Lexmex

When I was in the market in Cuajimalpa near where my uncle has his shop, I noticed a woman in a small store selling toy cars and I found several 1/32 scale RX300s, needless to say I bought them all. I have no idea who makes these models, but they are made in China.

The other day I had to go down to renew my Mexican car insurance downtown and I found a large shop that specialized in model cars. In the window, I found a 1/18 scale model RX300 (AutoArt was the brand). I bought that one, too.

I normally see these types of cars on places like ebay, and had always wanted some models.

Most of you are well acquainted with the modifications of my own RX and I plan to modify these scale models in the future to duplicate my beloved Toro Negro RX300. It might take even more work than the full-sized RX300.

Granted you kind find pictures strewn all over the net, but just like a real car, you never know until you 'test drive' one in person. So I took a some pictures and wanted to add some commentary.

Lexmex

With the bigger RX, all doors (even the the back side rear door and the hood open). On the smaller one just front doors and the back side rear door open). Both do great jobs with the sunroof and and roof racks. I understand these models were based on the 1999 model (like mine) so no spoiler (even though some came with that 45 degree angle one).

Both models even get the little notches on the front fender. One has wheels like those alloys on mine, while the other big RX has the more common version of the wheels.

An interesting thing about the littler of the two RXs is that it is RWD. Yep, if you pull it back hard on the ground, away it goes like those old Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars. The bigger RX actually has a working steering wheel, but the turning radius was not that big (well kind of like one of my few complaints about my RX300 compared to the RX330).

Lexmex

Although I picked up a black version of the smaller one, only ones I could find down here are the silver ones, though I have seen many other colors on the net.

Note very carefully that the bigger RX has mirrors that actually reflect as opposed to the little one. Neither has the rear bumper protector as was correct for the real 99 model. Though you cannot see it on the big RX, it actually has the place on the right side where the radio antenna would go. Both have the RX emblems though they are stickers. The rear reflectors on the back bumper are orange on the big RX, while the smaller RX shows the depressions where they would go but is left the gray panel cover.

Lexmex

The little one gets its due first.

Lexmex

You can see the sticker emblems and notice the humps in the rear over the suspension/tire area in the back.

Lexmex

On the little RX, there was not much in the way of detail. It did get the transmission and oil pans right along with the main catalytic converter, but no muffler and no precats (just like mine, I guess this little RX being in Mexico encountered the same type of lousy gas I did).

Lexmex

No RX would be complete without a beautiful interior. The results you see you can judge for yourself. I did notice they got the center panel (where those cupholders are) right on target with the molding and the correct molds for the interior sides of the doors. However, I could not find my XM Radio mount or my Joshua Tree wood panels (almost forgot to mention my MOMO pedals). However, they did get the passenger side airbag mold correct.

Lexmex

Now for the big RX's due. This car had excellent quality (I paid for it )

Look, at the rear cover.

Lexmex

This car has definitely never been to Mexico as I found the stock resonator, cat and precats. It also had the oil and transmission pans.

Hint: The current idea for my turbo involves putting it halfway between the precats and main cats. Shhh!

Lexmex

The rear area underneath and they got the resonator and muffler almost down to perfection. Notice the offset with the piping into and out of the muffler (just like the OEM muffler that is not a direct flow). Not enough space for a return air pipe from a remote mounted turbo back there.

Lexmex

Look at the doors.

Lexmex

This speaks for itself. I should add that there are center armrests that actually move and the indentations in the seat were identical to the real thing. They even had the tweeters and the air vents.

TunedRX300

Looking at the rear axel closely, looks like there is a rear sway bar. BTW OEM rear sway is tiny in diameter, which is undersized for RX's height.

Lexmex

TunedRX300,

Wait until you see this engine bay. Only thing that was wrong here was the throttle body did not connect up to the air box.

Lexmex

TunedRX300,

We are going to find out exactly how good that sway bar helps it out in my next analysis. As many of you know, Lexmex races his beloved RX on the weekend.

The big RX model was continuously bragging he could take on El Torito Negro (The Little Black Bull). The bragging was very similar to bragging coming out of some of Lexmex' weekend competition at Tlalnepantla Raceway (it has nothing...it is pure stock...it is just a truck...it weighs too much...I will bet you a $$$...etc.)

But as happens EVERY time at Tlalnepantla the finger of shame gets pointed by the crowd (how could you lose to the gringo?)