2002 Lexus GS430
2002 Lexus GS430
This is the build up thread for my Lexus GS430. I am not new to the World of Lexus as I have/had a '98 GS300 which has now become my donor car. So the car I have is......
- Lexus GS430
- 2002
- 89K
- Black with grey interior
- Full Lexus service history
- No modifications except the alloy wheels (going very soon!!)
- The car is in overall good condition and I am very happy with it. It does have a couple of minor suspension issues such as ball joints, and ARB droplinks, but I will fix that over the next few weeks.
Future modifications this month will be a full SS system, TTE wheels from my old GS300 and fully adjustable coilovers. As well as adding the black interior from my GS300.
I am looking to modify the car in a subtle way, but as you will see by my first modifications, I get pretty serious with it.
Time for some images.......
![[Image: GS430Stock1_zpsccf9960e.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/GS430Stock1_zpsccf9960e.jpg.html)
![[Image: GS430Stock2_zps318e84da.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/GS430Stock2_zps318e84da.jpg.html)
![[Image: GS430Stock3_zps258ba449.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/GS430Stock3_zps258ba449.jpg.html)
So here is the first modification that has taken place today. I decided that although I like the black exterior of the 430, I couldn't stand the grey plastic on the inside. So after viewing an '06 GS300 and liking the grey and black interior, I decided to go down the same route with the 430, utilising the interior from my 300 (which is being split and scrapped).
How the interior started today, the door cards and centre console were changed on the weekend to see if I would like the combination....
![[Image: DashGreyOut1_zps896c5cd1.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/DashGreyOut1_zps896c5cd1.jpg.html)
An hour into the dashboard change....
![[Image: DashGreyOut2_zpsef5f7887.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/DashGreyOut2_zpsef5f7887.jpg.html)
Dashboard out, ready for the change of loom....
![[Image: DashOut1_zps4b41b981.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/DashOut1_zps4b41b981.jpg.html)
Both dashboards in the living room getting the looms swapped over....
![[Image: DashSwap1_zpsc93d87db.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/DashSwap1_zpsc93d87db.jpg.html)
Dashboard back in the car, black GS300 steering wheel added. Sadly with the lighting it actually looks dark grey but I can assure you the interior plastic is black :p
![[Image: BlackDash1_zps4ad0d2be.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/BlackDash1_zps4ad0d2be.jpg.html)
And below is a picture of the wheels that I will be putting on the 430 once the winter has moved on....
![[Image: RH1_zps21204569.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/RH1_zps21204569.jpg.html)
I've copy and pasted from another forum, so apologies about some of the posts as they may make little sense, but I'll tidy it up....
This is the build up thread for my Lexus GS430. I am not new to the World of Lexus as I have/had a '98 GS300 which has now become my donor car. So the car I have is......
- Lexus GS430
- 2002
- 89K
- Black with grey interior
- Full Lexus service history
- No modifications except the alloy wheels (going very soon!!)
- The car is in overall good condition and I am very happy with it. It does have a couple of minor suspension issues such as ball joints, and ARB droplinks, but I will fix that over the next few weeks.
Future modifications this month will be a full SS system, TTE wheels from my old GS300 and fully adjustable coilovers. As well as adding the black interior from my GS300.
I am looking to modify the car in a subtle way, but as you will see by my first modifications, I get pretty serious with it.
Time for some images.......
So here is the first modification that has taken place today. I decided that although I like the black exterior of the 430, I couldn't stand the grey plastic on the inside. So after viewing an '06 GS300 and liking the grey and black interior, I decided to go down the same route with the 430, utilising the interior from my 300 (which is being split and scrapped).
How the interior started today, the door cards and centre console were changed on the weekend to see if I would like the combination....
An hour into the dashboard change....
Dashboard out, ready for the change of loom....
Both dashboards in the living room getting the looms swapped over....
Dashboard back in the car, black GS300 steering wheel added. Sadly with the lighting it actually looks dark grey but I can assure you the interior plastic is black :p
And below is a picture of the wheels that I will be putting on the 430 once the winter has moved on....
