LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

why do people lower the 430?

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Old 03-01-11, 05:03 PM
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scottgolf
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Default why do people lower the 430?

I don't mean this wrong, but why do people lower the 430? the car is a luxury car, not a race car. Wouldn't the lowering make it ride bad? I understand that its america and people can do what ever they want, but I am just trying to understand the purpose, or what they are thinking. Maybe I am the one missing out.
Old 03-01-11, 05:09 PM
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cheez80
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really, the biggest reason for lowering your LS is for style -- having a super slammed car looks cool. that's about it.

with that said, i prefer the ride of a lowered car; the lower center of gravity reduces the swaying you get in a normal height car :P
Old 03-01-11, 05:40 PM
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Just because a car is lowered doesn t mean it rides bad, and it looks better lowered.
Old 03-01-11, 05:46 PM
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GSteg
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It's preference really. When you log into other car forums, you'll noticed that lowering a car is a common thing because car guys seems to like having less wheel gap. Outside the forums is a different story. Most people who are not into car don't really care and would rather keep it stock.
Old 03-01-11, 07:01 PM
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VNN326
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It's preference. for example why are people attracted to fat or skinny girls? the ride quality is the same ;] but some people might think other wise. its also about looks. yes the LS is already an amazing machine, but seeing it driving at the lowered height makes it seem even BETTER!
Old 03-01-11, 07:29 PM
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cheez80
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Originally Posted by BiggVinh
It's preference. for example why are people attracted to fat or skinny girls? the ride quality is the same ;] but some people might think other wise. its also about looks. yes the LS is already an amazing machine, but seeing it driving at the lowered height makes it seem even BETTER!
hahahahahahaha
Old 03-01-11, 07:58 PM
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CarGuy89
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Originally Posted by BiggVinh
It's preference. for example why are people attracted to fat or skinny girls? the ride quality is the same ;] but some people might think other wise. its also about looks. yes the LS is already an amazing machine, but seeing it driving at the lowered height makes it seem even BETTER!
LOL well said!
Old 03-01-11, 08:02 PM
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TJW98LS
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I think a 1 - 2 inch drop is perfect for the LS. Slammed is nice, but I couldn't drive it anywhere if I did that.
Old 03-01-11, 08:07 PM
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MrXerox
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Originally Posted by BiggVinh
It's preference. for example why are people attracted to fat or skinny girls? the ride quality is the same
Speak for yourself. Like dad always said, "you can drink em pretty but you cant drink em skinny!" Also, the only way a lowered car is going to have close the the same ride quality as one that is not is if you are traveling on a smooth surface. I know I will get flamed for it because so many of you folks choose to lower your rides but I would hate for people to see this thread and be convinced that there is no difference.
Old 03-01-11, 11:35 PM
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warminwisc
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What is the average cost to "lower" an LS?
Old 03-01-11, 11:47 PM
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Jabberwock
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Originally Posted by MrXerox
Speak for yourself. Like dad always said, "you can drink em pretty but you cant drink em skinny!" Also, the only way a lowered car is going to have close the the same ride quality as one that is not is if you are traveling on a smooth surface. I know I will get flamed for it because so many of you folks choose to lower your rides but I would hate for people to see this thread and be convinced that there is no difference.
Agree - common methods of lowering a car almost always reduce total amount of suspension travel . reduced suspension travel typically affects ride quality or handling, so ride quality usually suffers at least some amount to preserve handling. If you could keep suspension travel the same at factory OEM but still wanted a lowered car you would have to re engineer and mount the body lower on the chassis/frame/suspension members. Lowered LS 430 does look good.
Old 03-02-11, 12:29 AM
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Indeed it is a matter of personal preference.

I do not like it one bit myself. Also I am not in favour of the additional side-skirts, neon-lights, darkened glass, unrealistic wheels and so on.
If you want a beautiful sleek car, look further and don't buy an LS430.
If you want a quiet luxury car, and are not particularly biased by looks, by all means do buy an LS430.
Place a Jaguar XJ or a Bentley next to an LS430 and my point is clear.
Even some Mercs win hands down.
But it all comes down to personal preference in the end.

If you like the lowering: do it.

Jac
Old 03-02-11, 03:47 AM
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warminwisc
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Just to lower it...1K 2K How much?
Old 03-02-11, 04:19 AM
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silos5
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you can lower it with springs (around 500$ i guess), coilovers (1000-2500$) and air (2000-4000$).
I like 430 in stock, but I like it even more lowered.
I´m driving LS400, and I would never ever bought this car to ride it at stock height. I dont really like it looking stock. But when lowered - ow maan, here come all the beauty of this amazing car. Same about GS300.
just my 2 cents
Old 03-02-11, 05:36 AM
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Marklouis
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I love the look but I wont sacrifice the ride - or the mula!


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