The £1k 4.3 V8 Lexus LS430
Discussion
STIfree said:
Still, it's not such a big deal as I have a Shell station with LPG only 3 miles away. I wonder if there's an app that can help me find LPG when I'm further from home though, could be useful.
Check out the "Fill LPG" app (I use it on Android, not sure about Apple).On PC you can also use https://www.filllpg.co.uk/index.php?page=lpg.php Registered users can update prices and out of service pumps so they're pretty useful.
BigMon said:
Do you know, for some reason I really fancy one of these. Gawd knows why as I'm pretty incompetent mechanically so would have to pay someone to do most of what you've done.
Perhaps not a good idea!
Yours is looking great though. Good on you for giving the old girl a new lease of life.
They don't really go wrong that much, bar a few sensors Perhaps not a good idea!
Yours is looking great though. Good on you for giving the old girl a new lease of life.
This thing is looking great!
Facelift 18"s can be picked up cheaply and are a nice looking wheel, (little bit small for my tastes and I went for 19s)
Oz operas look great on these things, very OEM + looking and popular in Japan.
What's with the centre console? Has that been painted at some point? Wonder if you could swap it out for a matching wood one from a facelift? Your gear selector looks different too
Re LPG the installer will configure how much you can fill it. It's usually 80% it might be worth asking an installer if they can have a look at configuring the tank. It usually takes a few goes.
As mentioned the lights on the LPG guage are purely decorative. I get anywhere between 200-300 miles on a full tank of LPG. Gas quality varies massively too. An extra 50 miles on a tank of gas in Germany as opposed to Poland is normal. Italian gas is the worst giving only 200 miles if I'm lucky.
Did you get any documentation with your install?
Graculus said:
Check out the "Fill LPG" app (I use it on Android, not sure about Apple).
On PC you can also use https://www.filllpg.co.uk/index.php?page=lpg.php Registered users can update prices and out of service pumps so they're pretty useful.
Downloaded it, that's perfect. Even shows across all of Europe, thanks!On PC you can also use https://www.filllpg.co.uk/index.php?page=lpg.php Registered users can update prices and out of service pumps so they're pretty useful.
BigRusko said:
STIfree said:
BigMon said:
Do you know, for some reason I really fancy one of these. Gawd knows why as I'm pretty incompetent mechanically so would have to pay someone to do most of what you've done.
Perhaps not a good idea!
Yours is looking great though. Good on you for giving the old girl a new lease of life.
As mentioned above, if you get one that's already sorted they seem to be mega reliable. I'd imagine even at the price I paid, if i took it to a garage to get sorted I'd still be in profit if I were to sell it.Perhaps not a good idea!
Yours is looking great though. Good on you for giving the old girl a new lease of life.
That being said, I'm fairly incompetent when it comes to working on cars. But I'm learning to give everything a go as long as I've got a mate who knows what to do on speed dial. It's just nuts and bolts, some are just a bit bigger and harder to get off.
CDB1983 said:
They don't really go wrong that much, bar a few sensors
This thing is looking great!
Facelift 18"s can be picked up cheaply and are a nice looking wheel, (little bit small for my tastes and I went for 19s)
Oz operas look great on these things, very OEM + looking and popular in Japan.
What's with the centre console? Has that been painted at some point? Wonder if you could swap it out for a matching wood one from a facelift? Your gear selector looks different too
Re LPG the installer will configure how much you can fill it. It's usually 80% it might be worth asking an installer if they can have a look at configuring the tank. It usually takes a few goes.
As mentioned the lights on the LPG guage are purely decorative. I get anywhere between 200-300 miles on a full tank of LPG. Gas quality varies massively too. An extra 50 miles on a tank of gas in Germany as opposed to Poland is normal. Italian gas is the worst giving only 200 miles if I'm lucky.
Did you get any documentation with your install?
I think 19's could be the best size. Problem I'm having is I'm a tight git and cant justify spending 50-60% the price of the car on wheels This thing is looking great!
Facelift 18"s can be picked up cheaply and are a nice looking wheel, (little bit small for my tastes and I went for 19s)
Oz operas look great on these things, very OEM + looking and popular in Japan.
What's with the centre console? Has that been painted at some point? Wonder if you could swap it out for a matching wood one from a facelift? Your gear selector looks different too
Re LPG the installer will configure how much you can fill it. It's usually 80% it might be worth asking an installer if they can have a look at configuring the tank. It usually takes a few goes.
As mentioned the lights on the LPG guage are purely decorative. I get anywhere between 200-300 miles on a full tank of LPG. Gas quality varies massively too. An extra 50 miles on a tank of gas in Germany as opposed to Poland is normal. Italian gas is the worst giving only 200 miles if I'm lucky.
