I had a GS 450h and it was ridiculously quick, reliable, economical and comfortable. The only issue was high its speed handling, very tempted to buy again for a track/road project involving coilovers.
@@MikeMacful I suspect the same since I would have gone low and hard. I almost bought a Sport GS of the same year (2007) with active suspension but couldn’t stomach the bumpers and side skirts, didn’t get to test drive it but I’d like to know how good the system is.
@@felixash9716 When going at high speed 70mph + my car was very wallow, much like a van. Possibly it could have benefited from new OEM dampers but it was really quite noticeable so I’m not sure it would have made much difference. The active sport suspension of the sport model would have been much better I think or a lower and stiffer damper and spring set up.
Nice video, just came across your channel. Have had one of these for 3 years now. Has a shudder around 40mpg on low revs though, but perfect otherwise. Not sure what to do, but have been driving it like this for a while now. Good luck with yours I’ll make sure to check out your other videos
Nice video! Just looking to buy one, really love the looks and what you get for that price. Also looking at the CLS500, but I believe it will be way more expensive to maintain
Great video mate. Very interested in watching the progression of your GS. I have the same model in the Us. Have a done a few mods also. Hit me back and let me know if you have done any o the suspension mods yet. Thanks again for doing the video. Great info.
Thanks Dave - I’ve only installed and adjusted the coil overs so far, next is sway bars, then suspension bushes, finally I’ll install chassis bracing and steering/shock tower braces (if I feel it needs it). Right now it’s apart again for valve guides (video coming soon) and I may do a few opportune jobs at the same time…
In sum - started replacing valve cover gaskets, noticed cam and VVTi seals were leaking so stripped further to do them. Made a mistake and bent two valves at which point I had to take the whole lot apart. Rest of it was just tracking Intake leaks and other gremlins. It’s all apart again now, but that’s because some valve guides are worn and it wasn’t spotted by the shop that did the valves. Good fun!!
Great video! Do you think a 05 S190 GS430 is worth getting with 260.000 km on the clock? History is good, tires are almost new, but I don't know about the brakes. Price is 7000£, budget for maintenance right now is around 10.000£.
Thanks; glad you enjoyed it! Ref your Q, TBH condition and proof of maintenance is more important; the 3UZ is strong if looked after, but the usual gaskets/seals etc may be getting old and leaking a bit at higher miles (no different to any other engine). Wider, check what state the underside is in - rear subframes and other bits can rust and lead to issues. Other than that it’s just the usual checks; there shouldn’t be any electrical issues. Price wise I’m not sure - seems a bit high for the miles but as said, depends on condition. ‘05 means cheaper tax in the UK, which is a bonus! Best of luck if you do go for it!
Main difference is spec (unless you get an SE-L), and the engine. The 3.0 V6 is a nice smooth engine, but as it's direct injection, it will clog up the intake like any other DI engine. There may be other issues, but I'm not too familiar with them, as they aren't suitable for LPG conversion, so didn't meet my needs.
The Coilovers I got had a mounting point for the ABS line, so that was fine; not sure what you mean by the PCS? If it's the adjustable shock damping, then no, I just left the connector loose and stored the motors. It doesn't throw a check engine light, so is all good.
F-Sport is a trim level, but also used to badge some performance upgrades across the Lexus range. These are specific for the Mk3 RWD GS so I doubt they’d be interchangeable. They may be compatible with the Mk2 IS, as the suspension is the same, but I suspect not, as the IS isn’t as wide as the GS.
Ha! I have had that out of it - and higher (I commute in it and it’s at its best on that kind of driving). The truth though, is that the actual consumption of LPG is about 20% less so my usual figure is about 24mpg actual. Still good, though.
Uk gallon is larger than US (4.546 Lt) - I assume you’re in the States? Also, I do a lot of motorway, constant speed, driving. I suspect that’s what it is.
Shown in other videos, but it’s had all gaskets, seals (inc. valve stem and VVT seals) replaced, valve clearance done, exhaust valve guides replaced as well as two valves. Bit of an epic, but it’s running brilliantly now.
A lot of oil leaks, one of which turned out to be cam seals, followed by a re-timing error when re-installing the cams that meant one head had to come off, at which point I decided to do both sides so i could do stem and spark plug seals too.
Do you know if the GS430 and GS450h have the same grille dimensions? I’m wanting to purchase one without the logo but all listings don’t include the GS450h! They look the exact same to me exterior wise
I would be amazed if not - best way to check is using a site called Toyodiy which will allow you to compare part numbers, but I really don’t see them being different
GS450H IS ECONOMICAL ON HYBRID AND 3.5 V6 ENGINE THAT'S THE OBVIOUS DIFFERENCE AND BETTER IN MY OPINION CHEAPER UK ROAD TAX. I JUST BOUGHT THE 06 PLATE ON HYBRID FOR £2,500 ON 126,000 MILEAGE A FEW WEEKS AGO. A STEAL BARGAIN DRIVE LIKE A BRAND NEW CAR.
