20 years old now and I got my 400 back when I was 15 as a Christmas gift. This car is literally a diamond and when I’m telling you it just keeps on rolling, MAN this car is a tank. Very under appreciated, but it’s so good to see it starting to get more and more praise!
I know I’m hella late, but how pricey would you say the maintenance/repairs are? Higher than most other cars or about average in price overall? I’ve heard VERY mixed and divisive responses for the most part
Damn, when you can hear the music start to build as Alex leads us up to the roller shots and music drops at the beginning of each of these episodes...it pumps me up so much.
@@acemarshall3034 hey bro the only thing stopping me from for sure wanted an sc400 is its an auto, there arent many option for me and its got decent maintenance done interior kinda ass lol i was thinking of offering 2800 of the 3250 asked hopefully you can help me out . Still worth as auto? I do prefer manual honestly just want some seat time since i havent been driving much the past year
@@harrysimons1591 bruh get outta here lmao. Chaser is for jdm. You have to ship that bitch from japan to get it here. Not worth it for a basic car like that.
@@scubarubanzaii idk about once you go manual u might want a different one but with the auto trans it's pretty perfect if you like cruising at 80/85 instead of 70/75
The second I found out about this car knew it was the one I wanted. Found the one I own on letgo for $2,800 and got it for $2,000 with no issues, 120k miles and will easily last another 100k love this car don’t ever let someone tell you, you shouldn’t get the car you want. It just needs to speak to you.
@Willham I say this as a novice mechanic, so with a grain of salt: Hell fuckin yeah borther go get that shit. I'm having a Soarer imported in a few weeks which is the Japanese SC300.
I had a 95 sc400 and a 97 sc300. Both cars were ahead of its time. Everywhere I drove, I had heads turn because there’s nothing like them! Very unique and stands out from the rest of the cars! Now every time I see one on the streets, I smile! Good old times! Truly miss them!
Ive been asking for this review, and I’m happy it was made.👌🏼 I prefer the SC400. That SWEET HOWL of the 4.0L V8 is SO satisfying. I saw a video of somebody literally trying to blow up a 1UZFE in a GS400 and it just wouldn’t die after hours and hours of the gas to the floor, it just wouldn’t stop running.🤷🏻♂️
SC400 is an amazing car!!!! Fast, rock solid in all driving situations, will cruise at 110 mph all day long, bullet proof reliability, amazing comfort, easy to drive fast and easy to road trip in, truly an all around wonderful car you can get for a song now and will never regret it!!!
@@1S1KC0DM4N That was one of the first things I noticed on mine. You can cruise for HOURS in this thing, and arrive refreshed. Your body just doesn't get tired like in other cars. And what a bargain, when you consider that the 2020 version of this car is the LC500, which is almost, "real estate," levels of expensive.
@@baddestburrito how much did you buy yours for? And how much are they selling for right now? Speaking of LC 500, it's a superb car. It does feel like the car goes through a bit of a "identity crisis" but overall I'd rather have the lc500 instead of other modern cars. The interiors are majestic.
Currently bringing my 225k mile sc300 back to life. She runs, just not as taken care of as the previous owner said. Still love the car, would recommend to anyone looking for a fast, fun, daily. Or anything really
This was my first car. Absolutely loved it! Great V8 engine. Loved how heavy it was and it was extremely reliable. Body kit, rims, tints, and a new paint job and it was a beauty. I miss it!!!!!
Can confirm, fantastic car. Picked up an SC400 last year as a daily and absolutely love it. Built like a tank (specifically the doors), the 1UZ doesn't make big power, but is buttery smooth, loves revs, and sounds great. The chassis balance actually feels amazing, wasn't expecting to enjoy spirited driving in such a heavy car coming from a well prepped miata, but even on stock suspension it's loads of fun and very responsive. Only gonna get better to drive and look at on coilovers and wheels. I ain't even mad about it being an auto, but the 4 speed leaves something to be desired. A more modern 6(+) speed with optional paddle shift would be right at home and work well with the motor, but can't win 'em all.
@@kxdi1308 to me? No, but I do all my own work on my vehicles. Expensive is relative and going to depend heavily on who's doing the work. To me it's not expensive. PS pump, alternator, and radiator are all I've had to replace so far and none have been killer expensive.
Don't worry about it they made so many of these that the prices probably won't inflate for a good 3 to 5 years. Regardless of the exposure. Grab a couple while you can!
Lol I was thinking the same . B is for build has a sc at the same time this came out . I’ve had a sc400 for a year now . Gonna pick up a sc300 today . Then I get best of both worlds
Check car sales listings in South Carolina for SC 300/400's. Only a small number of us know about their potential. Most folks around here are addicted to Chargers , Donks and Fox bodies.
@@ethansmith8442 The 1st gens had the strongest rods and will handle to most horsepower. 2nd and 3rd gens had more power, but also weaker rods. That's why the first gen 1UZ is so popular with turbo conversions.
@@nopda4095 I sold for 3k. It had 127xxx miles, was manufactured in Canada, or at least I believe it was. The cluster was configured in Kilometers. Fun car overall.
