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Hi all, I'm starting this build thread so others can follow along as I build my 1993 Lexus SC300, factory 5-speed. I had always wanted one, and I found this one in my neighborhood. I usually take walks with my young son around the neighborhood once or twice a day, and one day I noticed this on the street, seemingly out of nowhere. I had my eye on it for a week or so, and every time I would walk by, I would look a little closer at it. I saw it was a 5-speed and thought that was awesome. One day, I was walking with my wife and pointed it out to her, and remarked that I had always wanted one and this one was pretty clean. She said "I think I know the lady that lives there...why don't you go talk to her?" So I messaged the lady on Facebook to ask about the car. Turns out, it was not hers, but her neighbors! She gave me his info and I talked with him. He was doing some remodeling to his garage and had moved it out onto the street. Well, long story short, he sold it to me! Bone stock, pretty well kept, but has the usual old Lexus issues (instrument cluser LEDs are out, leaky valve covers and PS pump, et...) Other than that, AC blows cold, CD changer and everything else work just fine.
I have a CX Racing GT35 kit, FIC 1000cc injectors, Walbro 450 fuel pump for e85, ECU Master EMU Black, etc... Still need to get a few things before I get down to work, but eventually will be NA-T.
Last edited by Turbostar; 07-07-21 at 07:55 PM.
Reason: adding photos instead of a link
I think the lucky part is my amazing wife letting me buy it! I already have a weekend car - my 1966 Chevelle, 454 big block. Now I have to park one of my cars on the street because we have 4 cars for 2 drivers!
I'll tell you man - my (now) wife is the same way. As long as I don't get too ridiculous she's always letting me run around in dumb cars. It's good to have someone like that as your partner!
I think the lucky part is my amazing wife letting me buy it! I already have a weekend car - my 1966 Chevelle, 454 big block. Now I have to park one of my cars on the street because we have 4 cars for 2 drivers!
One of my 1st cars was a new 66 SS 396 Chevelle 375/425 hp In my mind the 1st and best Chevy Muscle Car. Beautiful even today
went into the Air Force and never saw it again________ if you want to post a pic of it, would be appreciated
That is a beautiful Chevelle!! I love the sound of the 454 engine and the cam you chose for it. That sound takes me back to when I still had a carb'd '69 Mustang (though its 302 V8 was nowhere near as powerful as that monster powerplant you've got!).
I also love the reference to The Cramps on the rear bumper. Lux Interior was a one of a kind singer. I'd only compare his vocal style to Screamin' Jay Hawkins.
The SC300 is very clean and looks great! You definitely lucked out and found the right car just under your nose!
Thank you! Yes, I am a big fan of The Cramps and I was lucky enough to see them live before Lux passed. Also, my license plate is meant to be sort of a cheeky double entendre! I've had the Chevelle for over 20 years, and built several motors. I even built a transmission for it once, although I could not do that again today...it was quite complicated. Currently it has a 454 with a TH400 transmission, 4:10 gears. It used to have nitrous on it also, but my street racing days are over. So now I just cruise it on the weekends or nice weather days (no AC in this old girl.)
I dig it - beautiful car man. I've always remembered the big block 4-speed '68 vette my neighbor let me drive. "Big blocks didn't rev, they exploded with power" - my uncle about his 454 chevelle when he was young. Love it man!
Relatively slow progress. I needed to replace valve cover gaskets, and my valve covers looked horrible, so I am having them powder coated---Monday will be the third week, so I think its time to make some phone calls. Once I get them back, and get everything installed, the car will at least be drivable again.
BUT - the BAD NEWS is that apparently my car has the classic sunroof leak, perhaps from clogged drains. Well, I didn't know this. The car has been sitting in my driveway for a few months since I bought it, and it has rained a TON here in Texas lately. I went to go work on it again recently and hoo boy...musty, moldy, surface rust...you name it. I began the process of taking out the interior to assess the damage...thankfully my interior was not super great to begin with. Once I had the carpet removed, I could tell that the leak had been there for a while (probably years over a previous owner or two) because there is surface rust on the passenger floor pan.
As I removed the interior, I found more mildew, so I just said screw it, going to take it all out, maybe even headliner, and clean the metal stripped interior as best I can. I'm not sure whether I'll try to clean the carpet and whatnot, or just say screw it leave it all out and make this the racecar of my dreams.
Some updates! I finally got the valve covers back from the powder coater. I had them do a simple "anodized aluminum"...which was their recco and I liked it. Looks pretty factory.
Had them for a little while but never had the time to get the covers back on. Finally had some time to do that. Only point of concern is that the covers were off for a while, hood closed, under a car cover. But, it has been rainy and it is hot and humid here in Houston. Cam lobes developed some surface rust, but I used a plastic scrubbing pad and WD40 to get as much off as I could. I think it will be okay, plus I'm not too worried about this motor. It will come out eventually and be built. (in the photo I had not put in the metal plug tray yet. I added that later.
I also had the BC Racing coil overs sitting on my garage floor and I wanted it done. AND, my wheels arrived recently, so I said I had to do it. In these photos, the height adjustment is just how the coil overs came right out of the box. I actually think it is pretty good. It could go lower, but my fenders are not rolled yet. I plan to do that in the near future.
Wheels are ESR SR05. Front is 18x8.5 +30 with a 245/40R18. Rear is 18x9.5 +35 with a 275/35R18
I prefer the +35 offset, or even +38, but you don't have that option with the 8.5" wheel. Still looks really good though.
I sent my cluster out to Tanin Auto Electronix for repair and new lighting. It should be back soon and once I get that installed, the car will be drivable again.
07-07-21, 07:49 PM
The Beige Beast - 1993 SC300 5-speed
