Actually the auto transmission is amazing and can hold some power as well. Upgrade your clutch and add a lightweight flywheel if you want. Shim the transmission and add a transmission cooler, and they can hold even more power. That will also help firm up the shifts. Guys do you're research on the A650E.
These are actually things you need to know if you get a gs. This also helps with UZ cars in general if you're having trouble finding parts or deciding between a car with one or the other. The 400 came with a vvti motor, it made 300 crank not 250, maybe 250 wheel hp, the 430 made the same power just 10 more ft lbs of torque. The 300 2jzge was 220hp crank. Maybe 190 whp. The UZ VVTI is not only lighter than the 2jz ge with the aluminum block, compared to the gte it makes only 20 less hp but the same torque out of a thickwall aluminum n/a engine with 6 bolt mains and choked heavily from factory. Headers and a tune has been known to make 20hp alone. You spend maybe 6-800 dollars to upgrade your car to be as fast an aristo if you do the tuning and installs yourself with an even better powerband. The 300 you'd have to spend a few bands. Weight reduction alone on wheels n coils will get you most of the way there. The ecu's on the 400's don't go bad like you say, maybe 1st gen 300 "no 400 here in the states" and the uz's in the sc's that are non vvti, but different car. The 400 is NOT a tuneable ecu and the 430 is. The 400 you need a piggyback, but the 400 had a more stout motor, being that they are the same but the 430 is bored out to max bore size. Ie you can't handle as much power through the 430 block and if you have to rebore or hone the block to the next size, you cannot with a 430. Again, same block different bore sizes. The difference in bore size means the 400 block alone, not the rest of the components can handle 1600hp or more, the 3uz BLOCK can maybe handle 650 before cracking. Keep that in mind, a 1000hp difference. Heads, same part # for both sides and between 400 and 430, but I've heard the 430 was revised for more flow like the oil pump and many other replaceable parts on the engine. Both the 400 and 430 have thin rods, but the 430 are still thinner than even the thin 400 rods. The early thick rods from the ls400's and sc's are interchangeable throughout all UZ's even 2uz's. Ie you can use them for a budget build. Same thing goes for 300's with the sc300 rods being much thicker rods than the vvti gs300 rods. Door lock actuators, steering wheel tilt motors, and air con are the main wiring issues. Air con is less common and its just the actuators that are replaceable though some difficult to get to. Everything else easily replaceable and last 100-200k miles at least after fixing them with OEM parts, heck I fixed my tilt motor with sand paper and rubbing alcohol, took me 20 minutes. The booster pump is the biggest issue with this car, they go bad and its either 8-1200 dollars down the drain or a gamble at a junkyard, 00+ gets a revised booster that doesn't go out nearly as often. The starter on the uz is difficult to get to, and the variable intake flaps go bad too and most people just drive without the increased power that it gives you without even noticing, both are in the same place, if you know how to work on cars its not that bad at all takes maybe an hour or 2 if you have a friend to help lift it out. If your powersteering pump goes out, that will kill your alternator on the uz's as its right over it. So power steering is a must when it goes out, and its an interference motor with a timing belt, so those are also necessary every 80-90k miles. The auto is not that bad, it has a line pressure dial, you can raise it, and shim the accumulators to make it handle well over 600hp, may sap some power, but that's what coolers and bigger turbos are for. Ball joints and caster arm bushings tend to fail on these prematurely. Mine took a shit in 20k miles of being replaced by the dealer and previous owner, 20k miles is 5 years for my car in Arizona heat but either way its insane, you almost need poly caster arms to not have them fail immediately. Also, to lower them they require a fuck ton of work to do properly without hitting the chassis or eating tires. adjustable Upper control arms, cut knuckles so your control arm doesn't smack the shock tower at anything lower than stock rideheight, front caster arms, rear upper control arms, cutting the pinch weld in back, rear upper control arms, rear toe arms, potentially more. Even if you don't lower them, still replace the ball joints and caster arms bushings or check before buying.