@@ToliePoley It has nice blue badges. I also have a 2011 version of 450h and it has different taillights from every other GS of that generation that I've seen.
Other than the impact of additional weight and a longer wheelbase not much TBH. So, slower acceleration, longer braking distance, more inertia when cornering. But if we’re talking weight, the LS430 is about the same as a new S550 Mustang… ETA - it’s also more comfy and has more toys, but I don’t worry too much about that 😁
Really enjoyed that Mike, very well delivered. Looking forward to following what you do with the car.
Cheers Neil - much appreciated. There’s a lot on the cards considering it’s just meant to be a daily!!
I had a GS 450h and it was ridiculously quick, reliable, economical and comfortable. The only issue was high its speed handling, very tempted to buy again for a track/road project involving coilovers.
Bushes and coil overs would have made a big difference I suspect
@@MikeMacful I suspect the same since I would have gone low and hard. I almost bought a Sport GS of the same year (2007) with active suspension but couldn’t stomach the bumpers and side skirts, didn’t get to test drive it but I’d like to know how good the system is.
Why do you mean by “speed handling?” Was it hard to control?
@@felixash9716 When going at high speed 70mph + my car was very wallow, much like a van. Possibly it could have benefited from new OEM dampers but it was really quite noticeable so I’m not sure it would have made much difference. The active sport suspension of the sport model would have been much better I think or a lower and stiffer damper and spring set up.
Hybrid isn’t reliable 😂😂
I have a 2008 GS 460 with 68k. Best car ever! These are great bang for your buck. 😎
Damn dude you have a rare gs 460, lucky guy
Looking forward to the build. Might even get one myself... keep up the great content 👍🏽👍🏽
If you do get one, just be careful of ‘while you’re in there-itus’... ask me how I know!!
@@MikeMacful haha soo how do you know lol
Nice video, just came across your channel. Have had one of these for 3 years now. Has a shudder around 40mpg on low revs though, but perfect otherwise. Not sure what to do, but have been driving it like this for a while now. Good luck with yours I’ll make sure to check out your other videos
Thanks Artur - much appreciated.
I’m not sure what would cause the shudder - too many different possibilities!! Hope you get it sorted, though.
That sounds like you’ve got an issue with a spring, damper or both, been there.
@@jaysimpson6857 Had coolan in ATF. Car's PX'd now, hopefully someone has more luck trying to fix it than I did.
Nice video! Just looking to buy one, really love the looks and what you get for that price. Also looking at the CLS500, but I believe it will be way more expensive to maintain
Thanks - yeah, depending what year it is Mercs can really bite you. Saying that my Gs hasn’t been trouble-free, but that was my fault mainly...
Great video mate. Very interested in watching the progression of your GS. I have the same model in the Us. Have a done a few mods also. Hit me back and let me know if you have done any o the suspension mods yet. Thanks again for doing the video. Great info.
Thanks Dave - I’ve only installed and adjusted the coil overs so far, next is sway bars, then suspension bushes, finally I’ll install chassis bracing and steering/shock tower braces (if I feel it needs it).
Right now it’s apart again for valve guides (video coming soon) and I may do a few opportune jobs at the same time…
Tengo un gs 430 2006 es el unico en uruguay donde vivo me gustaria estar en contacto con quien tenga uno para sacarme dudas o comoartir info .
First video I've seen of yours so have to ask why did you have to rebuild your engine?
In sum - started replacing valve cover gaskets, noticed cam and VVTi seals were leaking so stripped further to do them. Made a mistake and bent two valves at which point I had to take the whole lot apart. Rest of it was just tracking Intake leaks and other gremlins. It’s all apart again now, but that’s because some valve guides are worn and it wasn’t spotted by the shop that did the valves.
Good fun!!
@@MikeMacful ouch
@@Birmingham_racing yeah - it’s become the engine that loves to drink my blood!!! End May be in sight, though.
your number plate is 1 letter away from my LS
My brother has had 2 gs450h. Love the fact is has more power but not a fan of the cvt gearbox
Hate CVT with a passion so agree there! The 430 (on LPG) is a good compromise ands sounds a lot better too..
@@MikeMacful yeah cvt sounds weird as hell when you rev it out and the revs stay there so definitely wouldn't put an exhaust on it
Actually I like the cvt in my GS450h. You won't even notice until you are flat out
Great video! Do you think a 05 S190 GS430 is worth getting with 260.000 km on the clock? History is good, tires are almost new, but I don't know about the brakes. Price is 7000£, budget for maintenance right now is around 10.000£.
Thanks; glad you enjoyed it!
