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1. Exterior color - Silver Bell Metallic 2. Interior color - Candy Cane Red 3. Audio options (Mark Levinson) + Nav 4. Other major options or packages - Neiman Marcus Edition #96 5. Any modifications - None 6. Anything you want to mention - Love convertibles I have a 1979 Toyota Cellica SunChaser , 1993 Miata , 2003 Miata and the 2002 SC430
Hi everyone. I’m Rex from Wickenburg, AZ. What a great resource this forum is. I have already learned so much about my new ride. It is excellent getting advice from people who have experience with the exact vehicle that I have.
Here’s the poop…
Purchased on 11/31/2021
2002 SC430 Amethyst 69,000 mi.
I’m a former Lexus owner and also have owned a 1995 Mazda Miata. OMG!! I found the car that is the hybrid of the two! I couldn’t be happier. It is my official retirement vehicle.
Of course a 20 year old vehicle does come with a bit of work to do. So far I have done minor upgrades to the sound system (added Bluetooth and replaced front speakers), got new OEM power antenna from the dealer, yet to install. Replaced cabin lights, etc. I have added a rodent deterrent system under the hood ( my last Lexus, an IS250, was overtaken wit Pack Rats in the engine compartment. They ate 60% of the wiring harness, little bastards!) Still need to replace the trunk struts (freebie from the dealer and check on getting new OEM Ecru floor mats.
I'm an excited newbie. Purchased 2007 model with $60k miles; smoky granite mica exterior with camel interior; 19" Lexus chrome wheels. 2007 SC430
Very nice example! Welcome to the forum. Your love for this car will only grow over the years!
Keep a close eye on your chrome wheels, as they are known to chip, peel and rust, even in CA where my car is from. I had the same g-spider wheels on my 2008 and ditched them for light-weight Enkei RPF1 racing wheels. BTW...the OEM g-spiders are made by Enkei as well.
Hi this is Leigh, friend of CP the owner of a 2002 sc430. I need some guidance here if possible. Went to do a spark plug replacement and found the two spark plug wells in the back (one on each side) full of oil. I read and was told that it is most likely the valve cover gaskets that need replaced. We ordered the gaskets which also came with o rings, seals etc. I have managed to get the passenger side off but am not sure if I am supposed to see oil all over inside. I know that there should be none in the spark plugs but upon removing some prior to this there was oil inside on the spark plugs. I have a suction tool. Should I make sure that under the valve cover that that area is completely dry of oil? I may try posting pictures so you know what I am talking about if that will help.
This was a used engine that was installed by a knowledgeable but drunk mechanic in 2018. There are numerous other problems like no closed loop because the abs, vsc, brake lights are on. That is another challenge to be addressed...
Thank you to anyone that can help.
I have managed to get the passenger side off but am not sure if I am supposed to see oil all over inside. I know that there should be none in the spark plugs but upon removing some prior to this there was oil inside on the spark plugs. I have a suction tool. Should I make sure that under the valve cover that that area is completely dry of oil? I may try posting pictures so you know what I am talking about if that will help.
Pictures might help. You should see oil residue all over the top the head, once the valve cover is removed, except around the spark plugs where the "o-ring" seals should be keeping it out. If these seals have been leaking, you should pull all the plugs and clean any and all residue around each plug. Eventually, when you replace the cover with the new o-rings and gasket, you want them mating to clean/dry aluminum.
Hi folks,
Long time lurker, first time poster...Just purchased my 2003 SC430 with 71K miles last week. Black on Black. Really excited, and so far I haven't seen any problems other than a few stone chips here and there that have been touched up. The dealer did an exceptional detail job before I took possession. New PA State Inspection and Emission stickers, yielded new rear brake pads and left and right control arms. I have ordered a spare wheel and tire off from eBay that will be here this week.
My car is equipped with an Injen cold air system, and I noticed that the brake rotors are drilled all around. Other than that, it's looking pretty stock. This forum was incredibly helpful as I was looking and helped me know what to look out for and how things should operate. If anyone in the Pittsburgh area (preferably North) knows a good independent shop, I would love a recommendation. My shop had started to slip here and there on my previous 04 Lexus ES, so I'm looking for a new shop. Looking forward to participating more and THANKS EVERYONE for your posts and administration of this fantastic resource!
Best Regards,
Mark (Artsyguy)
12-07-21, 06:56 PM
New SC430 Owner