@@richardfitzgerald4815 Will say, the 06+ models are a different breed entirely. Outside of the engine, it's pretty much completely different. Good revisions outside of the removal of the dipstick... Lock actuators you can actually purchase and replace the cables and not have to replace the actuators when you inevitably break a cable, and they aren't dogshit actuators/latch plates like the 2nd gens. The stereo has a screen that isn't on its own proprietary interface so the subwoofer and amp bypass wiring nightmare that is the 2nd gen for aftermarket stereos is non-existent, ie you can hook up a screen adapter for car play and use the OEM display and not deal with a wiring mess. Also and updated tilt motor design that doesn't break in 80-120k miles, and actually purchasable, unlike the ones in the early gs that you'll have to pull off of a junkyard car and cleanup or just unplug the motor entirely and lock it in place. Theres a whole lot more but I don't really want to bore you. All in all great cars and definitely an upgrade outside of my biggest gripe, the taillights.
So I live in the north and I have a GS 400. If you use the snow mode that car has in the snow works perfectly fine. You just Gotta be easy on the gas. Literally the best car ever owned.
Also watch for bad ball joints they tend to go bad in these things, you should be able to hear a clunky kinda sound when going over bumps if they’re bad
I’ve ran into zero wiring issues with these cars, that’s all depending on the previous owner just like any car. You didn’t mention any of the real cons, these are come from being an older vehicle lower balljoints, door actuators, harmonic balancer, front seals. The car has a big scene in japan such as GSKINGZ but there are plenty of examples where these are drag raced tracked and drifted like Hertz. Forgot to mention the special editions like sport design, platinum series or the 3UZ GS430. any 2jz or UZ with the right exhaust sounds amazing, atleast they don’t sound like trumpets. I don’t understand how that would be listed as a con, sure stock it’s quiet just like most cars.
never heard anything abt these wiring issues but some stuff to look out for are the valve cover gaskets leaking, door lock actuators stop working and most common the ball joints definitely replace those before its too late. if youre looking at one of these you probably dont care abt “only auto” but great vip cars parts like tails, grilles and kits are pretty pricey but overall pretty solid car and i regret selling mine
ive had my car for over 3 years now, technically my first car. when i first got it i felt like i was the only one even going to car meets. nowadays i see it more frequently (of course its when mine is sitting having misfiring issues lmao)
I thought i was the only one that thought they look sketchy been looking at the GS 350 someone post 130k miles but when i checked the carfax, it had 240k miles. It was at an auction last also.
I just bought one for $400. It turns on and some what drives. It will rev up fine in neutral and park but once I go in reverse, drive, second, or low it won’t rev up and goes like 2mph
Weird that the IS 300 makes 10 less hp than the GS 300 and SC 300. My Solara also makes 225 hp with a different engine. A LOT of sporty cars seem to make around 225 hp: C30, SRT4, V6 Camry, a certain BMW that I can't remember the name of; any others? Pray you feel better Mark.
I used one as a off-road rig forever, sounded like you’d blow the thing to pieces but was fine, until I tapped a fence and ripped the front of the car off
Hey man I just saw your jdm for different budgets videos. I was hoping I could make a request can you show love to us family men? Like is it possible for you to do a jdm for different budgets video Sedan edition? I still love JDM imports but I have a family now and would like some guidance on JDM sedans.
What would be other good options arround that price for a project car? Considering the fact they should be just as reliable. Ik you have made videos about cars that cost about the same ammount of money but many of those arent 4 seaters nor are they as luxurious. Would be glad to know :)
You gotta use Wikipedia even they have the power output correct,good video other than missing gotta do better research.Great editing and clear speaking!!No hate bro.
I watched 2 minutes and realized this guy has no idea what he’s talking about. The gs400 made 300hp not 250 and bro really thought there was a wagon ☠️
Actually the auto transmission is amazing and can hold some power as well. Upgrade your clutch and add a lightweight flywheel if you want. Shim the transmission and add a transmission cooler, and they can hold even more power. That will also help firm up the shifts. Guys do you're research on the A650E.
Damn right!Anyone else notice he said 250 hp in gs400
Facts... Have an IS 02 AT 325k miles.
These are actually things you need to know if you get a gs. This also helps with UZ cars in general if you're having trouble finding parts or deciding between a car with one or the other.
