quietest is The Borla Exhaust, which I have and i can atest is its awesome at full-throttle but without any Droning at any speed.. Intakes will make your car louder too if you like that kind of "Whooshing" sound.. Personally, I just put a Drop-in K&N Filter and call it a day! Like I said, I've had my GS400 for 12 years and every upgrade or mod that i've done has been proven and not to pat myself on the back but I have one of the quickest NA GS4's on here.

Enjoy your car, IMO the 2nd Gen GS is one of the best cars ever made though not everyone knows it..

 

Beautiful car buddy, out of curiosity.... what's it going for $$$ out there? where in you UK do you reside? any chance of you being a Chelsea fan?

 

awesome looking car...good luck

 

1QWKGS4,

I thought there were only two levels of the L-Tuned option?

 

Actually if the 430 you drove in has the 2800 stall from PI it will throw a CEL.
IF you get a 2650 stall there will be no CEL. Search on here and there have been people that have had no CEL with the 430 and that stall speed.
Just pointing this out for the OP.

 

Thanks or all the comments and advice.

10QWGS4 - It even lists the title on regstration document as Lexus GS430 Sport Auto which is a what is registered as on our national vehicle database.

So if i was to buy a second hand Aristo Cat Back exhaust then it wouldnt fit on the GS430 ?? But an Aristo rear section WOULD fit? I have not had a chance yet to get under the car to check this out.

Thanks for the advice about the coilovers.

I did look at the Borla (am i right in thinking this is only rear section?) but i fell in love with the Greedy after hearing the sound clip on here lol.

Out of interest wh is the Steering ECU that you mention in your sig? Does it just sharpen up the response ?


ROBONY - I paid £4000 for mine which i guess is around $6000 US? They are not the easiest of cars to sell at the moment with the terrible fuel price over here so they are not fetching as much of a premium as they did a while ago.
Im in the southampton area but im not a big football fan in any way shape or form


GSJAKE - Thanks for the info on the 2650 stall i will bear that in mind if i decide to go down that route. Do you know who makes the 2650 version?

Once again thanks for all the help.

Cheers

Nath


I test drove an Aristo with the 2JZ before getting the GS and it was certainly nice car.