Hey, have been browsing these forums and decided to join as I'm considering picking up a first gen ls400. I'm hoping to get some advice as to whether this is the right car for me. My favourite car that I've had was my 2001 deville but disliked fwd and lack of engine mods. I'm looking for a reliable luxury car that can be built to compete with any average car on the street and obtain quarter mile time in the mid 13 second range without putting much more then 5k into performance mods. I've heard lots of good things about the ls400 but have my concerns about the weight as to whether it will feel like a boat like my old cadi. Any input into whether this car will suit my needs or keep looking would be appreciated. thank you

 

First off, Welcome to the forum!

Second do some research on performance for the LS. There is not much out there without spending a ton of dough! The car from the factory will run you a mid 15 sec 1/4 mile time maybe more. To get it down to a 13 sec run will take a lot. BUT it can be done, and IMO for under 5K. You would have to build a custom turbo or supercharger setup, or spray the crap out of it.

handling - The car WILL handle like a boat with factory suspension. But you can upgrade to coilovers, which will make a world of difference.

Also, Congrats on upgrading to the LS from the Caddy!

 

LS400 is about riding in style - luxury and reliability, fit and finish, it's not ever going to be a GT-R or even a Camaro as far as speed or handling, no matter what you do (short of spending 20K or more and completely changing what it is)

 

Welcome to Club Lexus.

What you want can be done but whether it will be within your projected price is another. The car has not been one to compete and though the 98+ do have better performance characteristics, it will not be remotely close to a BMW or MB. Let alone the M5 or 55 trims.

Might want to read through Lextreme's site:
http://www.lextreme.com/

 

Completely second this...
The LS is quick in its own right... Stock, you're already faster than most other cars. But I mean you're talking about taking it to the strip, that's different. Definitely can be done. But it's not straight forward like a Honda... And yes don't be expecting to take any m5's,m3's,c63's,e55's,e63's... Etc.

 

This may not be the car for you, if this is what you want to do with it.
It's a well built, reliable, luxury ride that provides great amenities while transporting you in comfort...
I'd look at the track and see what's working for most people and go that route...

 

Hey guys thanks for the replies. After some consideration and looking at some 328i and supras I think I'm going to go ahead with the lexus. The luxury and reliability is just too much to pass up for a daily driver. If i find its not a spirited enough ride Ill pick up an actuall sports car next summer. So I'm going to look at a nice 92 with less then 300km not miles for $1000 this weekend. apparently it only needs rear suspension and ac. wish me luck guys, thanks again

 

The 98+ offers the best characteristics among the LS 400's. As nice as first gens are, the 98+ adds more to the overall driving experience. That would be my suggestion among LS's.

For fun in a project car, a Cressida like the X73 or 83 and this in it: