How to make a 98-00 LS400 more sportier?
06-20-07, 11:49 AM
#16
Some simple and inexpensive things I have done for my '98 LS:
-Tanabe strut tower bar designed for Supra TT (you must remove the engine cover for proper fit) $95 shipped
-Energy polyurethane sway bar and end link bushings. I've installed the front bushings so far. The closest size I could find was .4mm smaller than stock, but so far so good. I will have to order the rear size, as I could not find what I needed at autozone, but they do have an exact size match available. I will test out the end link bushings today/tomorrow, depending on weather.
$25 for rear sway bar bushings, same for front
$5 for grease
$15 for rear end link bushings (assuming they are the right ones), again same for front
-2 piece rear suspension link kit by Carson-Tuned. I'm pretty sure the group buy for $99 shipped is still going on. This kit is arriving today in the mail and I am anxious to install. I do hope the weather clears.
I will post an update on these items as I get them all installed, but if you want something simple to start with, go for the strut tower bar. Easy to install and instantly noticeable handling gains. Lemme know if you have any questions.
-Tanabe strut tower bar designed for Supra TT (you must remove the engine cover for proper fit) $95 shipped
-Energy polyurethane sway bar and end link bushings. I've installed the front bushings so far. The closest size I could find was .4mm smaller than stock, but so far so good. I will have to order the rear size, as I could not find what I needed at autozone, but they do have an exact size match available. I will test out the end link bushings today/tomorrow, depending on weather.
$25 for rear sway bar bushings, same for front
$5 for grease
$15 for rear end link bushings (assuming they are the right ones), again same for front
-2 piece rear suspension link kit by Carson-Tuned. I'm pretty sure the group buy for $99 shipped is still going on. This kit is arriving today in the mail and I am anxious to install. I do hope the weather clears.
I will post an update on these items as I get them all installed, but if you want something simple to start with, go for the strut tower bar. Easy to install and instantly noticeable handling gains. Lemme know if you have any questions.
Oslo - this is a bushing kit you are referring to? Did you see their Billet rear reinforcement addition for the rear assembly ($130)? It is a big improvement over the stamped steel reinforcement. I think I will get it.
06-20-07, 03:23 PM
#18
Pole Position
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: NJ
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm from the NJ area, and I drive on the parkway and turnpike a lot.
I'd say simply get a larger set of wheels with lower profile tires.
When I purchased my 93 UCF10 the car felt too 'floaty' on the 225/60/16's so I went and purchased 19's with 245/40/19 tires all around (I'd say go 18's in your case). It stiffened the car up just that much more where it felt very comfortable and the car cornered much better with the new wheels and tires alone.
I hope this helps.
I'd say simply get a larger set of wheels with lower profile tires.
When I purchased my 93 UCF10 the car felt too 'floaty' on the 225/60/16's so I went and purchased 19's with 245/40/19 tires all around (I'd say go 18's in your case). It stiffened the car up just that much more where it felt very comfortable and the car cornered much better with the new wheels and tires alone.
I hope this helps.
06-20-07, 08:19 PM
#19
All valid points, but!!!
The cheapest and easiest things you can do is play with suspension, alignment. Lower camber very little in the front, but talk to a specialist first.
Find a shop that specializes in alignment, and tell them what you want.
Trust me, I came from a S500 MB W140 and that car was a dream to drive, I only wish that the LS was that way, but its not.
Sway bars will help a bit, and 17 inch wheels will help as well if you dont mind changing the factory wheels. I dont like to change factory wheels, so that route is not for me.
I think that 98-up LS is ok in turns up to 40 mph, after that it just lacks any feel, it will do what you want, but not in a spirit that MB and BMW cars get it done in.
The cheapest and easiest things you can do is play with suspension, alignment. Lower camber very little in the front, but talk to a specialist first.
Find a shop that specializes in alignment, and tell them what you want.
Trust me, I came from a S500 MB W140 and that car was a dream to drive, I only wish that the LS was that way, but its not.
