Neil E

Yes Powerflow is an option but this car deserves to remain quiet.

Yes, it's rear wheel drive, engine is a 1UR-FSE, 8 speed. I think it has an LSD with the same ratios as an ISF. I'm gradually collecting info, I've read that 1616 vehicles were made in total. Yes Nick, very nice as standard. I've no desire to go wild with the appearance, in fact quite the opposite but I've always been curious as to why the GS was de-tuned to 342 bhp. The LS460 has 375 - 385 bhp. Apparently the previous owner had changed the exhaust to straight pipes for the noise but sensibly kept hold of the silencers which the dealer has put back. The twin tails have been grafted onto the silencers as the rear bumper cut-outs were re-shaped to accommodate them. Ideally I would put it back to standard but the devil in my ear says make it look standard, sound quiet with only a hint of V8 but release the horses by adding headers and an X pipe, plus whatever subtle tuning is required.

I was very lucky to recently stumble upon this GS460 so wasted no time in acquiring it. It's in pretty good condition with just a few fairly minor items to address including a routine service. At this early stage of ownership I'm not sure whether I shall simply restore it to order to be enjoyed in its original form or 'enhanced' for a little extra fun. I've started researching the detail of the GS460 and the potential to develop it a little. However it progresses, I thought it would be worth starting a build thread as it's rare to see a GS in this form. It's been called upon for work duty so hasn't been in a decent clean state for pictures yet so for as long as it remains available on You Tube, here is a link to the video the dealer made in support of the sale. www.youtube.com/embed/_e6YT_3sdOI?rel=0

That can happen when the battery is a bit low on charge and I've known it happen when completely iced over too.

I had every intention of purchasing a bigger ticket item for entry into the LS forum but instead, on impulse, acquired my third V8 GS however now that I have it, I’m really not sure what to do with it. I wouldn’t consider myself a Lexus novice but what lays beneath the bonnet remains a bit of a mystery to me despite a little research. So here‘s a picture of something you don’t see too often. I’ve read there are 12 or 13 left in the UK so I feel the weight of responsibility to treat it with at least a degree of respect but some minor upgrades are being considered. I have looked in some of the usual places to learn a little about it but if anyone has any useful insight I’m keen to understand things like why and how was it detuned and what general upgrades and improvements do owners make to a GS3 with 100k miles? My first impressions are that it is in pretty good shape, understated, well specified, it’s certainly quick and powerful without any sense of drama which I really like. Nice to have a car with radar cruise again too.🙂 Initial things on my list to investigate and consider. There's some wind noise from around the sunroof area, I don’t recall it on a previous GS430. Headlights seem a shade low on brightness and aim. Restrictive exhaust 'log' manifolds and air intake, why is it so different to the LS460 set up? 🙃 Throttle lag and slight hesitancy/fussy selecting gears, particularly at slower speeds despite the changes being mostly silky smooth. Perhaps it simply needs a reset.

Yes +1 on the MeisterR solution. It's the popular aftermarket adjustable coilover choice in the UK and in the US too.

Yes, apart from providing a better ride, if you occasionally go off the beaten track or encounter deep snow, cross fords, etc that's when you realise the benefit. Most RXs probably don't see too much of the wilderness so normal suspension would be absolutely fine. Oh, not forgetting the lowering feature for easy access too.....I'm getting old.🙂

The air suspension does get more tricky to preserve with age and high mileage but I always think it's a shame to lose the feature on the SEL. Is the leak definitely from the strut? At 180k I replaced one of my rear struts with a used unit and I think the other will need to be done soon. (I have a spare) I also recently renewed a front N/S top strut bearing too but both front corners seem fine even with all those miles on them.

It all depends on what you want to do but a good quality SS cat back (or third cat delete) replacement exhaust system, done properly, should cost around £700, perhaps a little less. Replacement exhaust parts from the dealer are still available and may not be as expensive as you might imagine. Some owners have gone that route. It's unlikely that a decent used exhaust becomes available but you never know.

Oh I see. I expect that's because the content had been removed after the notification bell.

I think it's just a case of observing the rules.

These guys are very good too. https://www.liquidleather.co.uk/leather-dyes-c48/dyes-c91/dye-65ml-just-dye-no-toners-or-sponges-p152 I'm just in the process of adding some fresh dye to the SC430 ivory leather. It does need to be thoroughly cleaned first and then the dye can be applied with a sponge. Spraying it on in light even coats would be better. There are a few you tube videos that show how repairs can be done too. Concentrating effort to get a smooth even coat on one panel at a time works best for me but the dye is quite easy to apply. Treat it like paint, build it up with several thin layers to get a good consistent even cover.

