Soon to be LS430 Owner!

[Chops]

Do you have any picture from the original exhaust system? From the look of it (looking to this open space from the stock mufflers) it should be whisper quiet

Also, these thread now has a lot to get from a small video

I don't. It was just two big ugly mufflers that weigh around 30 lbs each. And yes, whisper quiet they were. Luckily, this setup isn't that loud either, which is how I wanted it. Plus, walking up to the rear of the car, you can't even tell anything has changed visually.

And I don't really do any videos. There isn't anything on this car to make a video of.

 

[Chops]

LS 430 is my all-time favorite Lexus -- if I can find a good example when it's time to return the IS, it's the car at the top of my list. Really appreciate all these updates, and look forward to hearing more as you continue working on your car.

Thank you. You can't go wrong with these old beasts. I don't know when or what will be next on the "to do" list, but I will post them up when they happen.

 

[Chops]

A few new late night pics...

 

[Chops]

It's been a while, but a few updates...
Replaced the original tail lights with ones from the Celsior from Japan, which have clear turn signals. Really updated the looks of the back end of the LS430...

Hit 200k miles a few months back...

Purchased and installed a re-mapped stock ECU a couple weeks ago... Well worth the $350!

And have a bunch of other stuff sitting, waiting to be installed, including custom coilovers, new water pump/timing belt kit and a few other things...

 

[Chops]

How she's changed from that first post...

 

[Esjay]

We have had our ‘02 for 12 years. It’s the best car we ever had. I bought a 2020 LS500 stablemate for it 6 months ago.

 

[Esjay]

We have owned our 2002 LS430 since 2012. In October of 2022 we purchased an L Certified 2020 LS500. We still have the LS430, and may never part with.
Without a doubt, except for newer safety features and slightly better handling of the LS500, the LS430 is a better car.
The LS430 is roomier, has better visibility and more glass area, better seating position, more user friendly controls, is easier to park, has a smoother drivetrain with the V8, and is generally a more comfortable car than the LS500. The LS500 is a great car and we are happy with it, but for anyone looking to spend 50-100 grand, I would recommend searching for a pristine LS430 instead. Perform any necessary service items it needs using genuine Lexus parts, and enjoy it. It’s a timeless automobile.