I’ve had two 300s and now I own two 400s. They’re great cars and definitely don’t sleep on the 400s. There are companies out there that do make transmission adapter plates for 1uz and the 1uz is a really affordable engine for what it’s capable of on factory internals.
The sc300 may be popular, but there are a few things to know: The original manual transmission can handle the 2jz-ge, but if you swap in a 2jz-gte and start cranking up the boost, then it'll prove itself fragile. The sc400 came with the 1uz-fe engine and an automatic transmission, in 1997/8 it was updated with vvt, and 300hp, a 5 speed automatic instead of 4, and different rear end gearing to match. It's worth noting the 1uz in oceania is like the LS in america, and the Rover V8 in the uk. Meaning that an SC400 can be tuned quite a lot on a stock engine and transmission. People have supercharged and turbocharged these engines without much trouble. Also, going to be honest, in a luxury coupe like this, a manual transmission isn't exactly as amazing as it may seem. It may handle well and be sporty, but the sc is a sporty highway cruiser and tourer. It's not a track car and an automatic with the v8 will keep you on the power and pulling from 60 to 90 much more smoothly, comfortably, and willingly than a turbocharged manual. Also the car will perform admirably on twisty country roads where you aren't dropping below 40mph.
dont forget sc300/400 came before supra.. and what if fast n furious used an sc300 instead of a supra? would the car have been idolized and the supra the over looked one?
@Thrashing Hentai If the SC was used instead of the Supra, yes it definitely would. Because not only would it be an "Iconic" car because of it's usage in such a popular movie, it also runs a 2JZ-GE (which obviously is just the NA version of the GTE, and both can be tuned to withstand incredible amounts of power.) I actually kind of wish we lived in that kind of alternate world, where I could purchase a supra for the price of like $6,500 lol
I just bought a 93 sc400 with 67000 miles on it. It is in fantastic condition and I looked for a while! Very excited to own this coupe! Liked the video! Keep up the good work!
It would've ate Supra Sales since the supra was so expensive. Imagine Soarer prices lol. Sure less HP than the 2J but Soarer is more luxurious. In that case however, I would've loved to see us get it along with the Aristo and Chaser Tourer V's since those were also turbo. Imagine those lines ups with the Turbo MR2.
Still own my JZZ30 and Uzz31 for the past 13years, had 3 at one time...now down to 2. Great car I don't plan getting rid of anytime soon! Prices dipped to an all time low a few years back but are on the rise again for good clean examples
I love my SC400. i've owned it for a little over 2 years and have manual swapped it because I wanted the manual but had to have the 1uz. later this year or early next year i'll be putting in a lot of work to turbo it and make some good power. Excited to get this project really rolling.
Had 3 2-sc300,& currently have sc400 staggered 18s loss one durring hurricane Sandy outstanding cars won't give it up for anything the sc-400 only have 85gs on the clock.
You guys did miss something, as an SC4 owner here. 92-94 model years, while they're the best for stock power (650rwhp before you need reliability mods), need an immediate ECU upgrade. They're not only uncrackable, but the capacitors like to blow. Mine is a shitbox, and it's STILL far better than anything else I've ever driven. Also, another fun fact. The 1UZ-FE is 365lbs, while the 2JZ-GE is 497lbs. Somehow the v8 is lighter.
This vid as well as David Patterson's video coming out this week make me so happy that this platform is being noticed. I love both of my soarers. 1 is a 1J single turbo and the other is an NA 2J with individual throttle bodies 😁
I have owned two SC300's; and still currently own a 1997 Platinum W/ Black interior. It's an original Colorado car that I have tastefully modified. It even has a Mines tuned ECU! I originally traded in my 93 SC in at a dealer when I found this one there. It was an older salesman's car at the time and he was the second owner. Turns out he bought it for his son as a gift, registered it, and gave it to him. He then bought it back form his son he liked it so much 🤣. Now I have it, as almost the second owner, and in near perfect condition!
Huge Lexus fan, I would be more than happy to own/build an SC300/SC400. However, because I'm above all else a stance guy, I would end up choosing a GS300/GS430 or even the bigger LS430 for the whole VIP thing. You'd also have a much easier time finding a clean GS/LS as they aren't exactly going to be used in the same way as an SC platform. Anyways, great video! A new episode of 'So You Want' seems to add more and more entries into my crowded, fantasy garage
2 things: - Manual swapping an SC300 will pay for itself when (if) you resell the car (you wont want to) - The '97 SCS300 is the most desirable year because no VVTi (easiest to turbo) and it has the facelift.
this made me miss my sc300 that i blew my head gasket on recently, good news its getting revived this week and i will be lookin for some ESR’s to throw on
Got my Dads 400 when he moved on. He loved this car and even had the timing chain done at the prescribed interval. Perfect condition minus a rip in the passenger seat from a car wash guy who leaned in with his knee square into the center of the seat ("Uh, I didn't do that..."). fast forward 10 years and the clear coat is all but gone, factory rim eroded inside to the point of not holding air and the IAC motor bearing seized up, all easy fixes minus the paint. Mechanically, it is still rock solid. 205K miles....Motor still purrs, smooth as ever and pulls till the redline. Will keep it until the fenders fall off. Now...who makes replacement LCA's?