Did you get any documentation with your install?
For me, something like these would be ideal and they don't require mega stance to look right
The strange grey centre console/window switches, as I'm finding out are unique to early European LS430's. All other years and markets were full wood but mine is this weird factory vinyl (still has the Lexus printed text on it so it is factory). I guess they worked out it wasn't as durable so ditched it in favour of more wood. I've read that the wood came from Yamaha (the musical instrument side) and that all the wood is from the same tree so it would match perfect. I think I'll likely just spray paint it a gunmetal grey and be done with it.
I didn't know that you could adjust how 'full' the tank gets, that's interesting.
As with the fuel gauge I'm taking it with a pinch of salt. Although it done strange things with the standard petrol gauge. It went from 3/4 full to 1/2 full over ~100miles when it was running on gas. But then at some point it pinged back up to 3/4 full.
This is the only paperwork I have (bar a certificate mentioning the reg & vin of the car being registered on a LPG register). Where it says 57 units of gas, would you interpret that as 57 litres? If so then I wonder why I've only been able to get 40 litres in.
My fuel guage does the same, you'll get used to it, half full means you don't have to look at the fuel light. It's. It using petrol though. Only for start up.
Yes 57 units will be litres, there's probably a bit of calibration in there so you should be able to fill up to 52 or so.
JDM wheels seem to hold their value, use them for a while and punt them on when you get bored.
I got berated on the Lexus forums for modifying mine (bodykit is standard fit in Japan)
Yes 57 units will be litres, there's probably a bit of calibration in there so you should be able to fill up to 52 or so.
JDM wheels seem to hold their value, use them for a while and punt them on when you get bored.
I got berated on the Lexus forums for modifying mine (bodykit is standard fit in Japan)
CDB1983 said:
My fuel guage does the same, you'll get used to it, half full means you don't have to look at the fuel light. It's. It using petrol though. Only for start up.
Yes 57 units will be litres, there's probably a bit of calibration in there so you should be able to fill up to 52 or so.
JDM wheels seem to hold their value, use them for a while and punt them on when you get bored.
I got berated on the Lexus forums for modifying mine (bodykit is standard fit in Japan)
I'll have to see about getting it checked out what I've got when it comes to servicing and if it can be altered to allow more gas.Yes 57 units will be litres, there's probably a bit of calibration in there so you should be able to fill up to 52 or so.
JDM wheels seem to hold their value, use them for a while and punt them on when you get bored.
I got berated on the Lexus forums for modifying mine (bodykit is standard fit in Japan)
I had a free morning today to tinker, I could have attacked the dodgy wheel speed sensor, but I decided to see if i could get this working -
Turns out the relay and on/off switch are dead, it was all very crusty. New ones on order. I'm not sure if its supposed to have a musical tune, as the way I've checked it so far has just been power direct to the compressor. Will find out later in the week when the £3 relay turns up.
Chucked a bit of paint on the bracket and horns as you could see the red tips through the bottom grills on the bumper (check some of the older pics).
Should be a laugh when sorted
Slightly concerning news though, I noticed when putting the car back together that the coolant is below minimum. I only topped it up to full last week and have done about 100 miles since. Oil cap is fine so it's a leak somewhere. Might have to wait until I get a chance to get it up on ramps as the undertray on these is massive. Hope it's nothing too serious!
Have a look at my most recent posts on my LS400 - I've just had exactly the same issue. Whip off the air intake, and check the rad from the top, before you go to the effort of getting the car up in the air. Five mins worth spending - seems like the plastic top tank joint to the metal rad can be a weak point. (the plastic tank under the rad is for the ATF fluid)
Northbrook said:
Have a look at my most recent posts on my LS400 - I've just had exactly the same issue. Whip off the air intake, and check the rad from the top, before you go to the effort of getting the car up in the air. Five mins worth spending - seems like the plastic top tank joint to the metal rad can be a weak point. (the plastic tank under the rad is for the ATF fluid)
Oo, thanks, I'll certainly check that out first.Just read your posts, looks a simple enough job to diagnose and tackle if it is. Fingers crossed I've got the same issue!
(Nerdy voice) "You know it's illegal to put musical air horns on any car built after the early 1970's don't you????"
My attitude to this (in reality) can be guessed at by the fact I've got some that play 'Dixie' that I'm aching to stick on something!!
