View Poll Results: SC300 or SC400?
SC300 AT
3
6.25%
SC300 Manual
16
33.33%
SC400 AT
7
14.58%
1998+ SC400 w VVTI
20
41.67%
1998+ SC300 w VVTI
2
4.17%
Other
0
0%
Voters: 48. You may not vote on this poll
SCFAQ: Should I get a sc300 or sc400?
11-12-05, 08:55 PM
#16
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Originally Posted by alex1206
hi
okay so i have about 10k to work with i guess.
i would love to get a cheaper early 90s sc400, do the manual swap. i just have a couple questions
From my understanding, i need the rear end from a third gen supra. this bolts right in? do i need the driveshaft as well?
I also need that special bell housing right? i heard there is a guy in australia selling the ones that can fit into US cars, can someone provide other options and or his contact info? is he still making these?
these things get about 215 rwhp stock correct?
i will also need a stand alone computer, but i can dyno tune the car once i get this right? haltech seems to be good, how easy is it to tune this ecu. people commonly get these dyno tuned?
and of course i need the clutch assembly and shifter boot and trim from a sc300?
what else am i missing? im just trying to see the big picture before i decide..
now since i have 10k, i can also afford a sc300 5 speed. how many of the sc300s came with a rear diff. what aftermarket rear diff options are available? i would not mind a clutch type by kaaz. are they available? next, how strong are the rear ends and gears? i dont plan to race this car aggressively, but i would love to be able to clutch kick around turns without worrying about breaking something. are there common problems with the drivetrain/tranny?
my next question is about power. what are the common power mods normally associated with gs300. keep in mind i have a max of 10k i want to spend on the car. i do not want to turbo either as i need to be able to pass emissions and car inspection. do people go about porting the heads, are there headers available? if i can get 200 hp to the ground i would be happy..
with the gs400, i would probably get a nice full exhaust system including headers and tune the car as best as i could with the haltech. i would want roughly 240hp to the wheels, these things get around 215rwhp stock?
one more, are there piggy backs for the gs300 that can be easily tunned for higher HP? if not, how much can i expect from a stand alone, and are there stand alones for the sc300 that i can get tunned easily??
------
in addition i plan to get full suspensoin, new rotors, SS lines, race fuel, nice rims and tires.
this is my first post, i just wanted to also introduce myself. im originally from san francisco california. used to drive wrx, and also on the 2nd corolla gts. attended track days here and there and love to drive in the twisties. now going to school and find myself needing a 4 seater car that wont be arm or leg to insure. corolla will stay in california unitl i return, it would not be practical to drive the car in the poor weather conditions and poor roads that boston have to offer. i have a dui so insurance on the wrx is no longer possible. i would like to spend no more than 6-8k on the car, and save up for mods.
i am also considering an older 6 series, clean e30, 525i, or a very cheap e36. i dont konw how much the insurance will be so i need several options. sc300 and sc400 dont sound too bad. german cars are usually more. land rover and range rover are within my price range, but i dont know how bad the insurance will be. nissan pathfinder is also a possibility.
okay i think i wrote too much. take ur time answering my questoins
thanks in advance
-alex
okay so i have about 10k to work with i guess.
i would love to get a cheaper early 90s sc400, do the manual swap. i just have a couple questions
From my understanding, i need the rear end from a third gen supra. this bolts right in? do i need the driveshaft as well?
I also need that special bell housing right? i heard there is a guy in australia selling the ones that can fit into US cars, can someone provide other options and or his contact info? is he still making these?
these things get about 215 rwhp stock correct?
i will also need a stand alone computer, but i can dyno tune the car once i get this right? haltech seems to be good, how easy is it to tune this ecu. people commonly get these dyno tuned?
and of course i need the clutch assembly and shifter boot and trim from a sc300?
what else am i missing? im just trying to see the big picture before i decide..
now since i have 10k, i can also afford a sc300 5 speed. how many of the sc300s came with a rear diff. what aftermarket rear diff options are available? i would not mind a clutch type by kaaz. are they available? next, how strong are the rear ends and gears? i dont plan to race this car aggressively, but i would love to be able to clutch kick around turns without worrying about breaking something. are there common problems with the drivetrain/tranny?