Bought my 92 sc400 2 years ago from an elderly owner. 88k miles on it, garage kept, and a solid fucking car. Only things I've done was replace seals, axleback exhaust, and bushings(most notorious)
JGD yeah I’m not It’s just I have too many cars. The sc300 I have a 5 speed w58 swap for it. Then I just bought a 300zx. I have a Hyundai Genesis 2.0t in the garage I’m working on. Then my daily is a 2000 bmw 328ci with 130,000 miles on it.
Bluenose PUBGM exactly, that’s why people don’t like to buy bmws with high mileage. Replacing all of those parts gets expensive when you get up in mileage
Listening to this driving my 1998 red Lexus SC300 to work. 6 piston Corvette ZO6 front brake calipers. Rotors from Lexus ISF. Tire sizes are 245 mm by 35 by 18 in in the front 275 mm 35 18 in the rear
@@worngimimajosplaynholmes6907 Thanks for the sentiment. LOL. Not to disappoint you, but it's not my only car. Also, I'm best friends with a mechanic, and am pretty capable myself, so no fear whatsoever. ✌️ I've had it for a couple of years now, and do things go wrong with it? Sure. It's not a big deal, really. Way easier to work on than a modern car. It has far exceeded my initial expectations of it. Hooray for the *other* Supra! Hahahahaha
So got a 1997 Lexus SC400 with 115,000 thousand miles, one previous owner, an old man in his 80s who’s had this garage kept, oil changes on perfect time, all regular maintenance and he babied it. You ready? Really? $4,000.00. Is what his son is wanting who knows NOTHING about cars. Oh my Lord. Getting a small bank loan this week.
Lol that's wasup bro. I'm in Oakland right now and this got me thinking bout copping one and building it out. Thanks for saying that , I liked that dude's. I'ma keep an eye out for blood sliding thru 😂
I bought one a year ago. 98 SC300. I have a GTE waiting to go into it, in my garage with a BW S366 turbo. 3 inch exhaust. Tweakd harness. It'll suck using the Aristo auto trans for a while, but will get a CD009 swap in it sometime next year. At that time it'll get a ECUMaster black stand alone too. It's a great car!
I’ve owned a 91 1jz soarer for 4 years and I own a 2000 Lexus Sc400 for the last 6 . Still love the platform there timeless and I love them to death . Thank u so much for this video . You guys are awesome . Keep it up 💪🏼👏🏼
Honestly makes me want either. Bulletproof motor, comfy as hell, bubbly styling??? Bruh, that’s a winning combo for me (only worry would be maintenance since Alex mentioned in the end that it can get pricy 😬)
Love that you guys finally did this one. Only sad thing is you didn’t mention the 1jz swappable ability or how that engine was stock on the Soarer. Like the great words you said. Love my Soarer and you nailed it on most trying to build it period correct. Gotta get some work wheels eventually lol. For now I’ll have to just enjoy my Wedsport ones.
I’ve had my sc400 for a few days now (with the 1uz) and I’m loving every bit of it, this is the most comfortable drift car WHILE being a reliable daily
so i did some searching and yeah apparently our wood is real wood buts its extremely thin but yeah the cruise control doesnt have radar in it unless its aftermarket
Having owned two SC400s, currently have a 98 SC400, these are not cheap cars to own, parts are expensive especially interior trim bits. At higher mileage stuff will start to go, don't think these are as reliable and problem free as they say. My 98 was a dealer maintained car for most of its life and I've had to replace quite a bit of stuff like the differential.
@@glocklesnar713 bought my 93 sc300 for 4500 and came with a swapped crate 2jz motor with under 80k miles on it, (chassis and tranny have 225k right now) and work wheels and coilovers. Im in az, and are cheap over here on the westside. Put maybe a few thousand in it over the past few years and it runs amazing. Best used daily ive ever owned lol
I have a 94 sc300 as my daily and tbh I love it, previous owner took pretty good care it, I aim to do the same! It's a super fun toy to have, and I'm lucky to have it as my first car lol
I saw one of these a couple days ago and I did not know what it was until I saw the car rip past. I did notice that it had a body kit on it. White SC300’s are beautiful.
Just got me a 93 SC 400 with 111,00,runs perfect for 4K and everything works perfectly,black with tan leather and it’s in great condition,my new hobby 💪💪
Would you own one? Comment below! Pick up a shirt and get entered to win a set of ESR Muli Piece wheels! www.fitmentindustries.com/giveaway
i own a 93 and will never ever get rid of it
The wci tc10(I think is the model) 18x9.5 look good on the car as well
just bought a 99 and i love it so dearly i dont think ill ever own a different chasis
I own a 95 just trying to figure out where I want to go with it
Edward3jr Man you are lucky
Aaaaaaayyyyyyyeeeeee y’all used my car in the video lol 😂 thanks😌
🙌🙏
Lexus gang or don’t bang playa
yeah bro was one of those rare moments when your bucket is running LMAO
Hey cool. Finally a video on one of my cars. Time to hurry uo and shove a turbo in the car and full send it
Imiss my sc
20 years old now and I got my 400 back when I was 15 as a Christmas gift. This car is literally a diamond and when I’m telling you it just keeps on rolling, MAN this car is a tank. Very under appreciated, but it’s so good to see it starting to get more and more praise!
bad because prices going up
@ i did lol
@ depends on what type. Considering you could get a stick IL6 with a sc300👀
@ not like the SC400 is a very expensive car, probably cost less than $5k at the time, Very reasonable for a first car
I know I’m hella late, but how pricey would you say the maintenance/repairs are? Higher than most other cars or about average in price overall? I’ve heard VERY mixed and divisive responses for the most part
Lexus in general are just amazing cars to own
Yup Lexus and Toyota
Yup own an SC and two IS300
@@is300ev2 Lexus is basically Toyota + (Luxury)... or American Toyota. Like Disney and Marvel... same company.
