SC- 1st Gen (1992-2000)

Looking at purchasing my 2nd Lexus SC400.

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Old 01-18-18, 07:00 PM
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Originally Posted by booga
The steering wheel on this 98 SC belongs to an older model. Is there a reason for that? Deployed airbag?
common misconception actually. 97 had the pillow wheel and the dildomatic, 98 had the gated shifter but the pillow wheel stayed. 99-00 had the 3 spoke wheel and gated shifter.
Old 01-18-18, 11:57 PM
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Originally Posted by vteruni
common misconception actually. 97 had the pillow wheel and the dildomatic, 98 had the gated shifter but the pillow wheel stayed. 99-00 had the 3 spoke wheel and gated shifter.
Ahh - thanks for correcting me. To the OP - go for it!
Old 01-20-18, 05:09 PM
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Geeze. If you don't buy it, I will.
Old 01-23-18, 08:21 PM
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That’s a beautiful ride op!!!
Timing belt kit is less than 100 bucks, don’t let that scare you if you have tools and ability to work on a car that old maintenance will brake you if you don’t do the work yourself
Old 01-24-18, 03:20 PM
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Oh yes! This car is SOLD, I’m headed to Cali around feb 1st to feb 3rd

Im counting down the days until Me and my wife fly to California guys. And I look forward to driving the 2,200 miles back in this super clean SC400.


Ive never owned a VVTI 5 speed auto version. So the 40 extra hp and 30 extra ft lbs is a one nice plus! The 5th gear is nice for quieter highway cruising, lower rpm, and faster acceleration, with a tad better gas mileage!

I’ve seen 0-60 reports as low as 5.6 seconds using a GS400 aftermarket cold air intake.
And around 5.8 seconds completely stock.

First things first, I’m seafoaming the car. Cleaning leather and conditioning, then I’ll clay the paint. Then spark plugs, then timming belt, water pump, cam seals, valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket.

I’m really looking forward to the gated shifter though. I had a 95’ SC400 and it has great power, but I didn’t like the button on top of the shifter.

Last edited by tps3443; 01-24-18 at 03:37 PM.
Old 01-24-18, 03:26 PM
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congrats, youll enjoy it, i know i enjoy mine every day!
Old 01-24-18, 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by vteruni
congrats, youll enjoy it, i know i enjoy mine every day!
Dang, you’ve got a 99. I’ve gotta change my steering wheel in this 98’ asap. Preferably the 3 spoke. But I’ve seen some other Lexus wheels that look incredible with wood grain on them. I’d want it to match the wood as close as possible.
Old 01-24-18, 10:45 PM
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Originally Posted by tps3443
Dang, you’ve got a 99. I’ve gotta change my steering wheel in this 98’ asap. Preferably the 3 spoke. But I’ve seen some other Lexus wheels that look incredible with wood grain on them. I’d want it to match the wood as close as possible.
Am I the only one on here who is happy with the steering wheel on his '98 ? Lol..
Old 01-24-18, 10:51 PM
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Originally Posted by tps3443
Oh yes! This car is SOLD, I’m headed to Cali around feb 1st to feb 3rd

Im counting down the days until Me and my wife fly to California guys. And I look forward to driving the 2,200 miles back in this super clean SC400.


Ive never owned a VVTI 5 speed auto version. So the 40 extra hp and 30 extra ft lbs is a one nice plus! The 5th gear is nice for quieter highway cruising, lower rpm, and faster acceleration, with a tad better gas mileage!

I’ve seen 0-60 reports as low as 5.6 seconds using a GS400 aftermarket cold air intake.
And around 5.8 seconds completely stock.

First things first, I’m seafoaming the car. Cleaning leather and conditioning, then I’ll clay the paint. Then spark plugs, then timming belt, water pump, cam seals, valve cover gaskets, oil pan gasket.

I’m really looking forward to the gated shifter though. I had a 95’ SC400 and it has great power, but I didn’t like the button on top of the shifter.


from what I've read, 0-60 is rated at 6.3 but if it can be brought down lower, that's even better. Does a GS400 CAI fit our cars ? Hey, will you let us know how much of a drastic difference is between a non VVTi SC400 and a VVTi model ? I've only driven my VVTi and have nothing to compare it to so can I live vicariously through you ? ��

Last edited by Celtica; 01-25-18 at 08:07 AM.
Old 01-25-18, 07:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Celtica
Am I the only one on here who is happy with the steering wheel on his '98 ? Lol..
Every car I’ve had in my past I’ve changed the steering wheel for aftermarket ones or better factory upgades.To me steering wheels are personal that you touch with your hands, so thats why I prefer new. Yes, the 4 spokes a a little dated, I have couple of them in my shed, all my 3 cars have 3 spoke wheels on them momo...
Old 01-25-18, 08:05 AM
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Originally Posted by LEXXIUM
Every car I’ve had in my past I’ve changed the steering wheel for aftermarket ones or better factory upgades.To me steering wheels are personal that you touch with your hands, so thats why I prefer new. Yes, the 4 spokes a a little dated, I have couple of them in my shed, all my 3 cars have 3 spoke wheels on them momo...
I get what you mean, I like an attractive steering wheel too. For some reason, the four spoke pillow style looks fine to me even though it's dated. Maybe that's part of the charm to me, ha ha. 😄 But with that said, the three spoke wheels look good too, they do look more modern so I can see why people might prefer them to the old design.
Old 01-25-18, 09:54 AM
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I changed out mine because i wanted a wood trim steering wheel, the 3 spoke was an added bonus for me. If the car came with a 4 spoke wood trim steering wheel i probably wouldnt have swapped it out. But everyone has their own tastes, nothing wrong with that
Old 01-25-18, 01:45 PM
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Wood trim does sound rather nice. The jaguar xk8 had them too as i recall.
Old 01-25-18, 02:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Celtica
from what I've read, 0-60 is rated at 6.3 but if it can be brought down lower, that's even better. Does a GS400 CAI fit our cars ? Hey, will you let us know how much of a drastic difference is between a non VVTi SC400 and a VVTi model ? I've only driven my VVTi and have nothing to compare it to so can I live vicariously through you ? ��
I’ve seen test of the car get 5.8 seconds 0-60.Yes, the GS400 SRT cold air intake and ecu chip will work on the 98+ SC400, “with minor modification” This offers a big performance boost

Last edited by tps3443; 01-25-18 at 03:13 PM.
Old 01-25-18, 03:03 PM
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I think the factory wheel in a 98 looks great. And I’m going to use it.its in perfect condition with no damage, or wear. Just a tad shiny looking from needing a good cleaning.


The 98 -00 sc400 offered real wood grain around the gated shifter. So I say, a nice wood grain steering wheel to match the factory wood grain already in the car, would make it look really good! This or a 3 spoke.


Quick Reply: Looking at purchasing my 2nd Lexus SC400.



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