CoOl21

Hello Club Lexus community,

I'm a totally noob, I've admired the SC400 for a long time. Just recently I've been serious about getting one (feels like a decade too late). Anyways, I'm located in Vancouver, BC and there are very few examples of SC400s here. So far only 2 caught my eye:

1. 1997, local, clean-ish, white, auto, 410k km (254k miles) asking 5000CDN (~3600USD)

2. 1998, Seattle, clean, silver, auto, 221k miles (355k km), asking 5000USD (~6100CAD+importing fees)

I've read up on the changes made between the 2 model years, VVT-i was the biggest update it seems, does it make a huge difference?

and what options are there to do a manual swap?

Thanks in advance!

Zerodrag

iTrader: (5)

Not only the VVTi but the 5 speed auto vs 4 speed auto (but that won't matter if you are going manual).

CoOl21

Manual is something I wan to look into further down the road,

really don't think I'll have an easier time looking for a manual SC300 (since they weren't sold in Canada) and then dropping in the 1UZ-FE in :/

BiGEZ

iTrader: (24)

There is a kit available to bolt up the 350Z CD009 6 speed manual trans to the 1UZ motor. If you are serious about going manual I suggest the 97. The 98 would be fun to drive as well since as mentioned above it has the 5 speed tranny.

CoOl21

I was just going off this website and its laundry list of updates
http://www.lexusclub.co.uk/SC400hist.htm

• New engine with continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i).
• Horsepower at rpm, 290 hp @ 6,000.
• Torque at rpm, 300 lb-ft @ 4,000.
• 0 - 60 mph acceleration 6.3 seconds.
• 1/4-mile acceleration 14.7 seconds.
• Top track speed 149 mph.
• Fuel consumption 19/25 mpg city/highway.
• Aerodynamic drag coefficient 0.32 (0.31 with optional rear spoiler).
• New five-speed Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i).
• Five-speed automatic Electronically Controlled Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i). Overdrive fifth gear, auto-select shift program, engine/transmission networking, flex-lockup torque converter
• Improved tires.
• Genuine wood trim on the center console.
• Electronic programmable garage-door opener.
• Gated shifter and wood- and leather-trimmed shift ****.
• Adoption of in-key multifunction remote.
• Vehicle theft-deterrent and immobilizer system, with in-key transponder.
• New exterior colors: Imperial Jade Mica and Baroque Red Metallic

not sure how much difference the VVT-i and the ECT-i makes vs the pre-98 models.

At this point I am leaning towards the '97 since the Canadian dollar is soo ****ty....

DrAtomica

The 1998+SCs are refined, especially the 400s. It's not always about the total hp/torque but also at what RPM, the 98 has a wide band of torque so you will always feel there is a lot of power to give. It's a much faster vehicle and has way more tech. As a 98 driver myself I'm glad I bought it, also note that there were not a lot of 98+ SCs made so it's a bit hard to find one in good condition. The 5speed transmission is quite nice compared to the old 4, it really gives you that extra edge no doubt.

As for the manual swap, you can do it in both the non-VVTi and VVTi setup. Don't quote me on this but I believe it's much easier to swap a manual into the non-VVTi because of the ECU, read a few places about the Check Engine Light still on or something, seems like a small fix and there are workarounds to it. What you really have to decide on is whether you want to keep it stock or not. The power of a 98+ and a manual swap is the perfect combo, however it may cheaper to go the non-VVTi route. Another thing is, the condition of both vehicles. The mileage matters a lot not in terms of the engine's reliability (these engines are tanks) but the reliability of other components. Heck sometimes mileage is not even as important, check out the service records. A well serviced vehicle with high mileage will most likely be better than a low mileage vehicle without maintenance.

CoOl21

Not sure if the 2 owners of these SC400s are on this forum, but I'll post the links, maybe you guys can help me spot something that I missed

Local: http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/cto/5449902686.html
photos: http://imgur.com/a/br3J2

Seattle: http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/cto/5441172355.html

CoOl21

I think the question I want to ask here is "would I regret not getting the 98 vs the 97 at the end of the day?"
sure it's a couple grand more, I have to deal w/ the ****ty export/import laws and have to deal w/ the crappy customs.

but what do you guys think? is it worth it?

Kris9884

iTrader: (7)

Meh I have the 1997 SC400 and have no regrets. The VVTi model would be cool but ultimately if it came down to a race, they'd only beat the non-VVTi by a fender or even a whole car, I wouldn't solely decide on the power.. Having a 5 speed auto is def better on gas but its also marginal, especially if you're swapping sooner or later. It's more about the refinements that are listed out above. I haven't imported a car before so I couldn't really comment but it seems like a lot more hassle and paperwork no?