Dotseoem lol yeah I know.... I think everyone knows..
@@is300ev2 ALOT of people don't... lol
Damn, when you can hear the music start to build as Alex leads us up to the roller shots and music drops at the beginning of each of these episodes...it pumps me up so much.
I look forward to it every single vid.
same
What's the music even called lol
+1 this!!!!!!!
Nathan Goodman Coste-Solitary (in the description!)
Now I won’t be able to get one now with everybody talking about them 😢😢😔😔😔
U sure?
Get one bro...... cause I am planning on getting the aristo v300 soon
Sure you will, I bought my 5spd manual one for $600 a few months ago
master DOGE damn! Only 5k miles! That’s a steal. Mine had 233k miles and needed 10k worth of parts according to the Lexus dealership 😂😂😂
@master DOGE post a video with it having 5 k miles then
As an SC300 owner THANK YOU! Yall hit this spot on!
Would you recommend a sc300/sc400 for a first car ?
@@Lurkin63rd too much horsepower, and insurance will kill you, get something like a Honda or miata
Coxy Normus maybe a sc300 not a 400 you will destroy the car. Get a Nissan or sum lol
@@acemarshall3034 hey bro the only thing stopping me from for sure wanted an sc400 is its an auto, there arent many option for me and its got decent maintenance done interior kinda ass lol i was thinking of offering 2800 of the 3250 asked hopefully you can help me out . Still worth as auto? I do prefer manual honestly just want some seat time since i havent been driving much the past year
@@aftersolstice gotta have tht power tho
‘’ So you want a Toyota chaser ‘’ it’s such a good car especially with its 1jz
lol my brother sold me his for my first car its way over hyped
AAALeadBattery maybe but at the end of the day it’s a chaser what more can you want
An mr2? thats what i sold it for lol
@@harrysimons1591 bruh get outta here lmao. Chaser is for jdm. You have to ship that bitch from japan to get it here. Not worth it for a basic car like that.
All the X Chassis are cool. Even the older NA ones.
Next episode should be “so you want a car.”
For the Win that would be great
I’ve had my SC400 for half a year now and I love every second of it.
Had mine for about 4. Same
Ayyy same here!
If it's a pre 97 1UZ model put a auto SC300 4.27 diff over the 3.92 and get the acceleration this car needs!
tazclaw I’m getting an R154 swap from a buddy then intend to get an LSD rear end of some type from a SUpRa if I can. Thanks for the info!
@@scubarubanzaii idk about once you go manual u might want a different one but with the auto trans it's pretty perfect if you like cruising at 80/85 instead of 70/75
bought my sc400 9 months ago.... love it so much I sleep in it.
Lexus quality :D
I haul my snowboard around in the passenger seat of my sc🤣
Get you a couple of i love my pillow & you be good🤣
How does it sound
That's called homelessness lol
And just like that, they weren’t cheap on the Facebook marketplace anymore
as an sc4 owner, word of advice if you buy one: find a spare set of window regulators, you will need them
You too bro!! Lol my window went out a few days ago.
@@angelo80409 yes!!!!!
Oil your rails
Jesse Jimenez have you had problems with your sun roof, i shut mine one day and it never opened again?
I’ve had mine for 4 years . Never had any issues with that . But it is almost 30 😂♥️
The second I found out about this car knew it was the one I wanted. Found the one I own on letgo for $2,800 and got it for $2,000 with no issues, 120k miles and will easily last another 100k love this car don’t ever let someone tell you, you shouldn’t get the car you want. It just needs to speak to you.
Oh boy how the market has changed
I spent 10k on one that’s 200k miles,I wanna be like u :(
@@Kyle-ms6fd I missed my chance to get one with 80k miles, SC400. It was red, and seemed very well maintained for $6k.
@Willham I say this as a novice mechanic, so with a grain of salt: Hell fuckin yeah borther go get that shit. I'm having a Soarer imported in a few weeks which is the Japanese SC300.
I got a 94 SC300 for my first car as a 16 year old in 2010 for $3500
I loved that car. My parents called it "Hexus"
I had a 95 sc400 and a 97 sc300. Both cars were ahead of its time. Everywhere I drove, I had heads turn because there’s nothing like them! Very unique and stands out from the rest of the cars! Now every time I see one on the streets, I smile! Good old times! Truly miss them!
