It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

The time has come where my 2nd gen Lexus GS400 is calling for a massive makeover. It's currently bone stock with the Lexus Burnish Gold Metallic paint (old man's color).

So here are my plans for the whip, hopefully to be completed before the Goldrush Rally:

-Matte White Body, Black Gloss Roof. Chrome trim and grill redone in gloss black.
-Cleared Side Markers
-LED Tails (RED/Clear bottom) with red portion smoked lightly.
-Coilovers (Flushed/Aggressive Stance)
-5K front end (All lights)
-LED conversion (interior)
-VIP Curtains
-Puddle Lights
-Muffler Delete
-5% Rear tint ,15% Front tint, 50% Windshield. (I'm aware of the laws here.)
-Plug license plate holes on front bumper
-TTE Front Lip
-JDM Visors
-19" or 20" wheels (SUGGESTIONS!)

Will be applying all mods listed above in one major transformation, I've got parts sitting here waiting to be put on.

Go fast mods maybe during the fall.


I'm currently leaning towards the Vossen VVSCV3's as shown below:




I'll be updating this thread as I progress in my venture.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Wow, nice plans!

As much as I like the Vossens, I think they are overplayed and overpriced, especially for being gravity-cast wheels. Have you looked at any other sets? What's your price range?

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

Thanks man! I'm trying to keep the wheels under $2k.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Vossens are a great choice for people who want a brand new set of wheels for a reasonable price. I just don't think they are "VIP".

Unfortunately with the VIP scene, the wheels and suspension are some of the most expensive pieces of the car.

Is there anyway you can put the paint job and the interior pieces on hold and get more expensive wheels? Maybe a set of Leon Hardiritts or VIP Modulars? Big money doesn't always mean better looking wheels but you can get custom sizes, offsets, finishes, and they are usually forged or 3-piece, unlike the Vossen lineup.

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

I appreciate the input, but I'm trying to go for a different look.

Another option:
Varrstoen ES 2.2.2

AZuser

But +1 on played out and over priced for what they are.



The Varrstoen ES 2.2.2 look good to me.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, I just noticed that

For brand new, stylish wheels, they are reasonably priced. For being reggla-deggla gravity cast wheels, they are overpriced

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

for that price i would prob lean towards some nice Volks... where are pics of the car to start off?

myron

iTrader: (4)

Yea lets see the pics of the car before everything is done to it. I have a feeling this will be good. Are you painting it or wrapping it matte white?

HBaJ

Save $ and wrap the car. $ saved from wrapping the car goes to --> buying nicer wheels. Boom, problem solved.

CJITTY

Hey, I highly recommend Vossen Wheels. I have the CV-1s on my Lex LS460 in 22x9 fronts and 22x10.5 rears and they are absolutely amazing wheels. They balance up great, have a 5 year warranty and consistently turn heads. You won't be disappointed!!! I like recommending products that I personally have experience with, so just wanted to give you a first hand account.

It's amazing what wheels can do for a car, especially some nice Vossen's!! Good luck with your build and look forward to the pics!

Uncle Jitty

http://www.flickr.com/photos/71780827@N02/6784523138/http://www.flickr.com/photos/71780827@N02/6784523138/ by http://www.flickr.com/people/71780827@N02/, on Flickr

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

Appreciate the feedback guys. Wow CJitty, your LS is looking very nice. How are the vossens in terms of strength and durability?

Some quickie snaps of the GS, horrible photos brought to you from my blackberry.
The canvas.




*Will be doing the stock spoiler delete and probably end up doing the 3piece lip spoiler.

CJITTY

Thanks!! Well, so far they seem to be very strong. A few times I have had to venture on the war torn roads in Downtown ATL and hit some unexpected sunken manholes as well as concrete to blacktop transitions very hard and they are still solid with no bends, warps or anything. The 5 year warranty is good since it covers the finish should anything happen to the machine or painted portions as well as the structure of the wheel..I don't even worry about it, but I still do what I can to avoid the potholes

Check this out for all the warranty details!! http://www.vossenwheels.com/warranty/

p.diddy

iTrader: (3)

+1

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

TTE Front Lip - Check
Clear Side Markers - Check
LED Tails - Check

Experimenting with VHT Nightshades. 2 Thin Coats, allows the red lens to slightly shine under direct sunlight.

