Exploring 2GS to 4GS Conversion
#18
Just want to come in a rain on everybody's parade: this is going to cost a lot more than the Vertex Aristo GS Face Conversion System kit. Unless you are capable of doing the fabrication and bodywork yourself going to be a lot of labour. Obviously it *can* be done, much wilder conversions happen all the time, but if you think it's going to cost less at a shop than a kit where the hard work is already done, no way.
As a bonus because I'm all around terrible person, I'm sorry, but it looks terrible. The execution looks really good as far as the pictures show. It's really impressive, to be honest. But it doesn't look good. If you did yours with the rear quarter panels to match the front, it would be much, much better. As it is, it looks like a giant face dragging the rest of the car around.
As a bonus because I'm all around terrible person, I'm sorry, but it looks terrible. The execution looks really good as far as the pictures show. It's really impressive, to be honest. But it doesn't look good. If you did yours with the rear quarter panels to match the front, it would be much, much better. As it is, it looks like a giant face dragging the rest of the car around.
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RSGS430 (02-14-21)
#21
The 3GS face flows way better imo, and keeps the 4 headlights/taillights style too. I've never liked the 4GS much, it looks like a hyundai to me (sour grapes right)
If it were my money I'd try to swap the 4GS dash instead, our cars clean up pretty nice but the dash is so hurt nowadays. Probably a nightmare wiring up all the modules and hvac though
That silver one is well done but I don't think anyone would ever confuse it for OEM, even normal non-enthusiast people
I know you didn't ask for opinions so this is kind of a useless post lol
If it were my money I'd try to swap the 4GS dash instead, our cars clean up pretty nice but the dash is so hurt nowadays. Probably a nightmare wiring up all the modules and hvac though
That silver one is well done but I don't think anyone would ever confuse it for OEM, even normal non-enthusiast people
I know you didn't ask for opinions so this is kind of a useless post lol
#22
Maybe some rear qtr panel work as the previous poster said would help bring out the total conversion...
By the time all the costs are added up, if done right, you're probably way over what you thought this would cost.
Will admit, would be nice to find an old beat up but mechanically perfect GS400 for like 400-500 and spend 3-4K to do the conversion
One can wish right?!
#23
Well thank you all for your inputs, I do appreciate the constructive criticism. Although I don't consider myself one to base my decisions on how others feel or what they think, it is still refreshing to get outside opinions.
I really like my 2GS, but I also like the more contemporary look of the Lexus line. I considered a 3GS but IMO, the 2GS is more of a sport-sedan whereas the newer ones are almost the size of an LS. Furthermore, my car only has about 67K on the clock. In order for me to get into a similarly low mileage newer GS, I would have to spend considerably more than I am now and I would loose my 2jz.
In reality, I like the integrated LED DRL's the most. I know that it ridiculous to want to spend $$$ on a facelift just for some DRL's, but the current two-headlight configuration doesn't lend to any other appealing options. I really hate halo's, those light strips that you can buy from AutoZone, etc. look cheap, and honestly I'm not really a fan of the 3GS conversion from Vertex. After looking at the pics of the 4GS conversion done, I'm inclined to agree that the wider front doesn't blend so well w/ the rest of the car. The rolled fender lips don't help it enough either. SO, in the end I suppose I will take the $5K or whatever and dump it into the engine. If I decide to go with a body kit, maybe something like the Ridox from Varis.
I really like my 2GS, but I also like the more contemporary look of the Lexus line. I considered a 3GS but IMO, the 2GS is more of a sport-sedan whereas the newer ones are almost the size of an LS. Furthermore, my car only has about 67K on the clock. In order for me to get into a similarly low mileage newer GS, I would have to spend considerably more than I am now and I would loose my 2jz.