my next question is about power. what are the common power mods normally associated with gs300. keep in mind i have a max of 10k i want to spend on the car. i do not want to turbo either as i need to be able to pass emissions and car inspection. do people go about porting the heads, are there headers available? if i can get 200 hp to the ground i would be happy..
with the gs400, i would probably get a nice full exhaust system including headers and tune the car as best as i could with the haltech. i would want roughly 240hp to the wheels, these things get around 215rwhp stock?
one more, are there piggy backs for the gs300 that can be easily tunned for higher HP? if not, how much can i expect from a stand alone, and are there stand alones for the sc300 that i can get tunned easily??
------
in addition i plan to get full suspensoin, new rotors, SS lines, race fuel, nice rims and tires.
this is my first post, i just wanted to also introduce myself. im originally from san francisco california. used to drive wrx, and also on the 2nd corolla gts. attended track days here and there and love to drive in the twisties. now going to school and find myself needing a 4 seater car that wont be arm or leg to insure. corolla will stay in california unitl i return, it would not be practical to drive the car in the poor weather conditions and poor roads that boston have to offer. i have a dui so insurance on the wrx is no longer possible. i would like to spend no more than 6-8k on the car, and save up for mods.
i am also considering an older 6 series, clean e30, 525i, or a very cheap e36. i dont konw how much the insurance will be so i need several options. sc300 and sc400 dont sound too bad. german cars are usually more. land rover and range rover are within my price range, but i dont know how bad the insurance will be. nissan pathfinder is also a possibility.
okay i think i wrote too much. take ur time answering my questoins
thanks in advance
-alex
If you want a manual, best thing is just to use the time to find a 5spd SC300. There are no manual SC400, any SC400's that come manual either have custom fabricated/frankenstein transmissions or engine swaps with trannies that mount to those engines.
11-12-05, 08:55 PM
#17
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Oh yea, welcome to the club. 
You might want to use the search function. That would lead you to this: http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html
You might want to use the search function. That would lead you to this: http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html
11-12-05, 09:22 PM
#18
Oh crap! I know what you need!
Here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=187028
O.L.T. has this exact thing you want in the making right now. You'll love it!!!
BTW, welcome to CL. Do a search for VSsc400 and his manual swap.
Here: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=187028
O.L.T. has this exact thing you want in the making right now. You'll love it!!!
BTW, welcome to CL. Do a search for VSsc400 and his manual swap.
11-12-05, 09:33 PM
#19
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okay.
okay i guess im goign to look for 5sp sc300.
what year should i avoid, which years are good, did the horsepower change in any of the years. any of the years easier to mod.
what ecu are out there for the sc300
does kaaz make a lsd for the sc300. i dont want to get turbo, how do i get more horsepower out of motor without reliabiltiy issues.
okay i guess im goign to look for 5sp sc300.
what year should i avoid, which years are good, did the horsepower change in any of the years. any of the years easier to mod.
what ecu are out there for the sc300
does kaaz make a lsd for the sc300. i dont want to get turbo, how do i get more horsepower out of motor without reliabiltiy issues.
11-12-05, 09:36 PM
#20
Originally Posted by alex1206
okay.
okay i guess im goign to look for 5sp sc300.
what year should i avoid, which years are good, did the horsepower change in any of the years. any of the years easier to mod.
what ecu are out there for the sc300
does kaaz make a lsd for the sc300. i dont want to get turbo, how do i get more horsepower out of motor without reliabiltiy issues.
okay i guess im goign to look for 5sp sc300.
what year should i avoid, which years are good, did the horsepower change in any of the years. any of the years easier to mod.
what ecu are out there for the sc300
does kaaz make a lsd for the sc300. i dont want to get turbo, how do i get more horsepower out of motor without reliabiltiy issues.
Seriously, you need to search. Read the FAQ's and stickies. I'd link you to some of my own info, but it's all on the 400. Search for things like year to year changes, n/a power upgrade, etc...
11-12-05, 09:51 PM
#21
Forum Administrator
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Alex,
Welcome to ClubLexus!