Ive been asking for this review, and I’m happy it was made.👌🏼 I prefer the SC400. That SWEET HOWL of the 4.0L V8 is SO satisfying. I saw a video of somebody literally trying to blow up a 1UZFE in a GS400 and it just wouldn’t die after hours and hours of the gas to the floor, it just wouldn’t stop running.🤷🏻♂️
SC400 is an amazing car!!!! Fast, rock solid in all driving situations, will cruise at 110 mph all day long, bullet proof reliability, amazing comfort, easy to drive fast and easy to road trip in, truly an all around wonderful car you can get for a song now and will never regret it!!!
I drove Dads home from Austin to So. Cal (4PM TX time to 0700 Cali time) and we averaged about 90 the entire trip. Stable as a sofa.
My dad loved his SC400 more than his Supra, that’s saying a lot
They comfy as shit fr
@@1S1KC0DM4N That was one of the first things I noticed on mine. You can cruise for HOURS in this thing, and arrive refreshed. Your body just doesn't get tired like in other cars. And what a bargain, when you consider that the 2020 version of this car is the LC500, which is almost, "real estate," levels of expensive.
@@baddestburrito i thought more rc350/Rcf would be the successor? Or maybe the new is500.
@@j.e3336 Not quite. Remember, the SC400 was Lexus' halo car. It was the top level sports coupe. That is the LC500 today.
@@baddestburrito how much did you buy yours for? And how much are they selling for right now?
Speaking of LC 500, it's a superb car. It does feel like the car goes through a bit of a "identity crisis" but overall I'd rather have the lc500 instead of other modern cars. The interiors are majestic.
Won’t lie I’ve been waiting for his one.
dont do it lol. These cars are fun but are also a headache to own
Currently bringing my 225k mile sc300 back to life. She runs, just not as taken care of as the previous owner said. Still love the car, would recommend to anyone looking for a fast, fun, daily. Or anything really
This was my first car. Absolutely loved it! Great V8 engine. Loved how heavy it was and it was extremely reliable. Body kit, rims, tints, and a new paint job and it was a beauty. I miss it!!!!!
"So you want a Toyota starlet GT turbo " I love them little turbo hatches.
Jevon Bigga what?
That doesn’t sound like it’s obtainable here in America :,)
yeah I dont think we have those in the states
Never heard of it either
Up the starlet
Had one a few years ago. Fun little hatches.
Can confirm, fantastic car. Picked up an SC400 last year as a daily and absolutely love it. Built like a tank (specifically the doors), the 1UZ doesn't make big power, but is buttery smooth, loves revs, and sounds great. The chassis balance actually feels amazing, wasn't expecting to enjoy spirited driving in such a heavy car coming from a well prepped miata, but even on stock suspension it's loads of fun and very responsive. Only gonna get better to drive and look at on coilovers and wheels. I ain't even mad about it being an auto, but the 4 speed leaves something to be desired. A more modern 6(+) speed with optional paddle shift would be right at home and work well with the motor, but can't win 'em all.
are repairs expensive
@@kxdi1308 to me? No, but I do all my own work on my vehicles. Expensive is relative and going to depend heavily on who's doing the work. To me it's not expensive. PS pump, alternator, and radiator are all I've had to replace so far and none have been killer expensive.
"So you want an LS400" please sir
Spencer Carroll yessssss
pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease
Agree :D
I want one badly
Jake BMX my '98 is the best thing to ever happen to me, please get a UCF20
All these SC videos popping up are gonna hurt my pockets when summer comes around and I start looking for one.
hahaha so true bro
Don't worry about it they made so many of these that the prices probably won't inflate for a good 3 to 5 years. Regardless of the exposure. Grab a couple while you can!
I feel it
Lol I was thinking the same . B is for build has a sc at the same time this came out . I’ve had a sc400 for a year now . Gonna pick up a sc300 today . Then I get best of both worlds
Check car sales listings in South Carolina for SC 300/400's. Only a small number of us know about their potential. Most folks around here are addicted to Chargers , Donks and Fox bodies.
Never clicked on a vid so fast
same!!!
Forreal lol
@@ogbluej8403 same still have mine
The 1UZ-FE doesn’t die 😂
@Maru 1st gens do
The accessories do lmao
REAPER3fitty 1UZ vvti’s dont like boost?
@@ethansmith8442 The 1st gens had the strongest rods and will handle to most horsepower. 2nd and 3rd gens had more power, but also weaker rods. That's why the first gen 1UZ is so popular with turbo conversions.
Say hello to the one that I threw in my Volvo was it decided to blow up after driving 1000 miles
Use to own an 92' SC400. I actually miss that drift missile
What happened?
@D Roman I sold it, then got a "family" car. Wouldnt mind looking into another one.
@@DatMaddahFaka rip but may i ask how much did you sell it for ?
rip but may i ask how much you sold it for ?
@@nopda4095 I sold for 3k. It had 127xxx miles, was manufactured in Canada, or at least I believe it was. The cluster was configured in Kilometers. Fun car overall.
I’ve had two 300s and now I own two 400s. They’re great cars and definitely don’t sleep on the 400s. There are companies out there that do make transmission adapter plates for 1uz and the 1uz is a really affordable engine for what it’s capable of on factory internals.
I had a 98 SC400 and I LOVED that car.
I have a 92 sc300. It is a fun car I love it. I got lots of goodies in it. 250000 miles the car still runns like great.