I love these LS430s. I remember seeing them new and wondering what Lexus were doing ripping off the Mercedes back lights but they seem to have aged really well. I've got my eye on a facelift that wants a good clean inside and a few minor scuffs and scrapes dealing with. He wants too much for it but I'm leaving him to stew for a bit longer... Top work OP
My attitude to this (in reality) can be guessed at by the fact I've got some that play 'Dixie' that I'm aching to stick on something!!
I love these LS430s. I remember seeing them new and wondering what Lexus were doing ripping off the Mercedes back lights but they seem to have aged really well. I've got my eye on a facelift that wants a good clean inside and a few minor scuffs and scrapes dealing with. He wants too much for it but I'm leaving him to stew for a bit longer... Top work OP
STIfree said:
Oo, thanks, I'll certainly check that out first.
Just read your posts, looks a simple enough job to diagnose and tackle if it is. Fingers crossed I've got the same issue!
Well, fingers crossed you've got a hose clamp that needs nipping up a bit Just read your posts, looks a simple enough job to diagnose and tackle if it is. Fingers crossed I've got the same issue!
I'm glad I didn't attempt mine - more jobs than time at the moment - but, if happy to get stuck in, it shouldn't be a massive job. Worth doing the thermostat while you're at it - mine was about £15 for Mahle.
The petrol gauge dropping is a quirk of some makes of vehicle. The cars own ECU is still monitoring the MAF sensor and petrol injector cycles so it thinks it's using petrol even when it's not. After one hundred miles or so it sorts itself out and reads correctly again. You can buy a little box of tricks to force it to show the correct level. I bought one ages ago but never fitted it...
Your system may actually inject some petrol at higher revs depending on how it's been setup (mine does). This is done to cool the valves to protect them but you'd need to check with the installer. You may also have a Flashlube system fitted, again, this protects the valves. You would have a reservoir for this in the engine bay, if fitted.
Your system may actually inject some petrol at higher revs depending on how it's been setup (mine does). This is done to cool the valves to protect them but you'd need to check with the installer. You may also have a Flashlube system fitted, again, this protects the valves. You would have a reservoir for this in the engine bay, if fitted.
Straff99 said:
(Nerdy voice) "You know it's illegal to put musical air horns on any car built after the early 1970's don't you????"
My attitude to this (in reality) can be guessed at by the fact I've got some that play 'Dixie' that I'm aching to stick on something!!
I love these LS430s. I remember seeing them new and wondering what Lexus were doing ripping off the Mercedes back lights but they seem to have aged really well. I've got my eye on a facelift that wants a good clean inside and a few minor scuffs and scrapes dealing with. He wants too much for it but I'm leaving him to stew for a bit longer... Top work OP
Is that a real law or is it related to a certain orange 1969 Charger? My attitude to this (in reality) can be guessed at by the fact I've got some that play 'Dixie' that I'm aching to stick on something!!
I love these LS430s. I remember seeing them new and wondering what Lexus were doing ripping off the Mercedes back lights but they seem to have aged really well. I've got my eye on a facelift that wants a good clean inside and a few minor scuffs and scrapes dealing with. He wants too much for it but I'm leaving him to stew for a bit longer... Top work OP
Can't say I've ever wanted one, but as this ones fell in my lap I might as well give it a go. Might end up rigging it as just a solid 3 horn sound, also with the standard dual horns for a full 'GET THE HELL OUT THE WAY' toot.
Northbrook said:
Well, fingers crossed you've got a hose clamp that needs nipping up a bit
I'm glad I didn't attempt mine - more jobs than time at the moment - but, if happy to get stuck in, it shouldn't be a massive job. Worth doing the thermostat while you're at it - mine was about £15 for Mahle.
Well, there's hoping for something really easy. I'm glad I didn't attempt mine - more jobs than time at the moment - but, if happy to get stuck in, it shouldn't be a massive job. Worth doing the thermostat while you're at it - mine was about £15 for Mahle.
What was your total cost in parts if you don't mind me asking?
I've got plenty of room for expenditure on repairs thanks to the initial purchase cost.
Graculus said:
The petrol gauge dropping is a quirk of some makes of vehicle. The cars own ECU is still monitoring the MAF sensor and petrol injector cycles so it thinks it's using petrol even when it's not. After one hundred miles or so it sorts itself out and reads correctly again. You can buy a little box of tricks to force it to show the correct level. I bought one ages ago but never fitted it...
Your system may actually inject some petrol at higher revs depending on how it's been setup (mine does). This is done to cool the valves to protect them but you'd need to check with the installer. You may also have a Flashlube system fitted, again, this protects the valves. You would have a reservoir for this in the engine bay, if fitted.