The 400 came with a vvti motor, it made 300 crank not 250, maybe 250 wheel hp, the 430 made the same power just 10 more ft lbs of torque. The 300 2jzge was 220hp crank. Maybe 190 whp. The UZ VVTI is not only lighter than the 2jz ge with the aluminum block, compared to the gte it makes only 20 less hp but the same torque out of a thickwall aluminum n/a engine with 6 bolt mains and choked heavily from factory. Headers and a tune has been known to make 20hp alone. You spend maybe 6-800 dollars to upgrade your car to be as fast an aristo if you do the tuning and installs yourself with an even better powerband. The 300 you'd have to spend a few bands. Weight reduction alone on wheels n coils will get you most of the way there.
The ecu's on the 400's don't go bad like you say, maybe 1st gen 300 "no 400 here in the states" and the uz's in the sc's that are non vvti, but different car. The 400 is NOT a tuneable ecu and the 430 is. The 400 you need a piggyback, but the 400 had a more stout motor, being that they are the same but the 430 is bored out to max bore size. Ie you can't handle as much power through the 430 block and if you have to rebore or hone the block to the next size, you cannot with a 430. Again, same block different bore sizes. The difference in bore size means the 400 block alone, not the rest of the components can handle 1600hp or more, the 3uz BLOCK can maybe handle 650 before cracking. Keep that in mind, a 1000hp difference. Heads, same part # for both sides and between 400 and 430, but I've heard the 430 was revised for more flow like the oil pump and many other replaceable parts on the engine. Both the 400 and 430 have thin rods, but the 430 are still thinner than even the thin 400 rods. The early thick rods from the ls400's and sc's are interchangeable throughout all UZ's even 2uz's. Ie you can use them for a budget build. Same thing goes for 300's with the sc300 rods being much thicker rods than the vvti gs300 rods.
Door lock actuators, steering wheel tilt motors, and air con are the main wiring issues. Air con is less common and its just the actuators that are replaceable though some difficult to get to. Everything else easily replaceable and last 100-200k miles at least after fixing them with OEM parts, heck I fixed my tilt motor with sand paper and rubbing alcohol, took me 20 minutes. The booster pump is the biggest issue with this car, they go bad and its either 8-1200 dollars down the drain or a gamble at a junkyard, 00+ gets a revised booster that doesn't go out nearly as often. The starter on the uz is difficult to get to, and the variable intake flaps go bad too and most people just drive without the increased power that it gives you without even noticing, both are in the same place, if you know how to work on cars its not that bad at all takes maybe an hour or 2 if you have a friend to help lift it out. If your powersteering pump goes out, that will kill your alternator on the uz's as its right over it. So power steering is a must when it goes out, and its an interference motor with a timing belt, so those are also necessary every 80-90k miles. The auto is not that bad, it has a line pressure dial, you can raise it, and shim the accumulators to make it handle well over 600hp, may sap some power, but that's what coolers and bigger turbos are for.
Ball joints and caster arm bushings tend to fail on these prematurely. Mine took a shit in 20k miles of being replaced by the dealer and previous owner, 20k miles is 5 years for my car in Arizona heat but either way its insane, you almost need poly caster arms to not have them fail immediately. Also, to lower them they require a fuck ton of work to do properly without hitting the chassis or eating tires. adjustable Upper control arms, cut knuckles so your control arm doesn't smack the shock tower at anything lower than stock rideheight, front caster arms, rear upper control arms, cutting the pinch weld in back, rear upper control arms, rear toe arms, potentially more. Even if you don't lower them, still replace the ball joints and caster arms bushings or check before buying.
I have a 06 GS430 thank you for the input 💯
@@richardfitzgerald4815 Will say, the 06+ models are a different breed entirely. Outside of the engine, it's pretty much completely different.
Good revisions outside of the removal of the dipstick... Lock actuators you can actually purchase and replace the cables and not have to replace the actuators when you inevitably break a cable, and they aren't dogshit actuators/latch plates like the 2nd gens. The stereo has a screen that isn't on its own proprietary interface so the subwoofer and amp bypass wiring nightmare that is the 2nd gen for aftermarket stereos is non-existent, ie you can hook up a screen adapter for car play and use the OEM display and not deal with a wiring mess. Also and updated tilt motor design that doesn't break in 80-120k miles, and actually purchasable, unlike the ones in the early gs that you'll have to pull off of a junkyard car and cleanup or just unplug the motor entirely and lock it in place. Theres a whole lot more but I don't really want to bore you. All in all great cars and definitely an upgrade outside of my biggest gripe, the taillights.