Sway bars will help a bit, and 17 inch wheels will help as well if you dont mind changing the factory wheels. I dont like to change factory wheels, so that route is not for me.
I think that 98-up LS is ok in turns up to 40 mph, after that it just lacks any feel, it will do what you want, but not in a spirit that MB and BMW cars get it done in.
06-21-07, 07:01 AM
#20
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As for the bushing kit, take a look on autozone's website. The kit is made by energy suspension. On my '98, I am ordering 20.5mm (13/16") for the rear sway bar and I purchased 25mm for the front sway bar. I would recommend you measure your sway bars before purchasing, though, as it may be different for you. If you decide to get these bushings lemme know, as I can give you some installation tips.
I picked up some end link bushings yesterday as well, but after comparing them to the stock ones, they didn't match up, so I'll just be returning them.
Last edited by oslo; 06-21-07 at 07:15 AM.
06-21-07, 08:01 AM
#21
Thanks Oslo. I want to further stiffen the rear section. So it made a big difference you say? I will buy it also and post my comments. I already upgraded the rear sway to the Addco with urethane bushings (came with it)and it made a big difference over OEM. It is so stiff you can hang from it without it flexing. I have a stock roll bar up front - not sure if an upgrade is available other than urethane busings.
06-21-07, 10:13 AM
#22
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been considering the addco sway bar, but I'm not sure if it will make much difference. From what I've read the addco is 14/16" and i measured my stock rear sway bar to be 13/16". Also, I am considering the resonator delete. I currently have the muffler delete, but it really doesn't make much difference. It's *slightly* louder and deeper, but only if you're listening for it. I saw in another thread you paid $80 to have it done? That seems like a really good deal, but maybe that's just average. What are your thoughts?
Edit: After a bit of searching around, it seems the addco bar is not designed for the '98-'00. Maybe in '98 the stock rear sway bar became larger?
Edit: After a bit of searching around, it seems the addco bar is not designed for the '98-'00. Maybe in '98 the stock rear sway bar became larger?
Last edited by oslo; 06-21-07 at 10:25 AM.
06-21-07, 11:06 AM
#23
Yes you are right the Addco is only available through 97 - strange. My bar is 7/8" solid and made a big difference. I always thought the suspension was identical through 2000 but..?
As for the resonator delete it gave me what I was loking for which was a deeper sound or rumble. Really I just wanted to hear the engine. It is not a huge difference over stock but enough that it is noticeable (especially upon start up and with the windows down). Now that I have had it awhile I will move on to true dual exhaust 2.250" through X-pipe to high flow mufflers. I think the fab work will be less than $100 though.
As for the resonator delete it gave me what I was loking for which was a deeper sound or rumble. Really I just wanted to hear the engine. It is not a huge difference over stock but enough that it is noticeable (especially upon start up and with the windows down). Now that I have had it awhile I will move on to true dual exhaust 2.250" through X-pipe to high flow mufflers. I think the fab work will be less than $100 though.
06-21-07, 11:56 AM
#24
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm thinking I'll just wait and do the dual exhaust as well. I really want a deep roaring V8 sound, and I don't think I'm gonna get what I want from just the resonator delete. I really like what Hameed has done.
As for the sway bars, what is the size of your front sway bar? The old bushing on my front bar read 25.4mm. Thinking about it now, I didn't notice the size marked on the OEM rear bushing, which is strange. I shall have to take another look and see if it's on there somewhere, possibly on the other bushing.
As for the sway bars, what is the size of your front sway bar? The old bushing on my front bar read 25.4mm. Thinking about it now, I didn't notice the size marked on the OEM rear bushing, which is strange. I shall have to take another look and see if it's on there somewhere, possibly on the other bushing.
06-21-07, 03:33 PM
#25
I think you are doing the right thing by waiting - you can save the $80 or so and put it towards the dual exhaust. There was a good write up on the board on how it is done to ensure it will pass emmissions (O2 sensors, etc.). When you get close, share your muffler choices. I was thinking Borla, HKS or Magnaflow.
