Introduction

How I acquired the car

In 2016, I was gifted a 1994 Lexus SC400 by Jayu Aunty, a longtime family friend who had treated me as part of her family. Her son initially offered me the car’s sound system, contemplating selling the vehicle for scrap. Recognizing my passion for cars and mechanical tinkering, the family generously offered the entire car. This opportunity was thrilling, igniting the beginning of my restoration journey.

Initial condition

Upon acquiring the SC400, the car presented a mix of promising and challenging conditions:

Mechanical Condition: The car had several mechanical issues. After jumpstarting attempts failed we replaced the battery which helped. The car started right up, albeit with old gasoline likely clogging a fuel injector. The transmission emitted a whining noise when decelerating, the engine misfired, and the driver’s side window was non-functional, requiring temporary taping.
Cosmetic Condition: Despite its mechanical flaws, the SC400 was in great condition for its age. The exterior had minor scratches, the body had no rust, and the interior showed minimal wear, making it an ideal candidate for a first-time restoration project.

Personal motivation

My passion for cars dates back to childhood, fueled by a fascination with vehicle design and a collection of model cars. I joined the Rutgers University Car Club in 2014, and that was a supportive community that encouraged me to take on the SC400 project. The car’s connection to the iconic MK4 Toyota Supra (gaining infamy from the Fast and Furious franchise) and its active online community further inspired me to restore and modify my SC400, aligning with my love for automotive culture and customization.

Objectives

My main goals for restoring and modifying the Lexus SC400 were twofold:

Restoration Goals: Perform a comprehensive mechanical overhaul, including engine restoration, transmission swap, brake upgrades, and suspension overhaul to ensure the car runs smoothly and reliably.
Modification Goals: Modernize the car’s appearance and performance by upgrading the sound system, installing a backup camera, enhancing lighting with xenon headlights and LED taillights, upgrading the exhaust system, and fitting larger wheels and tires.

Specific Goals

The project encompassed a range of restoration and modification tasks:

Mechanical Restoration: Complete overhaul of the engine, including spark plugs, O2 sensors, distributor components, fuel system, timing belt, and water pump. Upgrading brake calipers and rotors, and performing a full suspension system overhaul with new struts, springs, bushings, and control arms.
Performance Enhancements: Installation of Fortune Auto 500 series coilovers, swift springs, aftermarket sway bar bushings, and a manual transmission swap from a mid-90s Nissan 240sx. Upgrading the exhaust system with long tube headers, an X-pipe, and Borla mufflers.
Aesthetic Upgrades: Vinyl wrapping the exterior, updating the bumper with fog lights from a 90’s Dodge Stratus, adding side skirts, an aftermarket ducktail spoiler, HID headlights, and Varrstoen ES1 wheels. Refinishing wheels at home and upgrading the interior with aftermarket bucket seats, dyed carpets, and sound-deadening materials.

Timeline

The project was approached without a strict timeline, viewing the restoration and modification as an ongoing hobby rather than a time-constrained endeavor. This flexible approach allowed for continuous learning, tinkering, and gradual upgrades over several years.

Budget

Operating without a fixed budget, I funded the project incrementally. Savings were allocated to specific modifications as needed, such as purchasing sets of wheels, upgrading the sound system, or performing mechanical repairs. This method accommodated unexpected expenses, especially given the age of the vehicle, which often required additional repairs and maintenance.

The initial assessment involved driving the car despite its issues to understand its baseline performance. I prioritized basic maintenance tasks like spark plug replacement, oil changes, and repairing the sagging window. Utilizing online resources such as Facebook group pages and the Club Lexus forum, I learned disassembly techniques and planned subsequent modifications.

Methodology

Assessment and planning

Bodywork and paint

In late 2016, my friends and I vinyl wrapped the SC400 using Avery Gloss Diamond Metallic vinyl, chosen for its cost-effectiveness and ease of application without a professional paint booth (video series below). We also refinished the wheels at home, utilizing sandpaper, Bondo, and automotive spray paint to achieve a polished look.

Mechanical restoration

Engine: We did an engine-out restoration, including cleaning the engine and engine bay, replacing the water pump, timing belt, crankshaft seal, rear main seal, and installing long tube headers. Additional maintenance involved new fuel injectors, spark plugs and wires, and engine mounts.

Transmission and Brakes: My friend Andrew and I upgraded brake calipers and rotors with parts from a later model LS400 in 2016. A couple of years later, we performed a manual transmission swap using a transmission from a Nissan 240SX.

Interior upgrades

I upgraded the interior by installing aftermarket Braum Elite bucket seats, matching the stock interior color. I also removed and dyed the carpets black and added closed-cell foam and Dynamat sheets to reduce road noise and heat from the transmission tunnel.

Modifications

Suspension upgrades: I Installed Fortune Auto 500 series Coil-overs and swift springs, upgraded sway bar bushings, and polyurethane steering rack bushings for improved rigidity and steering response.
Exhaust system: I upgraded the exhaust with aftermarket long tube headers, an X-pipe, and Borla mufflers for a more aggressive and throaty sound.
Sound system: I upgraded the infotainment system with a Pioneer 4100NEX CarPlay stereo, Rockford Fosgate subwoofer, and amplifier.