In reality, I like the integrated LED DRL's the most. I know that it ridiculous to want to spend $$$ on a facelift just for some DRL's, but the current two-headlight configuration doesn't lend to any other appealing options. I really hate halo's, those light strips that you can buy from AutoZone, etc. look cheap, and honestly I'm not really a fan of the 3GS conversion from Vertex. After looking at the pics of the 4GS conversion done, I'm inclined to agree that the wider front doesn't blend so well w/ the rest of the car. The rolled fender lips don't help it enough either. SO, in the end I suppose I will take the $5K or whatever and dump it into the engine. If I decide to go with a body kit, maybe something like the Ridox from Varis.
#24
The execution looks really good as far as the pictures show. It's really impressive, to be honest. But it doesn't look good. If you did yours with the rear quarter panels to match the front, it would be much, much better. As it is, it looks like a giant face dragging the rest of the car around.
#25
Well thank you all for your inputs, I do appreciate the constructive criticism. Although I don't consider myself one to base my decisions on how others feel or what they think, it is still refreshing to get outside opinions.
I really like my 2GS, but I also like the more contemporary look of the Lexus line. I considered a 3GS but IMO, the 2GS is more of a sport-sedan whereas the newer ones are almost the size of an LS.
I really like my 2GS, but I also like the more contemporary look of the Lexus line. I considered a 3GS but IMO, the 2GS is more of a sport-sedan whereas the newer ones are almost the size of an LS.
JZS161
Wheelbase 2,799 mm (110.2 in)
Length 4,806 mm (189.2 in)
Width 1,801 mm (70.9 in)
Height 1,420–1,440 mm (55.9–56.7 in)
Engine 2JZ 3.0L TT.
Weight 1680kg
UCF20
Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length 4,996 mm (196.7 in)
Width 1,829 mm (72.0 in)
Height 1,420–1,435 mm (55.9–56.5 in)
Engine 1UZ 4.0L V8.
Weight 1,659–1,764 kg (3,657–3,889 lb)
S190
Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length 4,826–4,844 mm (190.0–190.7 in)
Width 1,821 mm (71.7 in)
Height 1,425–1,435 mm (56.1–56.5 in)
Numbers off Wikipedia I think - treat them as such.
#26
Not much in it really, anecdotally:
JZS161
Wheelbase 2,799 mm (110.2 in)
Length 4,806 mm (189.2 in)
Width 1,801 mm (70.9 in)
Height 1,420–1,440 mm (55.9–56.7 in)
Engine 2JZ 3.0L TT.
Weight 1680kg
UCF20
Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length 4,996 mm (196.7 in)
Width 1,829 mm (72.0 in)
Height 1,420–1,435 mm (55.9–56.5 in)
Engine 1UZ 4.0L V8.
Weight 1,659–1,764 kg (3,657–3,889 lb)
S190
Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length 4,826–4,844 mm (190.0–190.7 in)
Width 1,821 mm (71.7 in)
Height 1,425–1,435 mm (56.1–56.5 in)
Numbers off Wikipedia I think - treat them as such.
JZS161
Wheelbase 2,799 mm (110.2 in)
Length 4,806 mm (189.2 in)
Width 1,801 mm (70.9 in)
Height 1,420–1,440 mm (55.9–56.7 in)
Engine 2JZ 3.0L TT.
Weight 1680kg
UCF20
Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length 4,996 mm (196.7 in)
Width 1,829 mm (72.0 in)
Height 1,420–1,435 mm (55.9–56.5 in)
Engine 1UZ 4.0L V8.
Weight 1,659–1,764 kg (3,657–3,889 lb)
S190
Wheelbase 2,850 mm (112.2 in)
Length 4,826–4,844 mm (190.0–190.7 in)
Width 1,821 mm (71.7 in)
Height 1,425–1,435 mm (56.1–56.5 in)
Numbers off Wikipedia I think - treat them as such.
I saw an 06 430 at Carmax w/ around 70K miles for around $15K.I would really prefer the 460, but they're harder to come by and a little too pricey for me right now. I've been a little spoiled by my 2GS because it only had around 48K miles when I bought it last year. IF I decide to trade, I would only consider something that was under 100K, of course lower is better. I guess only time will tell what I decide.
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aristo808
2Gen GS430 / 400/ 300 Classifieds (98-05)
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08-19-07 11:53 PM