The sc300 may be popular, but there are a few things to know:
The original manual transmission can handle the 2jz-ge, but if you swap in a 2jz-gte and start cranking up the boost, then it'll prove itself fragile.
The sc400 came with the 1uz-fe engine and an automatic transmission, in 1997/8 it was updated with vvt, and 300hp, a 5 speed automatic instead of 4, and different rear end gearing to match.
It's worth noting the 1uz in oceania is like the LS in america, and the Rover V8 in the uk. Meaning that an SC400 can be tuned quite a lot on a stock engine and transmission. People have supercharged and turbocharged these engines without much trouble. Also, going to be honest, in a luxury coupe like this, a manual transmission isn't exactly as amazing as it may seem. It may handle well and be sporty, but the sc is a sporty highway cruiser and tourer. It's not a track car and an automatic with the v8 will keep you on the power and pulling from 60 to 90 much more smoothly, comfortably, and willingly than a turbocharged manual. Also the car will perform admirably on twisty country roads where you aren't dropping below 40mph.
dont forget sc300/400 came before supra.. and what if fast n furious used an sc300 instead of a supra? would the car have been idolized and the supra the over looked one?
@Thrashing Hentai If the SC was used instead of the Supra, yes it definitely would. Because not only would it be an "Iconic" car because of it's usage in such a popular movie, it also runs a 2JZ-GE (which obviously is just the NA version of the GTE, and both can be tuned to withstand incredible amounts of power.) I actually kind of wish we lived in that kind of alternate world, where I could purchase a supra for the price of like $6,500 lol
I just bought a 93 sc400 with 67000 miles on it. It is in fantastic condition and I looked for a while! Very excited to own this coupe! Liked the video! Keep up the good work!
We should’ve gotten the Toyota soarer with the 1jz gtew
I have a 93 soarer with a swapped r154 trans and it's incredible. Definitely wish we would have gotten them with the 1jz
It would've ate Supra Sales since the supra was so expensive. Imagine Soarer prices lol. Sure less HP than the 2J but Soarer is more luxurious.
In that case however, I would've loved to see us get it along with the Aristo and Chaser Tourer V's since those were also turbo. Imagine those lines ups with the Turbo MR2.
Got a couple of Lexus I would like you to do Alex. BTW (YOU TALKING SHIT Alex 🤣🤣🤣) early 2000 GS 300 & LS 400
gtew?
I have a 98 SC300 with 100k miles and boy does it daily well! Glad to see these cars are getting some love
Awesome! Proud owner of a 98 sc400. Long tube headers on the car are by far the best performance gains I've done besides suspension. Love it!
I watched this video when I was 15 and I knew I needed one ive now owned mine for 8 months
Sc's never age I swear! A clean 92 sc looks like it rolled off the floor
Own a '92 SC300 with a 2JZ-GTE swap, single turbo with a +98 LS400 BBK Swap, tuned to 454 whp at 15psi...absolutely loved that car.
Still own my JZZ30 and Uzz31 for the past 13years, had 3 at one time...now down to 2. Great car I don't plan getting rid of anytime soon! Prices dipped to an all time low a few years back but are on the rise again for good clean examples
"So you want a Kei truck/van", or "So you want a Corvette"
Just bought a 93 sc400 gold package and it's everything I thought it would be and more.
Thank you so much FI for doing a video on this car. It doesn't nearly get the love it deserves
I am so glad I bought my 93 sc400 before they started getting hella popular
This is exactly why I have a JZZ30. Sexiest car ever made and it still puts new cars to shame with looks.
I love my SC400. i've owned it for a little over 2 years and have manual swapped it because I wanted the manual but had to have the 1uz. later this year or early next year i'll be putting in a lot of work to turbo it and make some good power. Excited to get this project really rolling.
Had 3 2-sc300,& currently have sc400 staggered 18s loss one durring hurricane Sandy outstanding cars won't give it up for anything the sc-400 only have 85gs on the clock.
Red SC400 in this vid is mine. 781 whp 780wtq stock bottom end record!!!
You guys did miss something, as an SC4 owner here.
92-94 model years, while they're the best for stock power (650rwhp before you need reliability mods), need an immediate ECU upgrade. They're not only uncrackable, but the capacitors like to blow.
Mine is a shitbox, and it's STILL far better than anything else I've ever driven.
Also, another fun fact. The 1UZ-FE is 365lbs, while the 2JZ-GE is 497lbs.
Somehow the v8 is lighter.
This vid as well as David Patterson's video coming out this week make me so happy that this platform is being noticed. I love both of my soarers. 1 is a 1J single turbo and the other is an NA 2J with individual throttle bodies 😁
I have owned two SC300's; and still currently own a 1997 Platinum W/ Black interior. It's an original Colorado car that I have tastefully modified. It even has a Mines tuned ECU! I originally traded in my 93 SC in at a dealer when I found this one there. It was an older salesman's car at the time and he was the second owner. Turns out he bought it for his son as a gift, registered it, and gave it to him. He then bought it back form his son he liked it so much 🤣. Now I have it, as almost the second owner, and in near perfect condition!