Ref your Q, TBH condition and proof of maintenance is more important; the 3UZ is strong if looked after, but the usual gaskets/seals etc may be getting old and leaking a bit at higher miles (no different to any other engine).
Wider, check what state the underside is in - rear subframes and other bits can rust and lead to issues. Other than that it’s just the usual checks; there shouldn’t be any electrical issues.
Price wise I’m not sure - seems a bit high for the miles but as said, depends on condition. ‘05 means cheaper tax in the UK, which is a bonus!
Best of luck if you do go for it!
Hi Mike what do you think about the Gs300 2007 V6
Main difference is spec (unless you get an SE-L), and the engine. The 3.0 V6 is a nice smooth engine, but as it's direct injection, it will clog up the intake like any other DI engine. There may be other issues, but I'm not too familiar with them, as they aren't suitable for LPG conversion, so didn't meet my needs.
Is there a difference between the 03 lexus gs430 and the 06 gs430?
I’m terms of the engine, none. It’s the same unit AFAIK across the LS, GS and SC of that time.
Were you able to reconnect the pcs and abs sensors to the coilovers that you added on to it ?
If so how did you do so
The Coilovers I got had a mounting point for the ABS line, so that was fine; not sure what you mean by the PCS? If it's the adjustable shock damping, then no, I just left the connector loose and stored the motors. It doesn't throw a check engine light, so is all good.
f sport is from the next generation, off the top of my head... sounds like some suspension parts are interchangeable?
F-Sport is a trim level, but also used to badge some performance upgrades across the Lexus range. These are specific for the Mk3 RWD GS so I doubt they’d be interchangeable. They may be compatible with the Mk2 IS, as the suspension is the same, but I suspect not, as the IS isn’t as wide as the GS.
@@MikeMacful ok cool thanks. good to know. i thought that f sport was only introduced in gen 4 as a trim level. cheers
@@MikeMacful okay i get you... like how some bm's have have m sport options etc even tho' they're not m-series etc.
@@PlaAwa basically yes
How did you get 29 mpg 😳😳
Ha! I have had that out of it - and higher (I commute in it and it’s at its best on that kind of driving). The truth though, is that the actual consumption of LPG is about 20% less so my usual figure is about 24mpg actual. Still good, though.
Mine gets 17mpg... How do you do it?
Uk gallon is larger than US (4.546 Lt) - I assume you’re in the States? Also, I do a lot of motorway, constant speed, driving. I suspect that’s what it is.
Also does yours have another system in the trunk where the spare tire should be
Mine does and we still haven't figured out what it's for
I had a normal space saver tyre and nothing else. A 70lt LPG tank lives there now, though...
Ooh I guess mine is different
There's a fuel and relay system in my trunk where my tire should be
It even has a second battery behind there
@cptn777 ooh
Sorry, what was wrong with the engine which needed a rebuilt????
Shown in other videos, but it’s had all gaskets, seals (inc. valve stem and VVT seals) replaced, valve clearance done, exhaust valve guides replaced as well as two valves. Bit of an epic, but it’s running brilliantly now.
@@MikeMacfulbut what precipitated the rebuild?
A lot of oil leaks, one of which turned out to be cam seals, followed by a re-timing error when re-installing the cams that meant one head had to come off, at which point I decided to do both sides so i could do stem and spark plug seals too.
Do you know if the GS430 and GS450h have the same grille dimensions? I’m wanting to purchase one without the logo but all listings don’t include the GS450h! They look the exact same to me exterior wise
I would be amazed if not - best way to check is using a site called Toyodiy which will allow you to compare part numbers, but I really don’t see them being different
GS450H IS ECONOMICAL ON HYBRID AND 3.5 V6 ENGINE THAT'S THE OBVIOUS DIFFERENCE AND BETTER IN MY OPINION CHEAPER UK ROAD TAX. I JUST BOUGHT THE 06 PLATE ON HYBRID FOR £2,500 ON 126,000 MILEAGE A FEW WEEKS AGO. A STEAL BARGAIN DRIVE LIKE A BRAND NEW CAR.
@@omoniyikaye that wasn’t my question? I’m aware of the car being a hybrid, V6 and all of that. i’m asking about the GRILLE. The EXTERIOR, lol.
@@ToliePoley It has nice blue badges. I also have a 2011 version of 450h and it has different taillights from every other GS of that generation that I've seen.
Any idea on how the gs430 compared to the LS 430 ?
Other than the impact of additional weight and a longer wheelbase not much TBH. So, slower acceleration, longer braking distance, more inertia when cornering.
But if we’re talking weight, the LS430 is about the same as a new S550 Mustang…
ETA - it’s also more comfy and has more toys, but I don’t worry too much about that 😁
@@MikeMacful thank you for the reply🙂
I like CVT