4urxtc

iTrader: (2)

Well, I did my taxes and my refund is going to allow me to do some work on the SC300. I have budgeted about $1500 possibly a little more if needed. So here goes. I purchased the car in Dec. 2010 and have been enjoying it since. I have noticed a few problems along the way though. It has a completely stock 1jzgte and auto swap. One of the problems I have noticed is that there is an oil leak either from the cam seals or front main seal. So I will be resealing the valve cover, front main seal, cam seals and anything else that I can do to make it leak free. Thats the first problem.
Second problem is that the suspension rides like a freaking boat. I hit a bump and I feel like I am riding waves. So I need to upgrade that as well.
Third problem is that the brakes fade badly when only doing moderate stopping. That is a big safety issue.
Fourth problem is leaky capacitors on the ECU which I believe is causing the code 42 which causes my O/D to take its time to work.

My ideas are kind of mixed so I would love some suggestions about any options you would do.

Option 1 is the cheapest one of them all:
Megan EZ coilovers
New rotors w/slotted and drilled, pads, SS lines, and brake fluid flush
cam seals
front main seal
ECU capacitor fix
HID's and headlight restore/rebuild
Oil change
trans flush
new spark plugs

option 2 this option would run a little more and would tap me out for money:
BC coilovers
LS400 BBK, new rear rotors and pads
cam seals
front main seal
ECU Capacitor fix
HID's and headlight rebuild
oil change
spark plugs
trans flush

The only reason I am thinking option 1 is because I am not a track driver. The car is a DD and thats it. I love performance but I don't have to go all out. My main purpose is to improve the chassis and handling. Improve the performance of the motor. As well as making it stop better. Reliability is the main thing over all. I want to do performance after I get the car's issues all settled.

So my question is what would you do if you had these problems and wanted a good value as well as taking care of reliability at the same time? Any comments on things I should touch up on or possibly look into would be great.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

If you don't mind spending the extra money, I would go with option two.

4urxtc

iTrader: (2)

Can you tell me why you think Option 2?

1997Soarer

iTrader: (1)

I agree with option two as well.
I don't think you will regret buying a BETTER set of coilovers.
As for the brakes, the difference in my bigger brake upgrade was night and day. I would also upgrade SS lines in the front. Little bit more $$$ i know, but better to do it now than rebleed the system later when you do lines anyway.

spoolxexo

iTrader: (4)

Do it right, or do it twice..

4urxtc

iTrader: (2)

I like that saying!!

lfrers

iTrader: (9)

Amen. Do 2

4urxtc

iTrader: (2)

So it looks like my decision will be option 1.

I have one more question though. My steering wheel will shake left to right every so often when I hit bumps or slightly turn. Is this due to the LCA bushings? or would this be attributed to the shocks/struts being pretty much toast? This is not my wheel balance because they have been balanced and are fine. I don't really have the money for the bushings if it is the LCA's but atleast I will know what to start planning for next.

dwebb99

iTrader: (17)

new shocks (bilsteins)
new front anti roll bar bushings (rear as well)
LS400 BBk
New steering rack bushings
Check front LCA's and replace if needed (very common problem on SC's)
Change cam seals/front main seals,valve cover seals AND timing belt and water pump as well (your stupid not too)
Trans,power steering and differential flush!
A GOOD tune-up and 4 wheel alignment
All can be DIY jobs.
New tires help big time and cool/larger wheels always look good on a SC.
Your ready to roll......

BartleDoo

iTrader: (1)

Say no to Megan coilovers!

4urxtc

iTrader: (2)

The timing belt was done a year agao and the waterpump too. As far as the power steering bushings and rear diff flush. I could probably do the flush and also the rack bushings and roll bar bushings too. The rest can wait for a little bit longer. My buddy confirmed the BC's as being a good choice as well.

BartleDoo

iTrader: (1)

Well they will still be coming from the same factory lol. Plenty of people are happy with either though, so you probably will be too.

4urxtc

iTrader: (2)

Are you meaning the Megan's and BC's are from the same factory? If so then why do people say the BC's are better in an equivalent set-up? Is it ignorance, or miss information? Or is it because the BC's are built to a better grade than the Megan's?

BartleDoo

iTrader: (1)

From what I have gathered, the Megan's are manufactured by BC, but to different spec than their own. I'm sure somebody around here has the full story.

4urxtc

iTrader: (2)

Well as long as they are a better performance than the Megans then they are worth it. I just want to make sure I get a good quality and not a piece of crap product.