Huge Lexus fan, I would be more than happy to own/build an SC300/SC400. However, because I'm above all else a stance guy, I would end up choosing a GS300/GS430 or even the bigger LS430 for the whole VIP thing.
You'd also have a much easier time finding a clean GS/LS as they aren't exactly going to be used in the same way as an SC platform.
Anyways, great video! A new episode of 'So You Want' seems to add more and more entries into my crowded, fantasy garage
2 things:
- Manual swapping an SC300 will pay for itself when (if) you resell the car (you wont want to)
- The '97 SCS300 is the most desirable year because no VVTi (easiest to turbo) and it has the facelift.
And taillights
Finally...I have been asking for this video for so long
Just got a manual sc300 in practically perfect condition with only 70k on it. So excited to make it my own
same here bro! mine has 130k but I'm not gonna complain about a single owner car from 1992
this made me miss my sc300 that i blew my head gasket on recently, good news its getting revived this week and i will be lookin for some ESR’s to throw on
ive owned my 99’ SC for 4 months now and ive never had a car give me such wide smiles i love these cars to bits
@@danielpv7570 still have it and still love it drive it every day
Noooo don't advertise these
Facts I still want one
Got my Dads 400 when he moved on. He loved this car and even had the timing chain done at the prescribed interval. Perfect condition minus a rip in the passenger seat from a car wash guy who leaned in with his knee square into the center of the seat ("Uh, I didn't do that..."). fast forward 10 years and the clear coat is all but gone, factory rim eroded inside to the point of not holding air and the IAC motor bearing seized up, all easy fixes minus the paint. Mechanically, it is still rock solid. 205K miles....Motor still purrs, smooth as ever and pulls till the redline. Will keep it until the fenders fall off. Now...who makes replacement LCA's?
I bought an sc300 97 8 months ago and it was an amazing choice. My repairs have been easy and moderately cheap.
Over a year later how’s it running? Hoping to buy a 160k mile sc300 for $5500. Thing is in immaculate condition everything works interior wise.
@@griff9804 did you buy it? how is it?
Bought my 92 sc400 2 years ago from an elderly owner. 88k miles on it, garage kept, and a solid fucking car. Only things I've done was replace seals, axleback exhaust, and bushings(most notorious)
“So you want a Lexus GS”
hey ! look at you now!
I know I can't be the only one who gets super hyped for that beat drop in the intro when I hear it building.
Man I’m glad you did this one lol I was waiting impatiently. Was literally just thinking 10mins ago about selling mines.
JGD yeah I’m not It’s just I have too many cars. The sc300 I have a 5 speed w58 swap for it. Then I just bought a 300zx. I have a Hyundai Genesis 2.0t in the garage I’m working on. Then my daily is a 2000 bmw 328ci with 130,000 miles on it.
JGD reliability cost gets expensive
Bluenose PUBGM exactly, that’s why people don’t like to buy bmws with high mileage. Replacing all of those parts gets expensive when you get up in mileage
jsoldier1 yeah man keep it! They have so much potential!
@@jsoldier1 dope i have a sc300 and a 2000 328ci 5 speed to
Listening to this driving my 1998 red Lexus SC300 to work.
6 piston Corvette ZO6 front brake calipers. Rotors from Lexus ISF.
Tire sizes are 245 mm by 35 by 18 in in the front 275 mm 35 18 in the rear
FINALLY, it's time to soar boiz
I've owned my sc400 for seven years. I love it and is definitely apart of me, can't see me getting rid of it
I loved my 400. Such a special car.
SOARERBOYZZZ LETS GOOOO!!!!
I own a 1999 SC300 ! Absolutely my favorite car of all time
I used the term "bunk" today for the first time in normal conversation....thanks Alex.
Buying my SC was one of the best, most happiness-inducing things I ever did.
haha just wait till it hits your wsllet and your waiting with no car for 15 days cuz> discontinued parts
@@worngimimajosplaynholmes6907 Thanks for the sentiment. LOL. Not to disappoint you, but it's not my only car. Also, I'm best friends with a mechanic, and am pretty capable myself, so no fear whatsoever. ✌️
I've had it for a couple of years now, and do things go wrong with it? Sure. It's not a big deal, really. Way easier to work on than a modern car. It has far exceeded my initial expectations of it. Hooray for the *other* Supra! Hahahahaha
7:16 I wished my car was that clean af.
Love mine , I lucked out and found mine with a 1JZ-GTE and R154 from the factory. Can’t wait to get it back to the states and single turbo it
I saw 2 videos of the car and was thinking “well prices might only go up a couple hundred” but now im seeing vids on the car everywhere😩😥
So got a 1997 Lexus SC400 with 115,000 thousand miles, one previous owner, an old man in his 80s who’s had this garage kept, oil changes on perfect time, all regular maintenance and he babied it.
You ready?
Really?
$4,000.00. Is what his son is wanting who knows NOTHING about cars. Oh my Lord. Getting a small bank loan this week.
Did you end up getting it??
Haha, just seen my boy Mike Myke's sc300 on here 6:32. That's Bay biz, that boi be sideways all threw the town!