Now this ist some actually helpful stuff
Damn man, if you have a thread pls link it in the comments. Thank you for the info 🙏🏼
quality of materials and build in the cabin/interior is peak 90's Lexus quality.
no cracks, no melting dash, everything fits nicely, no creaks.
True
The 1UZ in the GS400 has 300HP not 250
So I live in the north and I have a GS 400. If you use the snow mode that car has in the snow works perfectly fine. You just Gotta be easy on the gas. Literally the best car ever owned.
Also watch for bad ball joints they tend to go bad in these things, you should be able to hear a clunky kinda sound when going over bumps if they’re bad
I’ve ran into zero wiring issues with these cars, that’s all depending on the previous owner just like any car. You didn’t mention any of the real cons, these are come from being an older vehicle lower balljoints, door actuators, harmonic balancer, front seals. The car has a big scene in japan such as GSKINGZ but there are plenty of examples where these are drag raced tracked and drifted like Hertz. Forgot to mention the special editions like sport design, platinum series or the 3UZ GS430. any 2jz or UZ with the right exhaust sounds amazing, atleast they don’t sound like trumpets. I don’t understand how that would be listed as a con, sure stock it’s quiet just like most cars.
@@GrindSultan I agree, that’s what I said the only real cons on this car are maintenance items that need to be replaced due to old age.
picking up an 03 gs430 next week, any recommendations for where to buy my parts or general advice?
Apart of the Lexus Gs350 fam 💪🏽🔥💯
Goat
never heard anything abt these wiring issues but some stuff to look out for are the valve cover gaskets leaking, door lock actuators stop working and most common the ball joints definitely replace those before its too late. if youre looking at one of these you probably dont care abt “only auto” but great vip cars parts like tails, grilles and kits are pretty pricey but overall pretty solid car and i regret selling mine
Wiring issues are just from the fact they’re old so more time for mice to get up in there or for things to dry rot
i have wiring issues only because prev mechanic, but i had wiring issues before. its just worse now
I’ve heard that you should replace the balls joints like once a year if you can cause they go out.
Nice vid Mark. I see that you are very close to 90k. This is a good look
Right man it’s crazy lol
ive had my car for over 3 years now, technically my first car. when i first got it i felt like i was the only one even going to car meets. nowadays i see it more frequently (of course its when mine is sitting having misfiring issues lmao)
Best and most reliable car I have ever owned
Good video plug with the Lexus demonstrating the pipes at exhaust addicts in my hometown of Nashville!
Glad to find this, about to pick up a 300, mile+ 1st Gen. I'll never let this thing die xD
I have a 98 GS400
it's a cruiser, not a racer
but you can get it to go
it has tiptronic shift buttons on the wheel to manually bam gears
Yessir and that’s sick
I thought i was the only one that thought they look sketchy been looking at the GS 350 someone post 130k miles but when i checked the carfax, it had 240k miles. It was at an auction last also.
Wheres the best place to look for aftermarket parts for the 300? headlights, lips, kits, wheels, etc.?
I just bought one for $400. It turns on and some what drives. It will rev up fine in neutral and park but once I go in reverse, drive, second, or low it won’t rev up and goes like 2mph
Mine is a 94
Ecu problems is only for the 2001 model
Just now picked one up for $3700, 98k miles perfect interior, many many offers and attempting to buy gs’s I finally got the right one
Same here, picked up an 03 gs300 with 126k for only $3,500. Loving it so far.
@@dailydriver5568congrats brother!!
Hi i would really like to have a good bad and ugly for the bmw e92 pls.
