First post.. WHAT'S THIS CAR WORTH? - and other imponderables.
12-11-05, 09:16 PM
#31
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Originally Posted by JspecSC3
1) Overall I think the SC is up there. Maybe even past the 99/00 Corvettes and definetly past S2000s. When that body style came out in 1992 that car was too advanced for its year. 1997 is when they stopped making the 5speed SC300s. So you not only have a rare car but a rare car with VVT-i.
2) With $4500 you can go for the GTE swap and have money left over. But if you would much rather keep the GE motor and turbo it there are a fine selection of kits out there that will meet your needs. The TOYOMOTO kit is a good one. BOOSTLOGIC is a nother one. Most will cost you under $4500. A basic turbo setup can run you up to 550hp. You can easily reach 400rwhp with a besic setup.
3) There are common problems with the SCs but I think most of them are with the earlier models. There is a great site, Intellexual.net, it has everything you need to know about the SC.
4) $14,800 sounds like a reasonable offer. $16,000 is not bad either.
5) Well, I think its pretty sporty YET soft and luxurious.
2) With $4500 you can go for the GTE swap and have money left over. But if you would much rather keep the GE motor and turbo it there are a fine selection of kits out there that will meet your needs. The TOYOMOTO kit is a good one. BOOSTLOGIC is a nother one. Most will cost you under $4500. A basic turbo setup can run you up to 550hp. You can easily reach 400rwhp with a besic setup.
3) There are common problems with the SCs but I think most of them are with the earlier models. There is a great site, Intellexual.net, it has everything you need to know about the SC.
4) $14,800 sounds like a reasonable offer. $16,000 is not bad either.
5) Well, I think its pretty sporty YET soft and luxurious.
I see.. thanks for the good info. I am having second thoughts about this car because it may be a bit much if I want to go turbo. I figure $4500 for the kit, $1500 for an install, and $1500 for engine management/exhaust/tuning. $7500 on top of $15,000 would put me over what I want to pay by about 3 thousand or so.. wouldn't feel like I was getting a "good deal" at that point, if that makes any sense. So, I am looking at older SC300's with maybe 100k miles in as good condition as possible for under $10,000.
12-11-05, 09:17 PM
#32
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Originally Posted by JspecSC3
WHAT?!?! NO VVT-I?!?!? 
I'd start asking some questions. Im pretty sure it should have come with it. Unless that is not the original motor.
I'd start asking some questions. Im pretty sure it should have come with it. Unless that is not the original motor.
12-11-05, 09:28 PM
#33
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Originally Posted by JspecSC3
WHAT?!?! NO VVT-I?!?!? I'd start asking some questions. Im pretty sure it should have come with it. Unless that is not the original motor.
I'd start asking some questions. Im pretty sure it should have come with it. Unless that is not the original motor.
In 1998, both the SC300 and SC400 received VVT-i (intelligent variable valve timing) engine technology. These motors have completely redesigned heads, which boast variable valve timing on their intake camshafts via an oil-driven helical gear-drive. 1998 and newer Lexus models with 4.0L V-8s are capable of low to high 14-second quarter miles. - (info provided by gs400998)
12-11-05, 09:35 PM
#34
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Originally Posted by Chambers
Quote from OLT's Quote
Why would it be better to turbo the VVTi engine? I remember reading that the non VVTi's would be a better choice..
Why would it be better to turbo the VVTi engine? I remember reading that the non VVTi's would be a better choice..
12-11-05, 10:00 PM
#35
Originally Posted by Chambers
Quote from OLT's Quote
Why would it be better to turbo the VVTi engine? I remember reading that the non VVTi's would be a better choice..
Why would it be better to turbo the VVTi engine? I remember reading that the non VVTi's would be a better choice..
12-13-05, 10:59 AM
#37
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Originally Posted by JspecSC3
That is true but wasnt the VVT-i heads introduced in 97?? I swear I had read that here on CL.
12-13-05, 11:02 AM
#38
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Originally Posted by Chambers
Quote from OLT's Quote
Why would it be better to turbo the VVTi engine? I remember reading that the non VVTi's would be a better choice..
Why would it be better to turbo the VVTi engine? I remember reading that the non VVTi's would be a better choice..
12-14-05, 06:36 AM
#39
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Originally Posted by murf
I see.. thanks for the good info. I am having second thoughts about this car because it may be a bit much if I want to go turbo. I figure $4500 for the kit, $1500 for an install, and $1500 for engine management/exhaust/tuning. $7500 on top of $15,000 would put me over what I want to pay by about 3 thousand or so.. wouldn't feel like I was getting a "good deal" at that point, if that makes any sense. So, I am looking at older SC300's with maybe 100k miles in as good condition as possible for under $10,000.
1100 - Turbo, downpipe, wastegate, manifold, BOV, and front mount IC. (used)
275 - SAFC 2 and V8 MAF (used)
200 - Boostlogic 550cc Injectors (used)
272 - 2.5mm Headgasket and ARP head bolts
150 - Oil Lines
200 - Custom fabbed IC piping
100 - Supra TT Fuel Pump
100 - various silicone couplers
30 - Air Filter
50 - Boost Gauge
$2477 for parts
I'm getting a break on the labor, a friend is doing the install for me, but even with $1500 to install, I think you can do a good turbo install for less than $4500 with parts and labor if you look hard enough and ****** up some deals on parts. What is gonna run up the price on labor is "they" are gonna want to drop the oil pan to tap it and also doing the headgasket.
Making the power is not the issue, it's getting the tranny to hold it.
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