![[Image: BlackDash3_zpsbfa6ab23.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/BlackDash3_zpsbfa6ab23.jpg.html)
![[Image: BlackDash2_zps82ecb5eb.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/BlackDash2_zps82ecb5eb.jpg.html)
![[Image: InteriorGP1_zps752a7a8a.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/InteriorGP1_zps752a7a8a.jpg.html)
As you can see I'm pretty much there bar changing over the front seatbelts, but overall I'm really happy with it. It's lovely sitting in the car now with the combination of colours. All I think it needs is either a black carpet and mats, or just black mats to help break up some of the colour on the floor. The next step is to give it a full steam clean and detail, then it's onto the brakes and suspension.
Right guys, the coilovers, ball joints, drop links and track rod ends have gone on over the past few days and here are the images. I didn't do any DIY's as there are plenty on here, but if you have any questions just let me know.
How it started........standard shocks on aftermarket springs....
![[Image: Sus1_zpse2a1926d.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Sus1_zpse2a1926d.jpg.html)
First corner getting stripped ready for the new parts....
![[Image: Sus2_zps366d02bd.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Sus2_zps366d02bd.jpg.html)
Always handy having your new parts turn up whilst working on your ride....
![[Image: Sus3_zps3c3becaa.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Sus3_zps3c3becaa.jpg.html)
New coilovers fitted with ball joint and track rod arm....
![[Image: Sus4_zpsc45a57f5.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Sus4_zpsc45a57f5.jpg.html)
How it sat before adjustments. Just not practical for our roads....
![[Image: Sus5_zpsa8509fd9.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Sus5_zpsa8509fd9.jpg.html)
After some adjustments.......
![[Image: Sus6_zps6b4345b3.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Sus6_zps6b4345b3.jpg.html)
Overall I am very happy with the ride. I decided to go with 12/10 springs which give it a stiffer ride, which works well on our heavy old cars. The car is all over the place in regards to steering but that's because it needs full laser alignment (hopefully tomorrow). Glad it's done now though, not fun laying under the car in minus temperatures!!
Well after another busy day of changing over the parcel shelf, rear seatbelts, door cards and other bits of trim. I managed to take some pictures (apologies for the poor lighting)....
As you can see I'm pretty much there bar changing over the front seatbelts, but overall I'm really happy with it. It's lovely sitting in the car now with the combination of colours. All I think it needs is either a black carpet and mats, or just black mats to help break up some of the colour on the floor. The next step is to give it a full steam clean and detail, then it's onto the brakes and suspension.
Right guys, the coilovers, ball joints, drop links and track rod ends have gone on over the past few days and here are the images. I didn't do any DIY's as there are plenty on here, but if you have any questions just let me know.
How it started........standard shocks on aftermarket springs....
First corner getting stripped ready for the new parts....
Always handy having your new parts turn up whilst working on your ride....
New coilovers fitted with ball joint and track rod arm....
How it sat before adjustments. Just not practical for our roads....
After some adjustments.......
Overall I am very happy with the ride. I decided to go with 12/10 springs which give it a stiffer ride, which works well on our heavy old cars. The car is all over the place in regards to steering but that's because it needs full laser alignment (hopefully tomorrow). Glad it's done now though, not fun laying under the car in minus temperatures!!
Did they sell many GS430's over here? To be honest I don't think I've seen one before (lots of 300's though)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
![[Image: LexuS-Copy.jpg]](http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h204/Sparkystav/LexuS-Copy.jpg)
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
Sparkystav
20-06-2023, 11:36 AM #3Looking good mate!
Did they sell many GS430's over here? To be honest I don't think I've seen one before (lots of 300's though)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.
![[Image: Exhaust1_zpsff136896.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Exhaust1_zpsff136896.jpg.html)
Just what I was expecting it to be....
![[Image: Exhaust2_zps1f55f2b6.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Exhaust2_zps1f55f2b6.jpg.html)
I also used my door to take a 'selfie' after a bit of a detailing session....
![[Image: Reflection1_zpsd3328cf2.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Reflection1_zpsd3328cf2.jpg.html)
Another angle....
