BennySC400

hey guys, i've got a 1992 SC400. actually, my dad does. anyways i'm looking into buying myself an SC as well.

what i REALLY want is a clean good condition SC300 in 5-spd, but it seems all the 5-spd models for sale are in crappy condition.

so, what i would like to know is if somebody could run me through the changes that they made to the SC400 throughout the model years. i'd like to know what changed on the body, the motor, the interior, etc.

i'm sure someone on here is an SC freak that knows everything about them. so i figure, who better to learn from? :P

thanks!

chanh55

Here's the "SC Freak" that you should learn from.

http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html#01

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

and here's the other one https://www.clublexus.com/forums/search.php

fwynn

iTrader: (1)

i knew someone would put the search thing up
haha

well what do u mean in BAD condition? is it just like exterior/interior stuff? or do u mean mechanical wise.. cause if its the exterior u can always "upgrade" it.. interior the same as well..

O. L. T.

iTrader: (17)

Wonder why....... https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...t=changes+year

Blockbore

Basically from working on these cars as a master Lexus mechanic since they were designed and sold...The early model SC400's 92-97 are all very simular..Just better head and exhaust flow as the years progress.. You gain a few more ponies every year through suttle changes.. 98 Sc400 models is when the VVti system kicked in which gave you an additional 45 horsepower... However the newer motors are not quite as stout internally as the early model 1uz-fe motors, and that is important to know if you plan to boost or modify, also the VVt-i system is a bit trickier to modify aswell...

The 1992 SC400 is a fine and cheap choice to modify if that is your plans.. The motor itself at stock can handle as much 450-500whp with a good tune with the rods and pistons being the weekest failing points of that early model motor... However, the automatic transmission is the achelles heal on all sc400's as it will begin to miss shift and possibly fail with anything over 325whp... That is why so many choose the Sc300 to modify more so then an Sc400.. The Supra tt motors tend to be the swap in choice for most..

As far as the SC300's are concerned the 5 spd tranny is very allouring for most modifiers, but what alot of people don't understand is you are compromising some stuctual strength when electing to go with a SC300's... The subframes and most parts are identical to the SC400's but there are suttle structual differences between the two cars.. The SC300's have weaker and smaller rear spindles, weaker suspension arms, and a few other smaller or weaker parts thoughout..

Lastly, the 300's come option of the automatic and manual trannies and the Sc400's come only in the automitic's... The good news is the clutch assembly from a SC300 can be perfectly mounted into an SC400 if you elect to swap in the R154 or V160 transmissions which will then allow to raise the power outputs for the motor over the 300whp mark without concerns...

I will stop at that.... Those are the basic's..

I am new to this forum but if any of you guys would like some serious insight into these motors and or parts, swapable parts, supra swapable parts feel free to PM me..

Sly Guy Yu

gotta get the 98+ sc400's. 5spd auto and 290hp and 300tq.

SCpwner

Hell yea man....

Blizzy

iTrader: (-1)

If the manual conversion into the SC400 were as easy as you make it sound here, there would be dozens upon dozens of SC400 manuals out there. However, this is not the case. You can count on one hand the number of SC400 1UZ's that are mated to manuals on this forum.

(1) You need an adapter plate or a custom bellhousing to mate the tranny to the engine as the 1UZ was only ever mated to automatics and no factory manual bellhousing has ever been in production.

(2) The 1UZ's flywheel pattern is unique and will not mate to a standard issue clutch pack for a JZ engine.

In order to actually complete the swap, you need a number of parts, from the adapter plate to the flywheel to the clutch assembly. These parts are not easy to come by as they are either custom or in very small production.

Let's not confuse anyone about the true difficulty of manual swap into an SC400...

Blockbore

Blizzy - I didn't say it was an easy swap and yes you do need a custom bellhousing which can be fabbed fairly easy if you know what you are doing.... I was really just talking about the how the SC300 clutch pedal and assembly can be swapped into the SC400 with just a cut through the floor board which is already outlined...

I have a friend that has successfully swapped in the sc300 clutch system into his 97 SC400 in combination with the V160 Supra TT 6 speed manual tranny..The total swap cost him almost $10,000usd... So yes it is not common nor easy but unique and effective and doable and that is all I was saying...

Also the 98+ vvt-i are not all that they are cracked up to be in comparison to the older 1uz-fe motors.. They were built much better in the early days of production.... However, the VVti and exhaust and intake flow systems is what is alluring to most...

BennySC400

also, i believe a member on here by the name of c0wboy works for a company... TTC Performance... and they manufacture/sell adapter kits and clutch kits for mating the V160 to the 1UZ-FE, right? so i understand all you need after that is an SC300 clutch and center console assembly, custom fabricated drive shaft, and preferably a GS430 rear diff, right?

mkorsu

Preferably a Supra TT LSD diff.

Blockbore

The Supra Torsen LSD is a good choice for sure and can be swapped into any SC400 without any additional modifications.......The Supra LSD must come from an Automatic tranny TT Supra 93-98 for those that want to know....