One of my favourite sc' man, things legit
its beautiful
Lol that's wasup bro. I'm in Oakland right now and this got me thinking bout copping one and building it out. Thanks for saying that , I liked that dude's. I'ma keep an eye out for blood sliding thru 😂
@@emceeace6851 check out that boi channel mike myke, good content an he be really ridin his shit. No babyin da whips either
I bought one a year ago. 98 SC300. I have a GTE waiting to go into it, in my garage with a BW S366 turbo. 3 inch exhaust. Tweakd harness. It'll suck using the Aristo auto trans for a while, but will get a CD009 swap in it sometime next year. At that time it'll get a ECUMaster black stand alone too. It's a great car!
1UZ-FE all day!
Friend had a green SC400 still it got totaled ☹️
😪
I still have mine, it’s green too! And 1UZ-FE FOR LiFE!!!
F
I’ve owned a 91 1jz soarer for 4 years and I own a 2000 Lexus Sc400 for the last 6 . Still love the platform there timeless and I love them to death . Thank u so much for this video . You guys are awesome . Keep it up 💪🏼👏🏼
They look soo 🔥 when modded, but stock not so much...
I said that before i got one. but it grows on you. i have a vspeed wide body now n sometimes miss the original body
@@elmeromero390 I guess I can understand the fact it grows on you...
Neither do supras hahah
@@swingking08 supras are beautiful stock
El mero mero same it grew on me too
Honestly makes me want either. Bulletproof motor, comfy as hell, bubbly styling??? Bruh, that’s a winning combo for me (only worry would be maintenance since Alex mentioned in the end that it can get pricy 😬)
Love that you guys finally did this one. Only sad thing is you didn’t mention the 1jz swappable ability or how that engine was stock on the Soarer. Like the great words you said. Love my Soarer and you nailed it on most trying to build it period correct. Gotta get some work wheels eventually lol. For now I’ll have to just enjoy my Wedsport ones.
I’ve had my sc400 for a few days now (with the 1uz) and I’m loving every bit of it, this is the most comfortable drift car WHILE being a reliable daily
Bro...radar cruise control, phone, dual power leather seats, sun roof, Real wood trim. All coming out for more vroom vroom.
SCs dont have radar cruise control and that wood isnt real wood
@@flyingmonkeyofus69 bullshit home. I have a 92 sc400 gold trim. It has radar and wood trim i ripped it out my self
Ya, dead phone, torn to shreds leather seats, cracked wood trim, cracked interior door handles, leaky ecu capacitors, etc.
so i did some searching and yeah apparently our wood is real wood buts its extremely thin
but yeah the cruise control doesnt have radar in it unless its aftermarket
It's sad that we dont even get satellite navigation unlike the soarers and japan 😔
I've been looking at a 300 and i am definitely gonna buy it now. I was praying a commenting that you were gonna make this video, thank you!
So you want a GS300/GS400? Come on Alex do it!!!!
Hell yeah this one!
@InnerGuide I have a 99 GS3 just wanted them to do a video on the GS! Love my GS!
Just bought an SC300 that is 1JZ-GTE swapped. So basically a LHD JZZ31 GT-T
It’s extremely smooth and the turbos are seemingly always spooled up.
“So you want an lexus LS400/430” 🙂got to love them big body’s lol
Having owned two SC400s, currently have a 98 SC400, these are not cheap cars to own, parts are expensive especially interior trim bits. At higher mileage stuff will start to go, don't think these are as reliable and problem free as they say. My 98 was a dealer maintained car for most of its life and I've had to replace quite a bit of stuff like the differential.
"Dealer maintained" That's a red flag.
Hopefully I can still find one for a decent price in a few months
You can find em for like 2k$ lol. Itll be shit but itll run i guarantee it
Sc430 also goes for less than you think.
Lee Powers true but I want a first gen and @bobeto slim I’ve only seen a couple for around 2k but they were beat to shit
@@glocklesnar713 bought my 93 sc300 for 4500 and came with a swapped crate 2jz motor with under 80k miles on it, (chassis and tranny have 225k right now) and work wheels and coilovers. Im in az, and are cheap over here on the westside. Put maybe a few thousand in it over the past few years and it runs amazing. Best used daily ive ever owned lol
Bobeto Slim is it manual
my sc400 got stolen a month ago... bought it 6 years ago. drove it from 170k all the way to 230k miles... was an amazing car. i miss my baby. ):
This car is way to slept on.
I got mine a year ago trust me the manuals aren’t their out there but sell really fast
Good. Ion want these prices skyrocketing for these cars.
I have a 94 sc300 as my daily and tbh I love it, previous owner took pretty good care it, I aim to do the same! It's a super fun toy to have, and I'm lucky to have it as my first car lol
The car Michael Jordans father got murdered for.
Fr?
I got a 1994 SC300 with a S480 LS engine and it's fun as hell to drive!
this lowkey made me wish i bought one instead of my tl type s
Sadly I think you’d win one
I saw one of these a couple days ago and I did not know what it was until I saw the car rip past. I did notice that it had a body kit on it. White SC300’s are beautiful.
Please do a “so you want a ws6 Pontiac firebird”!!!
jsoe gomez ok boomer
Just got me a 93 SC 400 with 111,00,runs perfect for 4K and everything works perfectly,black with tan leather and it’s in great condition,my new hobby 💪💪