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Early Sc430 Suspension


Paul_G
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OK 6 months in with my 2002 SC430, and I love the car, but the suspension really sucks. I know the later models has some modifications, and I wanted to know if any of these can be retrofitted to the earlier models, and what the approximate costs would be? Any one got any ideas?

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Ditto I have exactly the question.

Mine is a 51 plate, and the early suspensions were changed (at owners request) by Lexus to presumably be a softer setup.

I asked LexusGB what that setup was - and had mine been changed - and apparently it was 'updated' at the then owners request in 2004

I have driven other SC's and the 02 I drove was a much smoother ride than mine, so I guess there are other changes ??

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Interesting, yours was changed in 2004 to be softer? Wonder how they achieved that. I had a S Type Jag before this SC430, and whilst that was a horrendous car for other reasons, it did handle and feel very good on the road. The Lexus seems to bump and bash around like a cart in comparison.

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Its a small world - I swapped my S-Type for the SC430

In spite of the 2004 update by Lexus it still crashes around like a go cart.

I do know that early official UK spec models were very harsh - and Lexus did a production change and offered a retro-fit to existing owners

The production changes came into effect i 2002 - which was the other model year I drive with limo-levels of comfort.

The toe/camber is different (from 2002 onwards) and there must be different suspension components (shocks, coils, etc.. ??)

I'm not entirely sure LexusGB didnt fob me off by saying my VIN had the update - unless my components are worn and need replacing for a smoother ride ?

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Mine was 6 months old when I bought it so I doubt it ever had the mods done as mine is a late 2001. But then I had Tein coliovers and Daizen sway bars fitted. If you have to pay to do those early mods would probs be best to do what I did instead.

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Sounds good, do you have the exact part numbers and approx cost?

Well it will be more to get coilovers but they will be like night and day. Just getting the OEM fix would be like throwing money away IMO.

I got the Tein coilovers which where about £1200, but there are alot of cheaper priced options now. I would suggest the Meister R ones.

http://www.meisterr.com/Site/Lexus_SC430_UZZ40.html

Speak to Jerrick on here thats his company.

The sway bars are harder to come by now as my Daizen ones are no longer made, I would try contacting them to see if they can help.

http://www.daizensporttuning.com

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Thanks for the information.

I'm not being controversial, just trying to understand - so excuse me being brusque....

I'm not that mechanically minded, but from what I've read 'coilovers' are essentially designed for high-performance or track-based vehicles - will that make the SC ride more comfortable ? And if so how ???

Also, I'm guessing that a 'sway-bar' is an anti-roll bar ?

Do the SC's have an issues with the ARB ?? If so, what is it and what does the upgrade part do to create comfort ?

An explanation would be good, as I do like to understand whats going on and what I can do to create a supple ride with comfort....

Many thanks

Shaun

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Hi Shaun coilovers are fully adjustable so you have height up and down and dampers for soft and firm. So you can set them up exactly how you like best. Personally I prefer to be lower as your also changing the centre of gravity but you can have them at stock height if you want as well.

TBH I dont think anyone makes sport coilovers for the SC430 so your not going to get a trackday suspension setup. My Teins where the CS comfort ones and im pretty sure the Meister R ones are setup for comfort, but have a word with Jerrick first.

Yes, the anti-roll bars on these cars are very thin. Alot of the sc430 owners on the American forums swear by upgrading the anti-roll bars. Even saying its a better option to do then changing to coilovers (if you can only do one or the other). Only problem is they are not so easy to get now.

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  • 2 years later...
  • 2 weeks later...

now fitted the meister roll over coils and i am delighted with the transformation of the car.much better feel for the car,superior ride (adjusted to soft ride) the whole job total cost inc fitting £825.the longest part was adjusting the suspension for the ABS i would fully recommend this upgrade

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  • 2 weeks later...

hi paul,got the exhaust done yesterday,sounds great.not too noisy just nice and throaty.LONGLIFE EXHAUST SYSTEMS IN LEEDS manufactured it but i think LONGLIFE is a franchise.it cost £399+vat.not had chance to drive the car yet as i have just had a knee re-placement so not able to get into the car! you can chose what level of sound you want so as i say until i drive the car under load i canot asses it fully,kind regards trevor

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I asked Longlife in Leeds and told them I wanted a quiet exhaust to match the original. They went on about 'mid sport' being the most popular sound but when I said I don't want any sound..

They suggested in a round about way it couldn't be done with their method...

I stuck to the original.

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  • 2 weeks later...

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