I will measure the front sway bar - since there is no replacement (only urethane bushings) I only have the option of the Tom's lower chasis brace from Carson which will stiffen the chasis but not do what the sway bar will do.
I will measure the front sway bar - since there is no replacement (only urethane bushings) I only have the option of the Tom's lower chasis brace from Carson which will stiffen the chasis but not do what the sway bar will do.
06-21-07, 08:42 PM
#26
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm heading home to NC for the summer so I think I'll wait till I get back before I worry about exhaust, but if you could direct me towards that thread you mentioned, that would be great.
I would have snatched up those chassis braces ages ago if they weren't so darn expensive. I guess that's the downside of modding a luxury vehicle. Even so, I love my car dearly and the few mods I've done have made significant differences. I got a chance to really push my car tonight down storrow drive in boston (really twisty and turny for those who don't know), and with the strut bar, the billet reinforcements, and the poly strut bar bushings, my car stuck to the road better than ever.
I'm not too informed on the different muffler choices, so if you have any info on the various types, I'd love to hear. Thanks.
-oslo
I would have snatched up those chassis braces ages ago if they weren't so darn expensive. I guess that's the downside of modding a luxury vehicle. Even so, I love my car dearly and the few mods I've done have made significant differences. I got a chance to really push my car tonight down storrow drive in boston (really twisty and turny for those who don't know), and with the strut bar, the billet reinforcements, and the poly strut bar bushings, my car stuck to the road better than ever.
I'm not too informed on the different muffler choices, so if you have any info on the various types, I'd love to hear. Thanks.
-oslo
06-22-07, 06:40 AM
#27
I drove my car to Asheville from Greenville, SC via the Blue Ridge Highway last year - it was an awesome drive. I was cruising at 80 when a black F430 F1 came up beside me and then blasted off like a rocket. Here a a couple links showing the basic idea:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...e+dual+exhaust
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=271061
Mufflers are the big choice - I will let you know which ones I go with. Some have resonators on the tips and others don't. Enjoy.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...e+dual+exhaust
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=271061
Mufflers are the big choice - I will let you know which ones I go with. Some have resonators on the tips and others don't. Enjoy.
06-22-07, 11:21 AM
#28
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks a bunch.
Yeah those mountain roads are rediculous. They'd easily put my car to shame. I'm going to be upgrading my suspension soon, though, I can't wait. I'm probably going to go for the Tein CS. At first I was considering Bilsteins w/ H&R springs, but that was going to be 3/4 the price of the coil overs, so I'm just gonna suck it up and go all the way. From everything I've read the coilovers will give a much smoother ride, yet better handling as well. Plus they have the EDFC which I can get later on.
As for my exhaust, I'm going to throw the stock mufflers back on for now. My low end torque takes a hit without em, even though I like the sound. I prob won't get to do a full exhaust until jan/feb, as I'm taking classes in the fall and won't be making money until I go back to work again after christmas.
Yeah those mountain roads are rediculous. They'd easily put my car to shame. I'm going to be upgrading my suspension soon, though, I can't wait. I'm probably going to go for the Tein CS. At first I was considering Bilsteins w/ H&R springs, but that was going to be 3/4 the price of the coil overs, so I'm just gonna suck it up and go all the way. From everything I've read the coilovers will give a much smoother ride, yet better handling as well. Plus they have the EDFC which I can get later on.
As for my exhaust, I'm going to throw the stock mufflers back on for now. My low end torque takes a hit without em, even though I like the sound. I prob won't get to do a full exhaust until jan/feb, as I'm taking classes in the fall and won't be making money until I go back to work again after christmas.
06-22-07, 12:48 PM
#29
Great idea to wait on the Tein IMO. My only gripe with the Bilstein/H&R setup is I can't adjust the struts other than the spring perch. Coulda, shoulda, woulda for me. For you you are making a good decision to wait 
Looking forward to seeing your progress pics bro.
Looking forward to seeing your progress pics bro.
06-23-07, 03:41 PM
#30
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: May 2007
Location: MA
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've got a few pictures up over on LOC already: http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...w_item&CID=143