denvergs4

So I have owned a gs 400 for the last 4 years - loved the car but its time to upgrade.... However, I test drove a 2006 gs300 awd yesterday and "wow" was I surprised with the hp difference.

Question; other than spending 5k more on the 350 is there any upgrades that can turn that 246 hp v6 into some more muscle without breaking the bank?

I know it's usually cheaper to buy the "more" hp car in the first place but my budget is around 25k.....

What would you guys buy with 25k? Would you stay with Lexus or try something else?

***Been on CL since 2006 and love the site - even did some great write ups - I may be joining the 3rd generation soon....

scorpio74

Don't bother with the gs300. Get the 350 or the gs430. Huge difference in hp and performance. I used to have a 99 gs400 and I know what you mean by hp pwr difference bt. a 300 vs. 430 models.

BinaryJay

Your problem is going from a bigger car to a smaller one. I went from a Matrix to the GS300 and its got more than enough pickup for me given the size of the car. The torque differences alone between the 1.8 I4 to the 3.0 I6 are more than satisfying.

To me, the price difference between an 06 300 and an 07 350 just wasn't worth it - but I wasn't spoiled to begin with. I certainly won't be going for any test drives in a 4xx any time soon to ruin it for me.

With that 25K I'd get a 300 in better shape than what you'd get for a 350 with that same money, but that's just me since money doesn't grow on any trees that I've shaken lately. If you can take the hit and you won't be happy with the 250 horses of the 300 just suck it up because in the end it's no use spending money on something you're not going to be happy with keeping for years.

Yang1815

iTrader: (1)

Keep the GS400 for another year and save up for the 350 or the V8s.

I8ABMR

the GS350 has 58 hp more than the 300. Thats like standard boost supercharger power

LexFather

Nothing to modify power on the GS 300.
I've had 400, 430, nor 450h. I've driven 300, 350, 430, 460.

You will notice the difference in power from 400 to the new 300. You will also notice the huge MPG increase in the 300 to the 400.

As suggested, the 350 really is what you want, as fast is not faster than a 400/430 with nearly the same MPG of the 300.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

if you want more power just forget about the gs300 altogether, there is just no way you can make that car fast. gs350 is probably your best bet

RedRider

I agree that the 350 would be your best bet if you're looking for something closer to your GS 400. For me the 300 didn't have enough torque compared to my 400. If it will fit your budget I would go for the 350.

In my case, I bit the bullet and upgraded my 99 GS 400 for a fully loaded 07 GS 450h. I'm lovin that choice...

3.5L V6 + electric motor = lots of fun when you stomp on the gas

rominl

iTrader: (4)

even the gs350 doesn't give me the kind of tq i got in my gs400 and sc430, that's definitely something i miss from the previous v8

I8ABMR

Torque feels great but the 350 is no slouch. It produces 30 ft/lb less than the 430. Itys significant but maybe represents 12% increase over the V8.... not worth it

rominl

iTrader: (4)

it's not a matter of worth it or not, wasn't even the point. what people don't realize is that they just look at the tq numbers and say not much difference, but the truth is at what rpm the tq kicks in.

with v8, tq kicks in so early in the rpm, you don't shift as often. one thing i am not used to in the gs350 is that when i am on freeway and need "slight" acceleration, it downshifts fast and kick up rpm. in my previous v8, it could stay in same gear and the tq took over. in no way i am saying gs350 is slow, i like it for a lot of reasons. but there is no replacement for displacement

kyang91

iTrader: (5)

I have the 350 and I love it.

twylie

iTrader: (3)

it's actually 45 ft/lb and that is using the reduced '07 numbers for the '430. Worth it is a subjective call. I drove both back to back and it was an easy decision for me after doing so based on overall feel when driving the car. It's nice they offer 3 different but equally solid choices based on different needs and price points.

Well put. I found the V8 to be more relaxed in daily driving as it didn't have to rev as hard for requested power. The GS is a large, heavy vehicle and more tq is never a bad thing.

Lexzam

2GS has a 5-speed tranny, while 3GS 300 and 350 got 6-speed. That alone makes noticable difference in acceleration. One major factor why 3G GS300 is full 1 second quicker 0-62 than 2G GS300, though there is only 10-15% hp/torque and rather marginal weight difference. GS350 seems a touch quicker than 2G 430 or even 400.