![[Image: Reflection2_zpsc6f11162.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Reflection2_zpsc6f11162.jpg.html)
I carried out an easy little DIY today. I stumbled across it in the DIY section and as I did it on my 300, I thought I'd do the 430 grill.
Before....
![[Image: Grill1_zps53a912bd.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Grill1_zps53a912bd.jpg.html)
Half way through....
![[Image: Grill2_zps892fb94b.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Grill2_zps892fb94b.jpg.html)
Back on the car.....
![[Image: Grill3_zps0e7361a6.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Grill3_zps0e7361a6.jpg.html)
Well Friday can't come quick enough! Everything has arrived for my exhaust to be put on, so while I'm waiting I decided to get the machine polisher out and remove my badges....
Before....
![[Image: DeBadge1_zpsc0945b28.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/DeBadge1_zpsc0945b28.jpg.html)
Badges and most of the glue removed....
![[Image: DeBadge2_zps2a8b769b.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/DeBadge2_zps2a8b769b.jpg.html)
The before and after results from the DA....
![[Image: DAEx1_zpscddb51c1.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/DAEx1_zpscddb51c1.jpg.html)
All done....
![[Image: DeBadge3_zps95eb6e2f.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/DeBadge3_zps95eb6e2f.jpg.html)
I received a suspect package today....
Just what I was expecting it to be....
I also used my door to take a 'selfie' after a bit of a detailing session....
Another angle....
I carried out an easy little DIY today. I stumbled across it in the DIY section and as I did it on my 300, I thought I'd do the 430 grill.
Before....
Half way through....
Back on the car.....
Well Friday can't come quick enough! Everything has arrived for my exhaust to be put on, so while I'm waiting I decided to get the machine polisher out and remove my badges....
Before....
Badges and most of the glue removed....
The before and after results from the DA....
All done....
I was tired of how sensitive the steering was on my GS, so I decided to carry out the PS ECU mod' (basically wiring a pot meter into the ECU to control sensitivity).
I didn't take any pictures of the removal as there are DIY's on it, I only took images of the ECU modification itself.
The wires soldered into the location of the old resistor (old resistor pictured)....
![[Image: PSMod1_zps77339adc.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/PSMod1_zps77339adc.jpg.html)
Holes drilled into the casing for the wiring....
![[Image: PSMod2_zps8da742a2.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/PSMod2_zps8da742a2.jpg.html)
I put silicone in the gaps up to prevent any dust getting in.....
![[Image: PSMod3_zps67829153.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/PSMod3_zps67829153.jpg.html)
The final location of where I wanted the dial to be. In this picture the whole system is set-up and working. I have to say it's amazing. I can dial in exactly where I want the sensitivity and there is no issues with feedback. This is a lot better and more reliable than disconnecting the ECU altogether....
![[Image: PSMod4_zps5cf434cf.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/PSMod4_zps5cf434cf.jpg.html)
My Magnaflow section arrived today. Very quick delivery from the US and very happy it arrived undamaged. Next to it is my Topspeed section, but sadly that won't be going on anytime soon. That section is 2.5" and the SS back boxes only have 2" diameter piping. I don't think it will be a good idea having the gases flow nicely through the system only to hit smaller sections at the rear. If anyone can confirm that then please do and if I am wrong then also let me know, as I'd happily install the Topspeed section at the same time. The current rear ss section I have in the garage is 2" in diameter and will run from the Magnaflow section....
![[Image: Exhaust3_zps68ee7dfd.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Exhaust3_zps68ee7dfd.jpg.html)
Well some goodies arrived today....
![[Image: TC1_zpsxl39e2hq.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/TC1_zpsxl39e2hq.jpg.html)
![[Image: Mats1_zpsulrxeva1.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Mats1_zpsulrxeva1.jpg.html)
I started off by fitting the throttle controller. Although it's not an extensive DIY by any means, I thought I'd take some pictures along the way. Fortunately I was lucky that some of the interior had already been removed so I could replace my O2 sensors, ready for Mondays exhaust work....
![[Image: TC2_zpsnztsfhuf.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/TC2_zpsnztsfhuf.jpg.html)
The top of the pedal looks like this, with the plug that needs to be removed on the left of the image....