Hi Tom If the Cat D is the same one I think it is then it had quite severe damage to the whole front end, bonnet and front near side. Suspension damage, fuse boxes and air bags. Pretty sure it's the same plate, black on black, mileage and no MOT data between 2008 and 2014 rings true. It could have been repaired to a very high standard in the right hands but checking the MOT history I fear it wasn't. 2019 Do not drive until repaired (dangerous defects): Nearside Front Suspension rod fractured (5.3.3 (b) (ii)) The 6 speed facelift is the one to go for. Compared to the RCF you will need to allow for that extra second for every trip. It's not as sharp or sporty, there's no fake exhaust/induction noise but it's much better as a driver's car than the reviews would have you believe. It should be every bit as comfortable in the front as the RCF. The back seats are awful but okay for toddlers or small people for a short distance. Coil-overs and bigger sway bars improve the car considerably without compromising the ride. You might find one that has improved suspension and a cat back exhaust as these are common mods as are staggered fitment alloys. Apart from that, there are occasional faulty 02 sensors to replace, reluctor rings are a known issue but provided it's been properly maintained, an SC430 should be utterly reliable.

Bought lots of high end kit from Peter Huet over the years but of course I do my own installs. He is indeed an enthusiast and a genuine nice guy. Sorry to hear the deal on the LS600 didn't work out. I quite fancy an LS but they are very rare. I would say a slightly higher mileage car that has been looked after might be better than one with less than 80k that hasn't had much done to it. I almost bought an 09 with 70k on it but the bodywork needed a few minor dings sorting out and the dealer wasn't going to move enough on price so I left it. Lexus Guildford had a nice looking 09 for £19k but that seems to have disappeared. There are one or two later low mileage models around but none of them are keenly priced.

Good to hear Huets are still maintaining a high standard of workmanship. Their operation has been scaled down for some time now as so few people are genuinely interested in audio quality. At the height of the in-car hifi boom they were quite a force with shops in Brighton and Worthing.

Figs know a thing or two about suspension. Worth a look. https://www.shopfigs.com/v3/by-vehicle/cat-lexus-SC/cat-sc430

Another great job Rob. We've come to expect it but I do admire your attention to detail. Even the bolts and slider pins look shiny enough to be used 'in theatre.'

One solution is to make use of the offside reverse lamp within the cluster. That was the solution used in my blue V8.

Same old comment too......who let scrooge back into the SC forum? 🤣 You asked for the end jingle to be changed and it was. Ignore him Thomas, carry on regardless, he's just a grumpy old trucker. 🤣🤣 Have you tried this site for music? It's not free but there are some good tracks on it. https://www.premiumbeat.com/

Another great vid Thomas, well done. Perhaps Santa could bring you a drone and a 4 post lift for Christmas to keep up with those Savagegeese. 🙂 Happy to lend you my SC to throw around a track for the drift shots.

Hi Manuel, good to hear the SC gets proper exercise. The RX300 is my trusty versatile workhorse but I must admit I too am considering a big lazy V8 saloon to replace it with, I'm considering a return to an LS. My SC has seen a little less duty this year so despite the high mileage it's looking quite good with fewer blemishes than normal. Apart from all of the silly modifications, I would say it's abused and pampered in equal measure.

They do occasionally appear but yes you may have to compromise a little or wait for the right car to come along. If you find one in the right colour combination that has been looked after properly then that too would be worth considering as higher mileage on these beasts really isn't a problem. It depends on the circumstances of course but I often think that a car that has seen regular use and proper maintenance is better than one that's sat idle for long periods of time. A car with say 90k FSH, new cambelt and water pump service, new shocks, bushes, brakes, tyres, exhaust, etc might be better than one with 40k advertised as little use with so many components perished. My badly treated car has done over a 150k miles, it doesn't miss a beat, no loss of power, in fact it has gained a little. 🙂

Good choice, a late black on black V8 Ltd would be rare and a very desirable car. Likely to be £6k +

I was only referring to the colour white that I'm not keen on. The white Soarer looks pretty good. If I had a choice of colour I would go for blue as per my blue V8.

I'm not so keen on the colour but the white one looks a decent prospect with a high level of equipment. If you find one for say £3k it's likely to need a lot of work to get it to where the white one is already. I think the 1UZFE V8 Limited is the definition of a Soarer so that's the model I would choose. It was as good in its day as the LC500 is today,....but more comfortable. The 2.5T VVTi or TT is better than having an F-Sport option today as it's really quick and with a little time and cash can be quicker so if someone wanted a luxury sleeper Supra, it's ideal.