Aman

Much too dark for my tastes, but I like how it fades into red. Very interested to see how your car turns out.

gatrhumpy

iTrader: (1)

Not a big fan of those OP's suggested wheels. And I'm also not a fan of the VIP style, but to each his own.

subinf

^ x2. I don't understand why people want to tilt the wheels. Oh well.

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

I don't know where you're getting extreme camber from. I'm going to get a fitment close to CJITTY's LS460; perfectly flushed and mean looking. Minimizing camber and keeping functionality is still priority. This GS will be boosted later this year.

ThermonMermon

OP:

Best suggestion - if you are 19 years old, i would highly suggest spending that money on upgrading the car itself. you may be quick to dump your savings on modding your car, but a few years down the road, youll be stuck with a 15 year old, modified lexus. youre young, your opinion on whats looks good may change...soon.... what i thought was cool when i was 19 drastically changed over the following years.

IMO: Spend the money on upgrading to a base 3rd gen GS, then think about modding it later on.

Whatever you do, do not paint the car flat anything. wrap as an alternative. as mentioned, attitudes in life change, you may want to sell your flat painted car in a couple years, but will not be able to find buyers.

charliemike

I completely agree. As someone that bought a 13-year old BMW thinking a good condition one for less than a newer car made more sense (it didn't) I would take Mermon's advice.

Start with a better canvas. I know those are crappy cellphone picks but that car looks like it's been rode hard and put away wet more times than I can count.

ThermonMermon

^^ yup. well said. better canvas.

clublexus classifieds have lots of modified 3rd gens. may want to start there, if you want to get a cheap slightly modded GS.

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

I can see where you are both coming from and appreciate the input.

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

UPDATE:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59848484@N02/7033613859/http://www.flickr.com/photos/59848484@N02/7033615063/http://www.flickr.com/photos/59848484@N02/7033615979/http://www.flickr.com/photos/59848484@N02/7033616659/http://www.flickr.com/photos/59848484@N02/7033617509/

What's coming up in the next few weeks:
-Matte white make over (decided to go with a wrap). Gloss black trim, mirrors, and roof.
-Megan EZStreet Coilovers
-Vossen CV3 19" x 8.5"F +32/10" Rear +38
-Install the TTE front lip
-Re-tint all 5 windows. 5% all around.

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

The tails look MUCH better than I thought they would. I like the rest of the goodies added too

CV3s huh? Those are hot but might make your brakes look tiny. Besides that, congrats on making the decisions! I really can't wait to see how everything turns out.

If you don't mind me asking, how much is the wrap going to cost you? I've heard some are in excess of $4k.

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

Thanks bro, a big brake kit is definitely going to be added in later this year.

I was quoted $1800 for the wrap and $4500 for a paintjob. Helps to have connections with a bodyshop.

If you haven't already checked out the other whips (painted):

CLtotheTL32

iTrader: (3)

Sounds like you're getting a hookup! That's awesome!

BBK

njzprettyboy

I always wanted to try to wrap a car on my own....figure the material is pretty cheap..

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

It'd be around $700 in vinyl cost to wrap a mid-sized sedan. Stick to 3M, it'd be 'easier' for DIY'ers. Just what I've read.

Good luck.

RaviNJCLs

iTrader: (4)

I must be one of the few that also don't like the wheels OP posted.

'01White3.2CL

I know you are trying to keep up with your L4P friends, but I have to agree with both charliemike and ThermonMermon...I don't think putting all of that money into an old Lexus is worth it in the long run, although it might make sense for right now.

Sorry, just the 2cents from someone who wishes he had the money in the bank that he spent on his white CL...and my signature doesn't even begin to describe how much I spent to maintained it in perfect condition.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

The Varrstoens are nicer, but still not what I would look at.

p.diddy

iTrader: (3)

not feeling the direction this GS is going at all. just my opinion of course.

Aman

Your wheels were chrome?

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

Is that rare? It's factory.

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

Update...

Decided to abandon the project and now looking for an e36 M3 and convert it to the ultimate boosted daily, pushing 500hp+ minimum. It's going to be a total sleeper.

civicdrivr

iTrader: (9)

p.diddy

iTrader: (3)

+1

crazyasiantl

iTrader: (7)

nice, my buddy just got rid of his fully-bolted E36.

i loved that car

in for update with the bimmer

Aman

That just sounds like a broken down car more than anything. But good luck if you have the $$$ to maintain that kind of car.