Nah you doing that slash had me dying I ran the video back 4x just to see it again😂
Hahaha thanks bro
Awesome vid
Please do a good bad and ugly on the bmw 1 series👍🏾 buying a 128i with m sport package and would like to hear your thoughts
Okie dokie
the hell i was just looking to buy one and you make a video on it ty btw
Ofc ofc
Weird that the IS 300 makes 10 less hp than the GS 300 and SC 300. My Solara also makes 225 hp with a different engine. A LOT of sporty cars seem to make around 225 hp: C30, SRT4, V6 Camry, a certain BMW that I can't remember the name of; any others? Pray you feel better Mark.
You’re right it’s such a common number on sports cars
lost of these cars came out during the gentlemens agreement limiting horsepower from the factory. Most companies lied about stock hp
Can we get a good/bad/ugly video for all generations mr2 (sw20 specifically)
It has a manual mode
Awesome video bro
Love my GS300, compared to the bmw's i owned; love the 2jz engine, but bmw's steer better.
Good video though, keep it up!
I literally just put mine on FB Marketplace! LOL!
Hahaha some guy said he was just looking to buy one so there ya go
I used one as a off-road rig forever, sounded like you’d blow the thing to pieces but was fine, until I tapped a fence and ripped the front of the car off
Hey man I just saw your jdm for different budgets videos. I was hoping I could make a request can you show love to us family men? Like is it possible for you to do a jdm for different budgets video Sedan edition? I still love JDM imports but I have a family now and would like some guidance on JDM sedans.
It could be because I'm getting older but no one really talks about JDM Sedans and Wagons ya know?
For sure bro
@@markroden Thanks bro you're a real one for this.
I love mine best daily driver and it’s cheap to fix
What would be other good options arround that price for a project car? Considering the fact they should be just as reliable. Ik you have made videos about cars that cost about the same ammount of money but many of those arent 4 seaters nor are they as luxurious. Would be glad to know :)
There is a awd 2jz na one
Everyone thinks 2GS's are so heavy, they aren't much heavier from a is300, the automatics a650e or jdm A340e can be built to handle 700-800tq
There’s many things you forgot to mention and got wrong but good video either way.
great video thanks
What’s a good but cool daily for CT????
Who repairs ecu’s
That Europa Universalis 4 song on background...
Bro the skyrim theme song is like always in the background of these videos 🤣
Could you Please PLEASE do the 3rd Gen Lexus GS 350, it's difficult finding a clean IS 350, I've been wondering if the 3rd gen is a good alternative🙏
it is but no where near the same amount of "car guy" value, less aftermarket, body style, and less motor work avalabl-e
you trippin bro these cup holders suck, but the rest of the car holds up to the legend.
Hi I’m new to the car scene I’ve been wanting to buy a used car for around 3k you know any places where I can search
Can u put a b58 in it
I got a 450h and had a 460
Goat
should make note that your gs is NOT going to be comfortable if it looks like the one on the screen when he said it hahahah
it has the 2jz gte just like the aristo v300
No it doesn’t, the U.S. GS300 never got it besides I think a very limited number but those are incredibly rare
@@markroden In the uk the gs300 got a 2jz so don't know why the U.S. didn't get it
@@Detomasop900we got the 2jz-ge basically more or less the 2jz-gte just non turbo. Also known as vvti
@@swettle604 it got a twin turbocharged 2jz in the uk
Can you do the good bad and ugly on the Toyota solara please bro 🙏🏾
i have one, great car
You gotta use Wikipedia even they have the power output correct,good video other than missing gotta do better research.Great editing and clear speaking!!No hate bro.
Misinformation*
I watched 2 minutes and realized this guy has no idea what he’s talking about. The gs400 made 300hp not 250 and bro really thought there was a wagon ☠️
Literally just liked this because Skyrim music
mark never fails to make me giggle and jiggle
Kinda gay
Instead of budget cars for a category do most expensive cars for that category idk
Im going to go in vip daily Lexus
You said the gs400 had 250hp, no it has 300.
And the mpg on the gs400 sucks, 18/22
Brz
Ok
W
W
Imagine saying this 5at is bad but immediately saying the jatco 5ats were good💀💀💀 all credibility flies out the window
Grow up kid
Okay, this guy is delusional...
I wish I could leave a voice message to tell you how much I hate you
fell of L yout uber no idea what hes talking abouyt
@@hunterhayden5243 bro turn on autocorrect Jesus