That explains it, I was thinking earlier how it must work out the MPG as its shown 18-20MPG over the past 100ish miles, so it's obviously registering the gas, not just the petrol. But you're explanation solves that one. Your system may actually inject some petrol at higher revs depending on how it's been setup (mine does). This is done to cool the valves to protect them but you'd need to check with the installer. You may also have a Flashlube system fitted, again, this protects the valves. You would have a reservoir for this in the engine bay, if fitted.
I've not noticed any reservoir, I recall the previous owner mentioning that he chose not to have that fitted as it sounded like unwanted extra maintenance. whether that adds any dangers I should know about, I dont know!
ChocolateFrog said:
I think Japanese cars with Volvo levels of under body rust protection would be literally indestructible.
You're on the money there. I had a 2000 V70 last year, remarkably unrusty. This Lexus, well its typical Jap stuff from this era, I've not missed it!Edited by STIfree on Tuesday 26th May 22:13
Bearing in mind that mine is a late 400...
Thermostat: £16.01 delivered, Mahle (incl seal).
Radiator: £92.58 delivered, Nissens (mechanic sourced it; available via eBay for £70ish but easier this time for him to source; I supplied part number)
Jubilee clips, coolant, ATF: £36.
So, with a little time spent on sourcing and doing the labour yourself, it should be £130ish. Which isn't too bad.
Thermostat: £16.01 delivered, Mahle (incl seal).
Radiator: £92.58 delivered, Nissens (mechanic sourced it; available via eBay for £70ish but easier this time for him to source; I supplied part number)
Jubilee clips, coolant, ATF: £36.
So, with a little time spent on sourcing and doing the labour yourself, it should be £130ish. Which isn't too bad.
Northbrook said:
Bearing in mind that mine is a late 400...
Thermostat: £16.01 delivered, Mahle (incl seal).
Radiator: £92.58 delivered, Nissens (mechanic sourced it; available via eBay for £70ish but easier this time for him to source; I supplied part number)
Jubilee clips, coolant, ATF: £36.
So, with a little time spent on sourcing and doing the labour yourself, it should be £130ish. Which isn't too bad.
I know, I'm hoping that with only a year between our cars they're shared parts. Thermostat: £16.01 delivered, Mahle (incl seal).
Radiator: £92.58 delivered, Nissens (mechanic sourced it; available via eBay for £70ish but easier this time for him to source; I supplied part number)
Jubilee clips, coolant, ATF: £36.
So, with a little time spent on sourcing and doing the labour yourself, it should be £130ish. Which isn't too bad.
That's a pretty reasonable price, plus the cost of an afternoon, to sort. If it is the problem, I should know by this time tomorrow hopefully! Thanks again.
Can't say I've ever wanted one, but as this ones fell in my lap I might as well give it a go. Might end up rigging it as just a solid 3 horn sound, also with the standard dual horns for a full 'GET THE HELL OUT THE WAY' toot.
The regs say a horn must be " continuous, uniform and not strident " on a vehicle "first used on or after 1.8.1973"
Being a child of the 60's... I remember this coming in. There were loads of cars playing La Cucaracha and similar ditties at that time so they banned them. The Fun Police were in place even back then
Mind you, they've got to catch you first...
The regs say a horn must be " continuous, uniform and not strident " on a vehicle "first used on or after 1.8.1973"
Being a child of the 60's... I remember this coming in. There were loads of cars playing La Cucaracha and similar ditties at that time so they banned them. The Fun Police were in place even back then
Mind you, they've got to catch you first...
Straff99 said:
Can't say I've ever wanted one, but as this ones fell in my lap I might as well give it a go. Might end up rigging it as just a solid 3 horn sound, also with the standard dual horns for a full 'GET THE HELL OUT THE WAY' toot.
The regs say a horn must be " continuous, uniform and not strident " on a vehicle "first used on or after 1.8.1973"
Being a child of the 60's... I remember this coming in. There were loads of cars playing La Cucaracha and similar ditties at that time so they banned them. The Fun Police were in place even back then
Mind you, they've got to catch you first...
I'm imagining in the 70's, cars pulling up next to a police station, La Cucaracha blasts out full volume, then the car speeding off The regs say a horn must be " continuous, uniform and not strident " on a vehicle "first used on or after 1.8.1973"
Being a child of the 60's... I remember this coming in. There were loads of cars playing La Cucaracha and similar ditties at that time so they banned them. The Fun Police were in place even back then
Mind you, they've got to catch you first...
I did once have a Nissan Micra that had 1 of its 2 horns a bit dodgy. So when you held the horn it went something like nnnnNNNNNNNnnnnnNNNNNnnnnnnnnNNNNNNN (It's rather hard to do horn noises with text!)
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