Resources and tools

Utilized online forums for guidance, sourced parts through Craigslist and Marketplace, and referenced the Toyota Lexus SC service manual for specifications. Managed project details and expenses using Excel. I collaborated with friends for cosmetic modifications and complex mechanical tasks.

Timeline and milestones

2016

Installed Alpine sound system components.
Performed basic engine maintenance (spark plugs, wires, battery, O2 sensors, coil packs).
Upgraded brakes and suspension with 4-piston calipers, LS400 rotors, distributor components, and Tein Street Basis adjustable coil-overs.
Enhanced lighting with LED taillights, HID headlights, and gauge cluster LEDs.
Fitted Nissan 18” 350z anniversary wheels and axle-back exhaust.

2017

Applied Avery Gloss Diamond Metallic vinyl wrap.
Replaced fuel injectors, radiator, hoses, fuel filter, AC compressor, evaporator, steering rack bushings, sway bar end links.
Upgraded to an IS300 3-spoke steering wheel and installed a Pioneer 4100NEX infotainment system.

2018

Installed Falken tires with a 45,000-mile warranty and performed road force balancing.
Completed lifetime alignment and replaced front control arms, power steering rack, pump, alternator, tie-rod ends, and backup camera.
Executed a manual transmission swap, water pump, timing belt replacement, and custom exhaust installation.

2019

Upgraded to Braum Elite bucket seats and added sound-deadening materials.
Upgraded to Varrstoen ES1 wheels and General Altimax summer tires.
Installed sound deadening, and dyed the interior to make a custom two-tone color scheme.

Results

Final condition

My SC400 ran like it was fresh off the showroom floor. With the entire suspension system replaced, the ride was super smooth and responsive, and the engine purred perfectly. Swapping to a manual transmission made driving the car a blast—it's was both reliable and a lot more fun to drive.

Performance and aesthetic improvements

After all of the modifications, the SC400 packed a serious punch. The new suspension and manual transmission made handling tight corners and quick maneuvers a breeze. The upgraded exhaust system gave the car a much deeper, more aggressive roar, and the engine’s newfound reliability meant it performed consistently every time I hit the road. The shiny vinyl wrap and custom-refinished wheels gave it a sleek, modern vibe. Upgraded HID headlights and LED taillights, along with a cool ducktail spoiler and side skirts, made the car stand out wherever it went.

Recognition and feedback

Documentation of the modifications on YouTube and the SC400 Facebook group page garnered significant attention. Many members reached out for advice, and I received positive feedback for my detailed tutorials. Showcasing the car at local car meets and drag strips also attracted admiration, particularly for the manual transmission swap, inspiring others to consider similar modifications.

Personal growth

Working on this project taught me a lot about sticking with tough tasks and being patient when things take time. I also picked up some solid video editing skills with Final Cut Pro X and DaVinci Resolve. On the professional side, I used the car boosted my technical writing skills - I documented the process of changing brake pads and rotors, which helped me land a technical writing and knowledge management job at mmhmm.

Challenges and solutions

Technical challenges

Engine Misfiring and Transmission Noises: I tackled these by doing a deep dive into the engine restoration and swapping in a more dependable manual transmission. This not only fixed the issues but also made the car a lot more fun to drive.
Electrical Issues: To solve these, I upgraded the sound system and added modern infotainment features. This not only improved functionality but also gave the car a fresh, updated feel.

Resourse constraints

Without a set budget, I had to be smart about how I saved and spent money. Unexpected mechanical problems popped up often, so I had to focus on fixing the must-haves first and put off the more cosmetic stuff to keep the project moving forward.

Learning curve

I had to pick up new skills like video editing and some advanced mechanical repairs to keep the project going and document everything. Online forums and teaming up with experienced mechanics were lifesavers in getting me up to speed.

Problem-solving strategies

I relied heavily on online communities for tips and advice, found affordable parts through sites like Craigslist and Marketplace, and worked closely with friends and pros who knew their stuff. This teamwork was crucial in overcoming the technical challenges I faced.

Lessons learned

Technical Skills

I dove deep into automotive mechanics, learning everything from engine restoration and transmission swaps to fine-tuning the suspension. My understanding of vehicle electronics and modern infotainment systems also got a major boost.

Project Management

Handling a project that spanned several years with changing goals really sharpened my planning and organizational skills. I became better at adapting to unexpected challenges and adjusting my plans on the fly.

Collaboration

Working with friends and professional mechanics taught me the true value of teamwork. Good communication and leveraging each other’s strengths were key to getting things done and making the project a success.

Personal Insights

This project fueled my passion for automotive engineering even more and confirmed that I want to pursue a career in an industry that required me to be analytical, and technical. It also showed me how important perseverance and continuous learning are when working towards long-term goals.

Conclusion

Project Success

Restoring and modifying the SC400 was a win on many fronts. The car combined modern performance and looks with its classic charm, reflecting my dedication and passion. Plus, the project helped me grow personally, connect with the car community, and gave me valuable benefits in my professional life.

Impact

This project was a huge boost for my personal development, enhancing both my technical know-how and project management skills. It also deepened my involvement in the automotive community, letting me help others and share what I’ve learned. On the professional side, it showcased my ability to document and communicate complex technical processes effectively. It also showed me that I am able to continuously improve while simultaneously helping others reach their automotive dreams.

Reviving a Legacy: Restoration and Modification of a 1994 Lexus SC400