So im going to be selling my gsr soon to pick one up.I have done some googling and found out a few thing's.I was happy when i came across so many thread's saying how strong the motor is even at 300k miles.But i was not able to see any thread's about making the v8 that come's in them a true beast of a machine na.Has any one built a NA sc400 or is it pointless to even try.I love the look of the car, if there are any pointer's you want to pass along to me.I would be most greatful thank's in advance.

 

You can try clublexus.com, I know they have a pretty good following over there for the SC, both 300 and 400. A guy we have here had an SC300, great cars but hard to find in good shape. There is also a guy who works in one of our dealerships that drives an SC400. He likes it pretty well, plenty of power. Not too much aftermarket for the engine apperently, I would say go for the SC300. Easier on gas, same body, and I have heard of people putting turbos on them with just a thicker head gasket for engine building!!! (not something I would recommend, just saying!)

 

There is plkenty of afterm,arket for the 1uzfe V8, it's just a little harder to find than for the popular sport compacts and muscle cars. Internals, cams, headers, etc. are all available from the aftermarket, as are brakcets for installing a centrifugal s/c and intake manifolds that accept eaton blowers from older t-birds and supercharged gm 3800s.

It's a more popular performance engine in Australia than it is here, from what I have seen. You can also bolt up the 5-speed from the n/a supra with relative ease (I think a an adapter is required, but there are companies that make DIY kits).

 

Hmm thanks for the info guy's i found a cherry one here in NM for 4k 89k and owned by a toyota mechanic.Im going to take a look here soon if i buy it tonight ill post some pic's of it.

 

How did that one turn out? any pics?

 

Tranny was shot to high heaven it stayed in second for way to long and jerked out of gear. There is only one more for sale in NM that isnt being sold by a lot.He only want's 3k for it but it has alot of mile's.

 

bought one here several years ago. great cars, plenty of power. depending on what year, double check on the front ball joints and door hinges. those are the most costly things to fix other than the usual serpentine & water pump.

the motor and tranny, if taken care of properly, are really solid units. just make sure the maintenance has been done at the usual intervals - if the owner can prove it.

 

Allot of people swap the 2j and get rid of the V8. I used to have a SC and was on the lexus forums all the time and that seems to be the popular thing to do. I have 1 guy swap a 6spd trans and SC the motor. I say keep the V8 stock, or get a SC300 and swap a 1j or 2j tt in it.

 

Im just having a hard time finding one that is not a lump of crap!

 

Have you looked in nearby states, like AZ? There are a few for sale here.