SC430 Timing Belt Kits

DaKa · April 14, 2016

I've just purchased a nice SC430 (2003) and I feel that I got a good deal at £6250. My concern was the mileage 91,000 and the fact that the owner did not know when/if the cambelt had been changed.

Having owned a LS400 and also since 2009 a LS430 I know how important this item maintenance item is!

The good news is cleaning the engine bay I noticed a small plaque confirming the belt was changed in 2009 at circa 30,000 miles - presumably changed on the basis of age (7 years?). This means I'm no longer in a panic to get a new belt, but I feel one is due before the summer?

Changing a timing belt and water pump isn't new to me, I've done the LS and my classic Lotus Excel, but having got to that age in life and with a few bob in the bank, I want to use an independent Lexus specialist Westfield Rayleigh, Essex to do this for me.

Their quotation was excellent and even cheaper should I opt to provide the parts that they will fit, that surprised me.

My question is that I can see some well priced kits belt, pump, tensioner etc described as OEM and/ or OE parts, the manufacturers are all household names. However, they are imports from USA!

Does anyone have any good things to say about these kits, or must they be UK sourced - differences in spec etc?

I wonder if the lack of Lexus or Toyota on the parts box makes a difference as the manufacturer may well be the same Japan based company.

Looking forward to getting the top down and keeping my Lexi in top condition this year.

Bluesman · April 14, 2016

Pop into your local Lexus dealer and ask them if it shows on their records. Mike.

DaKa · April 15, 2016

Yes, good news in that all done by Lexus Plymouth in 2009 when they resold the car. Serviced by Lexus Woodford Green regularly since, with the last service April 2015.

My main question was on the usage of independently sourced OEM or OE timing belt kits from USA. Any thoughts links or comments from those experienced in trying this would be appreciated.

Thxs