As others have mentioned we have YEARS of knowledgebase that is available to you instantly with no waiting. Just use the advanced search feature and you'll find pretty much 99% of the stuff you're thinking about asking.
This is from our under-development FAQ
Differences between the SC300 & SC400
The SC300 comes with a 3.0-liter 182 ci cast iron inline-6 motor with aluminum heads (engine designation: 2JZ-GE) and a choice between a Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive or a Toyota W58 5-speed manual transmission (available from 1992-1997).
From 1992-1997, the power was rated as 225 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 210 ft/lb torque @ 4800 rpm. From 1998-2000, the power was rated as 225 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 220 ft/lb torque @ 4000 rpm. Curb weight ranges from 3494 lbs. in 1992 to 3560 lbs. in 2000.
The SC400 comes with a 4.0-liter 242 ci cast aluminum V-8 motor with aluminum heads (engine designation: 1UZ-FE) and a standard equipped Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (from 1992-1997). No manual transmission was ever offered for the SC400.
From 1992-1995, the power was rated as 250 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 260 ft/lb torque @ 4400 rpm. From 1996-1997, the power was rated as 260 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 270 ft/lb torque @ 4400 rpm. From 1998-2000, the power was rated as 290 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 300 ft/lb torque @ 4000 rpm. Curb weight ranges from 3575 lbs. in 1992 to 3655 lbs. in 2000.
Manual transmissions were never offered for the SC400 and were discontinued after 1997 on the SC300. The SC300s that came with optional Toyota W58 5-speed manual transmissions do not come equipped with traction control.
In 1998 the SC400 received a Toyota A650E 5-speed automatic transmission with advanced ECT-i and a burl-wood gated shifter (from 1998-2000), while the 1998 SC300 received a Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with burl-wood gated shifter (from 1998-2000).
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)
The SC400 came stock with 16x7.5-inch alloy wheels and the SC300 came stock with 15x6.5-inch turbine-cut alloy wheels.
The SC400 came with power automated telescoping/tilting steering wheel, and the third brake light was mounted inside the spoiler as opposed to on the rear dash behind the windshield in the SC300. The SC400 has larger disc brakes (11.7-inch front & 12.1-inch rear) compared to the SC300 (10.8-inch front & 11.4-inch rear). The SC300 had an optional but very rare velour (gray or tan) interior and optional but very rare hard top (no moonroof).
There are no substantial body differences between the SC300 and SC400. Models that did not include a spoiler with LED-third brake light, standard on the SC400 and optional on the SC300, were fitted with a third brake light on the rear deck behind the rear windshield.
ACCELERATION
Year, Model, & Drivetrain 0 - 60 mph Quarter mile
1992 SC300 4-speed auto 7.2 sec 15.8 sec at 89 mph
1992 SC300 5-speed manual 6.8 sec 15.4 sec at 90 mph
1993 SC400 4-speed auto 6.9 sec 15.3 sec
1995 SC400 4-speed auto 6.7 sec 15.2 sec at 93 mph
1998 SC400 5-speed auto 6.3 sec 14.7 sec at 97 mph[/QUOTE]
=================================
IN addition to the FAQ I searched this forum using advanced search for "which buy sc300 or sc400" and found these threads among many others. I also searched 'just search titles' for "sc300 sc400' which narrowed down the number of posts to sift throuh
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sea...earchid=348040
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=175469
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=185118
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=177583
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=172778
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=164092
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=147091
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=135143
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=122500
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=110311
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-1st-gen-1992-2000/79670-newbie-question-interior-sc300-vs-sc400.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-1st-gen-1992-2000/59687-differences-between-sc300-and-sc400.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-1st-gen-1992-2000/29992-sc300-or-sc400-please-help.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-1st-gen-1992-2000/25395-is-the-only-difference-between-the-sc300-and-the-sc400-the-engine.html
And that's just a start... this gets discussed a LOT and we ask you to please search and learn all you can first before posting a question
I also suggest you concentrate on the SC300/400 performance options and don't think about the GS ones....only the 98+SCs share the same engines (with VVT-I) and there will be a number of other differences in intake routing, exhaust etc. Intellexual.net linked above has some good primer info for you there.
