PhxTRDRunner

Ok, I've done many MKIV Supra timing belts, no problem. My question is has anyone done a SC400 V8 belt? A friend wants me to help him out (do it for him) and I'm wondering if there's anything to watch out for or reason to not want to help/??

Thanks guys!

ravencr

I'd love to know too, because that's the car my wife drives. Anyone know?

Chris

Nitro Hotpants

are you talking about a Lexus SC400? i didnt know the SC400 had a 4.0 V8 in it. i thought it was a 6 cylinder

-Casey

ravencr

Yep, and 4 liter V8 is what they have.

Nitro Hotpants

wow that is cool, i learn something new everyday on yotatech!

-Casey

P.S. sorry for taking the thread off topic, please return back to the topic at hand

PhxTRDRunner

Well, from what I can find online, looks very similar to a supra t-belt. I'm going to do it tomorrow...for your amusement I'll take some pics before/during/after so you can get an idea


Maybe you can throw me some of those fuel mods cheap (since your selling anyways) for the how to?

ravencr

Well, I would have been parting out, but I ended up buying a '97 limited 4runner just like mine for cheap, so I'm transfering most of it all over to my new one, except for the springs, and possibly the rear swaybar. It's going to be a lot of work to transfer it all over, but I'm pumped, because it's got the rear differential lock that mine didn't have. I can't wait to take it off-road, because I've never had a truck with a locker, just a limited slip, which I loved compared to an open differential.

At any rate, I think I've got a semi local buyer for my springs, but if not, does anyone else want on the list?

Chris

P.S. I can't wait to see your pictures and comments about the SC400 tomorrow!!

ravencr

So how'd the timing belt and water pump install go the other day?

Chris

PhxTRDRunner

Hey, I did the job today and oh my gosh what a PITA!!!! Extremely complicated compared to say a Supra tt engine. Among other things, you have to deal with dual distributors mounted in front of either cam that has to be completely dissassembled. Then, the engine fan is hydrolic (yes, I didn't believe it either) and the pump assembly is right in the middle of the timing belt (which also has to be taken apart and removed). Then, you get to deal with timing marks that are bearly noticeable and don't really line up like you would think they would. Lots of pain in the a$$, but do-able if you are good under the hood. I'd let someone else do it unless you have a bit of experience doing Tbelts...I also hear it is a interference engine which means if it is off...kabOOm!! Hahah, but really I didn't get any pics mainly because I was stressed just because of how complicated it is...and I wanted to make sure to get it back together correctly. Once good note is that the crank bolt is 99% easier to remove than a 2jz (which has 255ft. lbs and loctite).

Total job took me 5 hours and I cleaned everything I touched and also changed spark plugs.

Have fun man!

ravencr

I believe that one's going to the shop!

Chris

ravencr

TRD4runner,

Where did you buy your parts? Also did you also buy the two idlers they recommend? Did you buy anything else along with it like the seals? The dealership is way too expensive, but I do get 20% off.

Thanks,

Chris

ravencr

Here's the retail prices before my 20% discount:

Timing belt: $92.70
Water Pump: $246.27
Upper Idler: $114.23
Lower Idler: $164.41

Damn, it's expensive!

Chris

PhxTRDRunner

Hey Chris, I only replaced the t-belt, tensioner and thats it. I didn't bother with the idler as he wasn't quoted that originally from the dealership. Not sure if I would on my own car or not...they looked to be in perfect condition. I paid just under $200 for the tensioner and t belt full retail. BTW, the tensioners are not reusable, once released they are done...so make sure you don't pull that release pin until you have made absolute sure all your timing marks line up.

ravencr

I'm going to have a shop do it, because I've never done it and I don't have time. I hate spending the money, but I've got a local import shop that does really good work. They recommended the 2 cams seals, crankshaft seal, timing belt, and water pump for my 4runner, so I figured the same would be true for the lexus, but I'll have to ask them to see. I appreciate the help!

Chris