![[Image: TC3_zpsnnxc7obv.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/TC3_zpsnnxc7obv.jpg.html)
The cable that connects to the original plug shown above....
![[Image: TC4_zpsamiysuee.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/TC4_zpsamiysuee.jpg.html)
Test fit for the location of the screen/controller....
![[Image: TC5_zps14qwt6x8.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/TC5_zps14qwt6x8.jpg.html)
I tested the unit before putting everything back in place....
![[Image: TC6_zpsd50no6vz.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/TC6_zpsd50no6vz.jpg.html)
All the panels back in place. I can still open and close the ashtray with no problems....
![[Image: TC7_zpsjaznjhvz.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/TC7_zpsjaznjhvz.jpg.html)
The mats fitted.....
![[Image: Mats2_zpsjwcicpx1.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Mats2_zpsjwcicpx1.jpg.html)
A final shot of all of the items together....
![[Image: Mats3_zpsc6eh4kbg.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Mats3_zpsc6eh4kbg.jpg.html)
Overall I am very happy with the throttle controller. Anyone looking for sharp and powerful acceleration from a fly-by-wire system such as the one on the GS430, has to have one of these. The car feels like an animal now, the power delivery is amazing and it's there as soon as you put your foot down. As for the mats, well they were expensive, but they're genuine Lexus and I think they finish off the colour combination inside the car quite nicely and certainly cheaper than a new carpet!!
So on to todays little modification and one I am well happy about. Very cheap, very easy and makes a massive difference.
I was tired of how sensitive the steering was on my GS, so I decided to carry out the PS ECU mod' (basically wiring a pot meter into the ECU to control sensitivity).
I didn't take any pictures of the removal as there are DIY's on it, I only took images of the ECU modification itself.
The wires soldered into the location of the old resistor (old resistor pictured)....
Holes drilled into the casing for the wiring....
I put silicone in the gaps up to prevent any dust getting in.....
The final location of where I wanted the dial to be. In this picture the whole system is set-up and working. I have to say it's amazing. I can dial in exactly where I want the sensitivity and there is no issues with feedback. This is a lot better and more reliable than disconnecting the ECU altogether....
My Magnaflow section arrived today. Very quick delivery from the US and very happy it arrived undamaged. Next to it is my Topspeed section, but sadly that won't be going on anytime soon. That section is 2.5" and the SS back boxes only have 2" diameter piping. I don't think it will be a good idea having the gases flow nicely through the system only to hit smaller sections at the rear. If anyone can confirm that then please do and if I am wrong then also let me know, as I'd happily install the Topspeed section at the same time. The current rear ss section I have in the garage is 2" in diameter and will run from the Magnaflow section....
Well some goodies arrived today....
I started off by fitting the throttle controller. Although it's not an extensive DIY by any means, I thought I'd take some pictures along the way. Fortunately I was lucky that some of the interior had already been removed so I could replace my O2 sensors, ready for Mondays exhaust work....
The top of the pedal looks like this, with the plug that needs to be removed on the left of the image....
The cable that connects to the original plug shown above....
Test fit for the location of the screen/controller....
I tested the unit before putting everything back in place....
All the panels back in place. I can still open and close the ashtray with no problems....
The mats fitted.....
A final shot of all of the items together....
Overall I am very happy with the throttle controller. Anyone looking for sharp and powerful acceleration from a fly-by-wire system such as the one on the GS430, has to have one of these. The car feels like an animal now, the power delivery is amazing and it's there as soon as you put your foot down. As for the mats, well they were expensive, but they're genuine Lexus and I think they finish off the colour combination inside the car quite nicely and certainly cheaper than a new carpet!!
How it started....
![[Image: Exhaust6_zpsptdiqrtb.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Exhaust6_zpsptdiqrtb.jpg.html)
The Y section that was being replaced with a modified section from the SC430 (Magnaflow part)....
![[Image: Exhaust7_zps98fjs6vt.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Exhaust7_zps98fjs6vt.jpg.html)
The old Lexus system....