Welcome to ClubLexus!
As others have mentioned we have YEARS of knowledgebase that is available to you instantly with no waiting. Just use the advanced search feature and you'll find pretty much 99% of the stuff you're thinking about asking.
This is from our under-development FAQ
Differences between the SC300 & SC400
The SC300 comes with a 3.0-liter 182 ci cast iron inline-6 motor with aluminum heads (engine designation: 2JZ-GE) and a choice between a Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive or a Toyota W58 5-speed manual transmission (available from 1992-1997).
From 1992-1997, the power was rated as 225 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 210 ft/lb torque @ 4800 rpm. From 1998-2000, the power was rated as 225 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 220 ft/lb torque @ 4000 rpm. Curb weight ranges from 3494 lbs. in 1992 to 3560 lbs. in 2000.
The SC400 comes with a 4.0-liter 242 ci cast aluminum V-8 motor with aluminum heads (engine designation: 1UZ-FE) and a standard equipped Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive (from 1992-1997). No manual transmission was ever offered for the SC400.
From 1992-1995, the power was rated as 250 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 260 ft/lb torque @ 4400 rpm. From 1996-1997, the power was rated as 260 horsepower @ 5600 rpm and 270 ft/lb torque @ 4400 rpm. From 1998-2000, the power was rated as 290 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and 300 ft/lb torque @ 4000 rpm. Curb weight ranges from 3575 lbs. in 1992 to 3655 lbs. in 2000.
Manual transmissions were never offered for the SC400 and were discontinued after 1997 on the SC300. The SC300s that came with optional Toyota W58 5-speed manual transmissions do not come equipped with traction control.
In 1998 the SC400 received a Toyota A650E 5-speed automatic transmission with advanced ECT-i and a burl-wood gated shifter (from 1998-2000), while the 1998 SC300 received a Toyota A343E 4-speed automatic transmission with burl-wood gated shifter (from 1998-2000).
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)
The SC400 came stock with 16x7.5-inch alloy wheels and the SC300 came stock with 15x6.5-inch turbine-cut alloy wheels.
The SC400 came with power automated telescoping/tilting steering wheel, and the third brake light was mounted inside the spoiler as opposed to on the rear dash behind the windshield in the SC300. The SC400 has larger disc brakes (11.7-inch front & 12.1-inch rear) compared to the SC300 (10.8-inch front & 11.4-inch rear). The SC300 had an optional but very rare velour (gray or tan) interior and optional but very rare hard top (no moonroof).
There are no substantial body differences between the SC300 and SC400. Models that did not include a spoiler with LED-third brake light, standard on the SC400 and optional on the SC300, were fitted with a third brake light on the rear deck behind the rear windshield.
ACCELERATION
Year, Model, & Drivetrain 0 - 60 mph Quarter mile
1992 SC300 4-speed auto 7.2 sec 15.8 sec at 89 mph
1992 SC300 5-speed manual 6.8 sec 15.4 sec at 90 mph
1993 SC400 4-speed auto 6.9 sec 15.3 sec
1995 SC400 4-speed auto 6.7 sec 15.2 sec at 93 mph
1998 SC400 5-speed auto 6.3 sec 14.7 sec at 97 mph[/QUOTE]
=================================
IN addition to the FAQ I searched this forum using advanced search for "which buy sc300 or sc400" and found these threads among many others. I also searched 'just search titles' for "sc300 sc400' which narrowed down the number of posts to sift throuh
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sea...earchid=348040
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=175469
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=185118
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=177583
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=172778
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=164092
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=147091
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=135143
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=122500
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=110311
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-1st-gen-1992-2000/79670-newbie-question-interior-sc300-vs-sc400.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-1st-gen-1992-2000/59687-differences-between-sc300-and-sc400.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-1st-gen-1992-2000/29992-sc300-or-sc400-please-help.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-1st-gen-1992-2000/25395-is-the-only-difference-between-the-sc300-and-the-sc400-the-engine.html
And that's just a start... this gets discussed a LOT and we ask you to please search and learn all you can first before posting a question
I also suggest you concentrate on the SC300/400 performance options and don't think about the GS ones....only the 98+SCs share the same engines (with VVT-I) and there will be a number of other differences in intake routing, exhaust etc. Intellexual.net linked above has some good primer info for you there.
