I have been lurking on here for a few days and finally decided to post up and see if i could get some help or guidance. i have a 1999 Lexus LS 400 its bone stock and was my dads car until he passed. Before he passed he was under the impression that the timing belt had let go and had it towed to a shop. I took possession of it had it has been sitting for about a year now. I have some time to look into it now and have a couple of paths to go down. I dont know enough about this specific model and all the various intricacies. Any help is greatly appreciated!
1.) Fix the motor if it is broken and sell the car whole
2.) part the car out and try to get as much off of it as I can (All the parts are in great condition and I have the entire car available).
3.) Fix the motor or swap the motor and make it a project car. I have considered doing an LS swap as i have seen that in a couple of threads and it looks like an interesting build.

 

if you can determine IF the timing belt HAS broken, you will spend more fixing it than it is worth...
if the LS is nice, put a motor/engine in it out of a wrecked one and enjoy one of the best Lexus' ever made..

 

I have started that process as well of finding wrecked or pulled 1UZ motors. The trans is good and so is the rear end. I have been throwing around the idea of a 2j or 5.3/6.0 swap just for grins but dont know how hard it would be to fit either of those into this chassis. I agree, i love this car it is an amazing riding car.

 

stay with what the Japanese did and you will be rewarded... why build regrets??

 

you can get an engine from the junk yard for 500$ max

 

Whats your goal? TO make as much money off the car as possible? Just part it out or sell it as is if thats the case. Save yourself the trouble unless you are prepared to commit to a project.

 

At this point with this specific car it is to part it and sell it or to sell the car whole I wanted to do something fun with it since it was my dads car adn it was already paid for. I thought about doing an LS swap or a turbo 1uz just to do something wild but i would rather put that money elsewhere. I appreciate the input on that topic. I know that I am limited to putting stuff up for sell due to my 30 day/30 post limit but i will parting the car out with a lot of great OEM parts in good condition. The car is antique sterling metallic with grey interior. It also has the chrome oem wheels.