![[Image: Exhaust8_zpsf2lghc15.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Exhaust8_zpsf2lghc15.jpg.html)
The new flanges welded onto the CAT's. If you ever have to take the CAT's off, get someone with the right tools to do it. Mine were a nightmare and some of them snapped when removing the nuts, even after heating them up!....
![[Image: Exhaust9_zpsqho8llax.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Exhaust9_zpsqho8llax.jpg.html)
The new Y pipe with the CAT removed....
![[Image: Exhaust10_zpsulweayzk.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Exhaust10_zpsulweayzk.jpg.html)
Topspeed rear section....
![[Image: Exhaust11_zpsxtpjzf24.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Exhaust11_zpsxtpjzf24.jpg.html)
Our fabricated rear section. This is mostly stainless and is 2" straight through. The plan is to get this part made in 2.5" stainless to match the Topspeed section....
![[Image: Exhaust12_zpsemqhrclu.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Exhaust12_zpsemqhrclu.jpg.html)
https://youtu.be/vFwKOwbGc3c
https://youtu.be/BSbhoD8y8YI
Well people, todays activities were limited as I spent some time with the mrs.....got to be done I guess!!
These arrived this morning....
![[Image: Figs1_zpsn7snwmwd.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Figs1_zpsn7snwmwd.jpg.html)
Very happy with them. They have lined my front offsets up perfectly and the geometry is spot on up front. Next is to sort the rear out.
I then decided to fit my NRG slim boss and NRG steering wheel....
![[Image: Cruise2_zps9n3qyyqh.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Cruise2_zps9n3qyyqh.jpg.html)
One big problem with the new wheel was a lack of cruise control so I set off to get this fixed. I decided to take apart the cruise control unit from my old wheel....
![[Image: Cruise8_zpsufdqkxam.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Cruise8_zpsufdqkxam.jpg.html)
I cut the tabs off it to make it more streamline....
![[Image: Cruise9_zpsjcugpkis.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Cruise9_zpsjcugpkis.jpg.html)
I purchased some buttons to activate the cruise control system and the other to 'set' it. I did not fit the other functions as I won't use them enough to justify it. I didn't want buttons all over the place either....
![[Image: Cruise1_zpsut9jyeov.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Cruise1_zpsut9jyeov.jpg.html)
I cut holes into the lower section once I worked out where I wanted the buttons to go....
![[Image: Cruise4_zpskozalebt.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Cruise4_zpskozalebt.jpg.html)
Once the unit was wired in I decided to test it out on the car and it worked well. I then soldered it up and put the motherboard back into it's normal box to prevent it from getting dusty....
![[Image: Cruise5_zps7lfspl3z.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Cruise5_zps7lfspl3z.jpg.html)
I then put the panel back into the car and took it for one last test drive....
![[Image: Cruise6_zpsuo9lzyjf.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Cruise6_zpsuo9lzyjf.jpg.html)
One final picture of everything together....
![[Image: Cruise7_zpsnyvkjmjd.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Cruise7_zpsnyvkjmjd.jpg.html)
Well todays fun and games were exhaust related and I have finally fitted the system after some trial and error. We decided that the best route was to run the car without back boxes (mufflers) on, so that we could test the noise and see how quiet or loud it was. After the test we decided that we would go straight pipe back to tips from the axle back (see pictures)....
How it started....
The Y section that was being replaced with a modified section from the SC430 (Magnaflow part)....
The old Lexus system....
The new flanges welded onto the CAT's. If you ever have to take the CAT's off, get someone with the right tools to do it. Mine were a nightmare and some of them snapped when removing the nuts, even after heating them up!....
The new Y pipe with the CAT removed....
Topspeed rear section....
Our fabricated rear section. This is mostly stainless and is 2" straight through. The plan is to get this part made in 2.5" stainless to match the Topspeed section....
https://youtu.be/vFwKOwbGc3c
https://youtu.be/BSbhoD8y8YI
Well people, todays activities were limited as I spent some time with the mrs.....got to be done I guess!!
These arrived this morning....
Very happy with them. They have lined my front offsets up perfectly and the geometry is spot on up front. Next is to sort the rear out.
