thinking of getting an SC300

[WVcamry3sfe]

I've decided that I'm going to look into getting an SC300 with a manual transmission. I was wondering if there are any sort of things I should look for as potential issues with this particular car. I'm wanting a very mechanically sound car that I can depend on as a daily and weekend autocross. Because I'm going to race the car, I'm also wondering about aftermarket parts for the car. I know HKS makes cams, and adjustable cam gears for the engine, which I will probably get fairly early on. I have read that some of the 300's 2jz's had VVT-i, which year did they start putting the VVT-i engine in the 300?

Also I know that lexus did a little bit of updating to the SC300 mid way through its long production span. If I got an older SC, and wanted to put the updated body parts on, would they bolt on fairly easy with no modification? I'm not interested in "ricing" or "pimping" the ride out, I know the front end was updated to let more air into the engine bay, which is a point of interest for performance purposes to me as well.

I also know the supra has the 2jzgte, which of course is fairly close to the 300's engine. Does the SC300 share swappable parts with the supra? Suspension mainly is what I need to know about, because beyond the tires... suspension is very important for autox, more so than adding horses to the car. Once I get the car, I'll probably be running it in D-stock for a while anyhow, until I figure out how to set up a good suspension for it. I'm looking for adjustable dampening coilovers for the car, and anti-sway bars.

thanks
-AndyC

[2000-Avalon]

Ok, to start off the SC is definitly a strong platform to build on. As with any used car, expect to do alot of maintanance on it before modding. The 92-97 SC300 came with the non-vvti 2jzge motor. The 98-00 came with the VVTi. If you plan on going NA-T, get the 92-97 year unless you are willing to put in a GTE block into your 98-00. Reason being is the internals of the 98-00 are not as strong as the older models.

The SC 300/400 recieved body upgrades in 97-00, this includes different front bumper, rear bumper, and sideskirts, along with different tail lights. If you get the 92-96 SC, you can easily do a 97+ conversion like many have done, the tail lights will need a new harness and will need modification to not hiperblink.

In 98-00, the SC300 received the new VVTi engine as I mentioned earlier along with a new 5 speed auto (no manual option for 98-00). Other upgrades in 98 include a gated shifter and a 3-spoke steering wheel in 99-00.

The 92-97 SC3 has the same engine as the NA supra MKIV. Many parts are interchangeble, you can run the same control arms off a TT Supra which saves you lots of $$ on parts. You can use the TT springs and shocks which gives you an edge in handling. If you want sway bars, you have lots of options, you can choose from Daizen sways ($500+ shipping), TRD Sways for the Supra which are a little cheaper but you need new subframe mounts in the back, Cusco makes sways, Titan Motorsports, along with others. As far as coilovers, anything that fits a Supra will fit the SC. Some good brands are Cusco, Silk, Zeal, HKS, etc. Everybody runs teins but that's a cheap coilover system.

You can also run the Cusco,TRD, and other strut bars but you'll need spaces to clear the NA manifold.

All in all, if you can find a 97 5speed which is VERY VERY rare to say the least, BUY IT! and save yourself the hassle of doing exterior upgrades and what not, and you can easily turbo the NA motor which can hold 900+hp on the stock block.

[2000-Avalon]

As far as common problems.... expect to change out your engine mounts and transmission mount, don't be surprized if your ac vents are cracked as 90% of them are, the LCD of the climate control unit tends to burn out, also expect to have other various interior lights not lighting up, tune up is a must (new distributer o-ring, valve cover gaskets, spark plugs and wires, timind belt, serpentine belt, water pump, PS pump and maybe rack,trunk shocks, etc...) Regular maintanance stuff.

[Edmo83]

hehehe....another one i can infect with the SC bug

my Sig says it all, Im going to 1JZ my car, aiming for enough overall mods to make around 350-400 at the wheels, not for a super fast car, but for a respectable street fighter.

And Avalon2000's Info is right on the Money. I choose the SC based on its potential. the 5 speeds are getting rarer and rarer so act fast!!!

[Curry]

Gauge clusters tend to have the needles burning out also. Easily fixed by lextech lighting.

[FreezeSpeed]

All very accurate info. One other thing I just wanted to throw in there, is to be carefull of the power steering column, not working. I have seen quite a few earlier models have this problem. It is expensive and a pain in the ass to fix. Also, If you are looking to use this car as an Auto-x car for the weekends, you might want to look into changing out the steering rack to one from an LS model. This will give you a much better steering angle lock-to-lock. The SC's are fine for normal driving, but for performance minded people, this is the alternative. I am more than willing to help out with any info you need if you want to send me a PM. We help to build SC's and Supra's for Drift, Time Attack and Road Courses and are always willing to lend a hand in helping fellow enthusiasts, with our experiences. Good luck on your find and build.

Freeze