New To The Ls400

[steve20vt]

Hi chaps, I'm Steve from North Lincolnshire and new to Lexus ownership. I came into owning my 96 LS400 for different reasons than most I should think. I was looking for a donor engine for one of my projects. I needed a V8 and the 1uz seemed to fit the bill.

I can already hear the tutting, so before you judge me I'll put it on record that the 1uz in my LS won't be coming out.

My background has always been based around fast road, track even a blast at drift cars and I'd had a plan to put the 1uz into a Sierra hatch and build a XR8 replica and using the Lexus V8 would mean that the thing would go round corners which is something it was never keen on doing with the five litre ford V8 boat anchor.

But as it turns out, I rather like the LS400. It's a very enjoyable drive. It is an old car mind you, so all the electrickery while fun for a while seems very outdated by modern standards, which makes me feel better about making my LS more "performance" oriented.

I can hear more tutting, I'm not going for a stripped out track car, I'd just like it to feel more engaging (I know it was never designed as a drivers car)

I'd like to reduce the weight, increase the handling and braking capabilities and make it look more modern.

There will be coilovers and larger wheels involved and maybe even a manual conversion in the future, I could have gone for a soarer but I like the Q car look.

So don't hate me too much, for now I just want to get the car running in tip top order before I do anything.

It's a P 95 96 with 125k miles and full comprehensive history, the bodywork needs a little attention due to lacquer peel here and there, but everything seems to function as it should and it's at a nice point to bring it back to life instead of breaking the poor thing just for its heart.

Steve

[Bluesman]

Hi Steve and welcome to the LOC, we are a friendly bunch and some of us even know how to pull them to bits and put them back together again, with of course the one bolt and washer left over. Regards Mike.

[Ruud]

Welcome Steve :)

I'm sure you'll feel right at home . A good bunch of people on here.

[Foeux]

Welcome Steve :)

I'm sure you'll feel right at home . A good bunch of people on here.

I too am a 'newbie'. The welcome and the goldmine at your fingertips on the search function and the archive are brilliant.

[steve20vt]

Thanks for the warm welcome :) I'll be spending a good while in search mode.

[oldhazey]

Welcome Steve,i have also indeed been struck on the the old Japanese Muscle car that the LS400 is,such a wolf in sheep's :)

I know where your coming from with the 1uz,such an ideal bullit proof motor which can handle loads more ponys if required ie supercharge/turbo etc B)