I then decided to fit my NRG slim boss and NRG steering wheel....
One big problem with the new wheel was a lack of cruise control so I set off to get this fixed. I decided to take apart the cruise control unit from my old wheel....
I cut the tabs off it to make it more streamline....
I purchased some buttons to activate the cruise control system and the other to 'set' it. I did not fit the other functions as I won't use them enough to justify it. I didn't want buttons all over the place either....
I cut holes into the lower section once I worked out where I wanted the buttons to go....
Once the unit was wired in I decided to test it out on the car and it worked well. I then soldered it up and put the motherboard back into it's normal box to prevent it from getting dusty....
I then put the panel back into the car and took it for one last test drive....
One final picture of everything together....
![[Image: Reedy1_zpsmybax3n8.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Reedy1_zpsmybax3n8.jpg.html)
![[Image: Reedy2_zpst09dhpnf.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Reedy2_zpst09dhpnf.jpg.html)
![[Image: Reedy3_zpslo3qlrjv.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Reedy3_zpslo3qlrjv.jpg.html)
![[Image: Reedy7_zpsbijy6gvu.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Reedy7_zpsbijy6gvu.jpg.html)
![[Image: Reedy6_zpsw4qysmeo.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Reedy6_zpsw4qysmeo.jpg.html)
![[Image: Reedy5_zpsxqmfsbax.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Reedy5_zpsxqmfsbax.jpg.html)
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Well it's time for an update. I have been busy but it's mainly maintenance work at the moment. The rear lights and grill are still coming along nicely, the grill especially, but today I also have an update in regards to my wheels as I finally bit the bullet and decided to test fit them. I was nervous because being 18" and the style that they are, I didn't want them looking too small.
In regards to maintenance I have done the following today:
- Replaced the engine oil and oil filter
- Aligned the exhaust up so they sit perfectly
- Replaced the diff fluid(man was that black and gunky. Never been changed most likely!)
- Sorted out the loose air filter the best I can until my new one arrives
- WD40'd the LCA bolts ready to change both LCA and front, rear trailing arm bushes tomorrow
- Adjusted the heights on the coilovers now the system is settled in....
![[Image: Oil1_zpsiqvghaxq.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Oil1_zpsiqvghaxq.jpg.html)
I am going to be working on the bushes tomorrow so I may do a DIY write up but it looks straight forward. I am also waiting for the parts below....
- NRG Quick Release hub adapter
- VSV solenoid valve from Japan
- Mercedes E Class grill
So onto the main event (well it was for me), did I have the wheels I wanted or would I be selling them on! After todays test fit I am more than happy with them. They look perfect in my eyes and I think a lot of that is down to the colour wheels and the colour car. I have ordered radinox lips for all four corners, (the fronts being a thinner dish so that the wheels won't poke out so much). Before anyone states the obvious, they are too small for the VIP look, but I am not going for that look and never have. I wanted VIP styled wheels but on a practical 'street' look. The car will still be practical and as I do give her a good run from time to time, I wanted OEM camber and wheel alignment and I think I will get that with these wheels and some minor arch modifications.
Pictures....
![[Image: RH2_zpsnncnbkjj.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/RH2_zpsnncnbkjj.jpg.html)
![[Image: RH3_zpsh5pln9mz.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/RH3_zpsh5pln9mz.jpg.html)
![[Image: RH7_zpsve3hgetf.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/RH7_zpsve3hgetf.jpg.html)
![[Image: RH6_zps5gydwxzy.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/RH6_zps5gydwxzy.jpg.html)
![[Image: RH4_zpslzzjchxi.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/RH4_zpslzzjchxi.jpg.html)
![[Image: RH5_zpsr9k77twb.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/RH5_zpsr9k77twb.jpg.html)
Well another little update, well more of a DIY for those looking to change their trailing arm bushes.
Car jacked up and wheel off. You can see the trailing arm popping out from behind the caliper on the right hand side and then looping under the car....
![[Image: Bush1_zpspf1zmxjr.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Bush1_zpspf1zmxjr.jpg.html)
This is one end of the trailing arm. The two 19mm bolts can be seen connected to the LCA. All bolts will need soaking in WD40 or something similar as there is every chance they have never been undone since the factory....
