RE: SOTW: Lexus Soarer

[Tyre Smoke]

Ugly bland Jap crap.

Good shed if you like that sort of thing.

[Sam1990]

Epic value for money with these. Where else can you get such a well kitted, comfortable V8 cruiser that hasn't got the potential to ruin you financially?

If it were possible I would have one of these sitting on the drive to be used for any long drives which may arise.

[OlberJ]

BrettMRC said:

Very nice cars - I rate the Soarers as amongst the best cars I've ever owned.

Whilst the V8 is nice, there is no excuse not to go for the 1JZ twin turbo, it's faster and not quite as bad on fuel.

But sounds no where near as good.

[BrettMRC]

Tyre Smoke said:

Ugly bland Jap crap.

Good shed if you like that sort of thing.

I think that's a little harsh? But each to their own I guess?

[mooseracer]

Fishy Dave said:

Calling Mycroft

I've no doubt they are good cars, but I can't get past the MyCroft thing. I'm sure he'd be pleased to hear it seems he's scarred me for life

[Cotic]

I had no idea Wolfrace was the 'tesco two-stripe' of the alloy world.

Still the wheel of choice for the 1970's Triumph.

[gareth_r]

Coil pack clips -- that's the straight sixes, not the V8.

[daveco]

A favourite in gran turismo

Know a mechanic who has one and says it's the best car he's ever owned.

Quicker than their numbers suggest too, most are putting out about 280hp.

[Small Car]

I recall an Oxfordshire based outfit bringing these in new. Big bucks and a committed following. I think they are still around bringing other interesting things in. Can anyone recall them?

[gareth_r]

pSyCoSiS said:

...I went in a 3 litre one of these a few weeks back (2JGZE naturally-aspirated engine?). It was quick enough, but the V8 would be ideal.
Question: in standard form, what is quicker? The V8 model or the twin-turbo 2JGZE version?

N/A 3-litre = 2JZ-GE.
The turbo is a 2.5 litre 1JZ-GTE in either twin-turbo or single turbo/VVTi form.

Beard moment - "Z" means supercharged in Toyota engine codes, as in 1G-GZE.


Oh, and it's a Toyota. It would have to be LHD to be a Lexus.

Edited by gareth_r on Friday 18th January 10:25

[Gorbyrev]

Given that it is all alloy V8 any hope for the shedder looking to LPG or are the valve seats vulnerable?

[skyrover]

great car... great engine

[beeblebrox]

gareth_r said:

Oh, and it's a Toyota. It would have to be LHD to be a Lexus.

It's clearly RHD and badged as a Lexus in the photos accompanying the article/ad.

[Reardy Mister]

Well written shed article. Actually useful, tantamount to a buying guide!

[beeblebrox]

Gorbyrev said:

Given that it is all alloy V8 any hope for the shedder looking to LPG or are the valve seats vulnerable?

The same 1UZ-FE engine is used in the LS400, of which there are bazillions of LPG-converted examples running around, so I'm guessing it shouldn't be a problem.

[dafeller]

I had one when they first came out and I lived in the States. Black over gray leather, creamy V8 power delivery, really everything to like about it. Used over time I suppose it would have developed some bork, but it never missed a tick when I had it.

Flappy paddles would have been sweet. For a little small road action, I used to just lock it in 2d gear and let the engine do the work, and it was a good deal of fun.

[gareth_r]

Lawrence5 said:

Can you tune them ?

Various supercharger kits available - not cheap though.

If you are handy with a welder, Toyota conveniently arranged the exhaust manifolds to be reversible, so you can point them forwards and add a turbo or two.

Here's one in a Supra >> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wY3gJkbN-l0

[pSyCoSiS]

gareth_r said:

N/A 3-litre = 2JZ-GE.
The turbo is a 2.5 litre 1JZ-GTE in either twin-turbo or single turbo/VVTi form.

Beard moment - "Z" means supercharged in Toyota engine codes, as in 1G-GZE.


Oh, and it's a Toyota. It would have to be LHD to be a Lexus.

Edited by gareth_r on Friday 18th January 10:25

Thanks mate! I knew I must have got the digits muddled up!

So, which are quicker then? The V8 or twin turbo?

[gareth_r]

beeblebrox said:

gareth_r said:

Oh, and it's a Toyota. It would have to be LHD to be a Lexus.

It's clearly RHD and badged as a Lexus in the photos accompanying the article/ad.

Badges were cheap and gullible punters who would pay more for the L badge were a godsend to dodgy dealers.

http://media.toyota.co.uk/1999/05/grey-importer-fi...

Edited by gareth_r on Friday 18th January 10:41

[Switch]

beeblebrox said:

gareth_r said:

Oh, and it's a Toyota. It would have to be LHD to be a Lexus.

It's clearly RHD and badged as a Lexus in the photos accompanying the article/ad.

VRM lookup comes back as Make :TOYOTA
So you appear to be correct.