Last edited by DaveGS4; 11-12-05 at 09:55 PM.
03-13-06, 05:49 PM
#22
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SC400 or SC300
Which car has a better engine longevity wise? I am looking to pick up either car but I would like to get the one that will last me the longest. I am looking at the 92-96 model years...Any input would be greatly appreciated....
Larry
Larry
03-13-06, 05:57 PM
#23
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The engines on both cars last ages. I don't even think we've found an average lifespan yet and many of the older model SC drivers here are well over 200k miles and several are over 300k. For a list of common problems and fixes, check this site out. TONS of info compiled by a board member. www.intellexual.net
I'd suggest using the Search Function in the upper left corner if you're looking for more info before you post. While we're a friendly bunch here on CL, we seem to get the same questions over and over and it can be slightly irritating.
I'd suggest using the Search Function in the upper left corner if you're looking for more info before you post. While we're a friendly bunch here on CL, we seem to get the same questions over and over and it can be slightly irritating.
03-13-06, 06:37 PM
#25
Keeper of the light
iTrader: (17)
Originally Posted by bizzy928
The sc400 engine is by far a better engine (in terms of longevity)
Both are good engines and serve different purposes, but the V8 will long outlive the I6.
03-13-06, 06:51 PM
#26
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I appreciate the info. Sorry about not using the search function. I have a 1968 AMC Javelin and that forum isnt nealy as busy as this one so its easier to navigate. I am selling my mustang for somehting a little more economical and I fell in love with these cars.
Larry
Larry
03-13-06, 07:25 PM
#29
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This is an excellent read on both the SC's http://www.intellexual.net/faq.html#01
Both engines are extraodinary and can be built on with both turbos or superchargers. There is probably more of that going on with the 2jz in the SC300. Many would agree that if you plan to own an auto and do not plan to upgrade or modify the engine, the SC400 is the clear choice. If you seek a manual tranny or plan to do modifications and want a wide open path, the SC300 warrants a closer look.
from intellexual:
"The SC300 shares the same engine (2JZ-GE) as the Naturally Aspirated (NA) JZA80/MKIV Supra (1993-2000), therefore engine build kits and aftermarket parts for the Supra NA are interchangeable with the SC300. The Supra Twin Turbo's (TT) Getrag V160 6-speed manual transmission is also capable of being transplanted into the SC300 for improved drivetrain efficiency.
You can also piecemake a high-output single-turbo setup (from HKS or SP) for the 2JZ-GE motor for high power. In fact Ethan Banks has managed to squeeze an impressive +1000bhp from a built 2JZ-GE NA-T conversion, and David Henry was able to break a 9.71-second quarter mile on a 2JZ-GE NA-T with a completely stock bottom end and a 3mm head gasket w/ studs! Suffice to say the GE motor is just about as strong as the GTE motor."
Both engines are extraodinary and can be built on with both turbos or superchargers. There is probably more of that going on with the 2jz in the SC300. Many would agree that if you plan to own an auto and do not plan to upgrade or modify the engine, the SC400 is the clear choice. If you seek a manual tranny or plan to do modifications and want a wide open path, the SC300 warrants a closer look.
from intellexual:
"The SC300 shares the same engine (2JZ-GE) as the Naturally Aspirated (NA) JZA80/MKIV Supra (1993-2000), therefore engine build kits and aftermarket parts for the Supra NA are interchangeable with the SC300. The Supra Twin Turbo's (TT) Getrag V160 6-speed manual transmission is also capable of being transplanted into the SC300 for improved drivetrain efficiency.
You can also piecemake a high-output single-turbo setup (from HKS or SP) for the 2JZ-GE motor for high power. In fact Ethan Banks has managed to squeeze an impressive +1000bhp from a built 2JZ-GE NA-T conversion, and David Henry was able to break a 9.71-second quarter mile on a 2JZ-GE NA-T with a completely stock bottom end and a 3mm head gasket w/ studs! Suffice to say the GE motor is just about as strong as the GTE motor."