![[Image: Bush2_zpslbfxmt9v.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Bush2_zpslbfxmt9v.jpg.html)
The other end with the bush that needs replacing....
![[Image: Bush3_zpscpo9inyy.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Bush3_zpscpo9inyy.jpg.html)
The end I started at, with both bolts removed (they are in very, very tight!)....
![[Image: Bush4_zps3x3ogfqx.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Bush4_zps3x3ogfqx.jpg.html)
At the bush end, remove the 19mm nut holding the bush onto the chassis. Then with a 14mm socket, remove two of the bolts holding in the lower supporting bar (not sure on technical name but it looks like a sway bar of sorts)....
![[Image: Bush5_zps02yetj3w.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Bush5_zps02yetj3w.jpg.html)
The trailing arm on the floor. You will need a vice, a punch of some description and a mallet.....
![[Image: Bush6_zps7pt0lsiy.jpg]](http://s4.photobucket.com/user/dopeskills2004/media/Bush6_zps7pt0lsiy.jpg.html)
This is where I got to as the bushes sent out to me were 60mm in width and the GS430 requires 65mm bushes. The new bushes are on order, but now I have two brand new 60mm bushes with nowhere to put them. I may make a FS advert for them if there's any interest.
Today my mate popped over in his 20 year old Fiesta RS 1800. I have to make an airport run this week so I had to put the suspension up. Looks like a 4x4 at the moment, can't wait to lower it again Friday....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Well it's time for an update. I have been busy but it's mainly maintenance work at the moment. The rear lights and grill are still coming along nicely, the grill especially, but today I also have an update in regards to my wheels as I finally bit the bullet and decided to test fit them. I was nervous because being 18" and the style that they are, I didn't want them looking too small.
In regards to maintenance I have done the following today:
- Replaced the engine oil and oil filter
- Aligned the exhaust up so they sit perfectly
- Replaced the diff fluid(man was that black and gunky. Never been changed most likely!)
- Sorted out the loose air filter the best I can until my new one arrives
- WD40'd the LCA bolts ready to change both LCA and front, rear trailing arm bushes tomorrow
- Adjusted the heights on the coilovers now the system is settled in....
I am going to be working on the bushes tomorrow so I may do a DIY write up but it looks straight forward. I am also waiting for the parts below....
- NRG Quick Release hub adapter
- VSV solenoid valve from Japan
- Mercedes E Class grill
So onto the main event (well it was for me), did I have the wheels I wanted or would I be selling them on! After todays test fit I am more than happy with them. They look perfect in my eyes and I think a lot of that is down to the colour wheels and the colour car. I have ordered radinox lips for all four corners, (the fronts being a thinner dish so that the wheels won't poke out so much). Before anyone states the obvious, they are too small for the VIP look, but I am not going for that look and never have. I wanted VIP styled wheels but on a practical 'street' look. The car will still be practical and as I do give her a good run from time to time, I wanted OEM camber and wheel alignment and I think I will get that with these wheels and some minor arch modifications.
Pictures....
Well another little update, well more of a DIY for those looking to change their trailing arm bushes.
Car jacked up and wheel off. You can see the trailing arm popping out from behind the caliper on the right hand side and then looping under the car....
This is one end of the trailing arm. The two 19mm bolts can be seen connected to the LCA. All bolts will need soaking in WD40 or something similar as there is every chance they have never been undone since the factory....
The other end with the bush that needs replacing....
The end I started at, with both bolts removed (they are in very, very tight!)....
At the bush end, remove the 19mm nut holding the bush onto the chassis. Then with a 14mm socket, remove two of the bolts holding in the lower supporting bar (not sure on technical name but it looks like a sway bar of sorts)....
The trailing arm on the floor. You will need a vice, a punch of some description and a mallet.....
This is where I got to as the bushes sent out to me were 60mm in width and the GS430 requires 65mm bushes. The new bushes are on order, but now I have two brand new 60mm bushes with nowhere to put them. I may make a FS advert for them if there's any interest.
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