Neil E

Not at all..... Right first time, the ML name is owned by Harmon Industries. The oem system in the SC is still pretty good though...better than the newer ones that I've listened to.

I think 'Luggage open main switch NG' = no good. That may be the issue.

Great intro, enjoyed that.

If the boot doesn't open on the switch I wonder if the roof won't work because the boot isn't registered as 'shut?'

Yes it's possible but it is quite expensive to do. To retain the ML amp and most of the built in features, a Beat-Sonic adapter MVA-13LE is required. Alternatively the amp could be replaced with something better to connect to the after-market head unit but then you have to consider that the speakers are also matched to work with the Harmon (ML) amp.

https://euro.lexusownersclub.com/forums/index.php?/forum/5-sc-430/ You could try on the European forum, they are usually very helpful. I had to use Google translate quite a bit.

I don't think many people have the imported JDM SC430 on here, they are mostly the RHD European model.

For that much current drain I would suspect the audio amp. Is it operating normally and if you turn the head unit off before the ignition, does that stop the drain?

So much can depend on tyre choice but with standard suspension I wouldn't say the SC is stiffer than a GS430. If anything the SC rolls more than a GS hence the best upgrade for the SC is the MeisterR coilovers so that adjustments can be made to suit your driving style and preferences. If you miss the acceleration of the GS450 then you could be on my expensive slippery slope. I doubt a 450 could show me any dust but it would be cheaper to jump straight to a 5.0 litre F with a sunroof. 🤣 The SC was designed to be a relaxed tourer with a certain 'style' to sell well in the sunny states of the US but its heritage is in the Soarer, a proper grand tourer that I would place side by side with the LC500.

I think it's 29 seconds to lose the roof.

Yes I'm quite sure it's an option with a Viper Alarm and with the bonus option to operate the rear windows separately. Check Luxlink too though it could be just about impossible to get hold of one..

I think it has been done and with a remote too but do leave the option to stop it part way. I thought about doing something similar ages ago but is it really that frustrating to hold the button down or am I not going topless enough?

They are indeed pretty sturdy. My SC gets all the attention, the RX is the poor workhorse, it just gets serviced and is expected to keep going. Discs and pads are usually a nice straight-forward job on the RX and whichever model RX you have, they're very well appointed, completely dependable and a very fine car.

I have an RX with air. Almost 180k miles on original air struts. I've had to replace 2 rear controllers and that's it. Normal struts would be cheaper to replace and I dare say I would be on a third set by now. My non air SC has new suspension all round, the non air GS 430 needed new rears at 90k The LS with air was still fine with no issues at 110k miles, the Soarer with air did have 2 front struts replaced late on in life at less than £100 each but all was well when I sold it at 230k miles. Would I buy an SEL? you bet. With all the scary stories about air suspension where are all the cheap SEL models?

Hi Chris. A very nice car in a rare colour. New on here but known to the SC430 community.👍

The differences between the US and Euro cars are quite subtle is it not possible to change/order a different wiring harness? I adapted the early US Beat-Sonic interface with only a little head scratching.

Sunshine and dry roads. I've tried but apparently they're out of stock and on 'back order.'

Some of the standard servicing parts from Lexus are quite reasonable, it's worth checking before going elsewhere. As for the costs of mods, if you want more power it's an eye-watering amount (done that) but for cat-back exhaust, improvements in ride and performance it's not too bad. As a project car mine owes me more than £20K and I will hope to get close to £8k for it when I can find the right RCF. 😀 Another mod I would recommend is the Sprint-Booster. It really does make the car feel quicker even though all it's doing is opening the throttle quicker.

Having owned 2 GS430s I can say the SC certainly does have some commonality with them. They share a good number of parts. It's built and trimmed like the earlier model but drives more like the later GS430. I have a GS front anti-roll bar and an ISF rear anti-roll bar (they act as a zimmer-frame to compensate for my cornering inadequacies) so that gives you some idea of how similar they are in suspension set up. If you want a practical, comfortable ride, one of the guys in our friendly circle of aged SC430 owners has an air-ride suspension set up. It's awesome, and I'm jealous but it does limit the space in the boot. @Ian M That's a stunning looking late model you have. Rare to see one in that colour too.

Hi Richard, if you have £10k to spend it should be possible to pick up a very nice example. The 6-speed face-lift model is the one to go for as there were a few improvements for the 55 plate model. It's just a matter of finding a good one in the right colour and selecting a suitable hat for when the sun shows up. If it has been well maintained with a good service history an SC430 should be no trouble at all as they are extremely well put together. Just avoid anything abused or highly modified like mine....unless it's a cure for a 'full on' mid life crisis. Though I would definitely recommend MeisterR coilovers if you find one that has had that particular suspension upgrade done. Most discussion on SC430's is about replacing normal serviceable parts, improving the ride, and debate about which colour car looks best/goes quickest. Cambelt service and water pump at 10 years or 100k. Lexus parts but it doesn't have to be by the main dealer, there are a number of highly respected independents too. Check the air bag recall work has been done. Some have modest cat-back exhausts fitted to release a little more V8 growl, check the operation of the roof is smooth and check for any signs of rainwater leaking into the boot and any check engine lights that might indicate O2 sensor failure, etc. All usually easily diagnosed and fixed. On the SC430 forum you're more likely to hear of age related health problems with the owners than you will hear about issues with the cars, even mine at 140k miles is utterly reliable and drives without fault.

Yes it's as simple as that and not an MOT failure. Some of the cheap after-market TPMS systems are worth considering. The sensors replace the dust-caps and send a signal to a fairly discrete pressure monitor.

Does Toyota Techstream not work on the Soarer?

Have you tried a Lexus main dealer for the part?

Sounds great and worthy of a build thread.