1991 Black Lexus ES250- wanting to achieve a vip look

Hello everyone,


This is my moms old car that she used to drive to work- 
It's been in the family since 91' and I think we will most likely keep it until it dies.

I drive an rsx, but use this car from time to time to commute to work. 

It's no where near perfect, but in decent shape for this car. 

New front fenders, new trunklid, new taillight- repainted black. 

I am hoping to possibly make some one off aero for it- trunklid spoiler and a lip kit maybe. (I do alot of fiberglass prototyping and mold making) Bumpers might be a bit much- since these already look decent.

Anyhow- here are some photos of its condition:

[IMG][IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh66/spray2020/lexuses250005.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh66/spray2020/lexuses250003-1.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh66/spray2020/lexus.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

hopefully get it down to the ground like this:
[IMG][IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh66/spray2020/slammedviplexus-1.jpg[/IMG][/IMG]

I really like the look of the stock wheels- esp. with a lowered stance. 

Some ssr's would be nice- if I can afford them :( I was thinking of test fitting my 16" rsx stock wheels to see how they look maybe

Where would be the best place to look to find lowering springs/coilovers or whatever? 

Celica suspension maybe?
Which would be the most cost effective way to lower it?

it would be a dope car to do up, i think it would be camry suspension! check it out! the 87-95? years?

It would interesting for sure ...... :biggthumpup:
[IMG]http://img01.carview.co.jp/minkara/blog/000/017/470/677/17470677/P1.jpg[/IMG]

i'm pretty sure the camry suspension would bolt up as they're almost identical chassis, but i could be wrong. :shrug:

I know that is pretty much a Toyota Camry- 

but I dont think that there was any aftermarket suspension for a camry right?

Thats why I was thinking celica suspension and maybe modify it?

maybe even a 1st gen soarer suspension and front and rear bumper ^^^

Always loved those. I'd SLAM it on like some 2 gen GS 5 spokes - the ones that look like the IS wheels.

[QUOTE=spray2020;312158]I know that is pretty much a Toyota Camry- 

but I dont think that there was any aftermarket suspension for a camry right?

Thats why I was thinking celica suspension and maybe modify it?[/QUOTE]

there is a decent afermarket for the camry especially the years u need.

do some searching... not to be a d**k but it came up not long ago. i just don't remember the details but something like slightly modded celica coilovers or somethin...
 
the advice i gave in that thread (when you find it) applies.
 
have fun!

I cant wait to see what this is going to turn out like

whats up man! im the other es250 that they're talking about.  i just picked one up to, and was looking to start building it, after i unload my 350z (two seater didnt work since i just had a baby).
anyway, i havent picked up any susp yet, but based on my research and talking to mechanics that i know, the same year camry suspension should indeed fit.  problem is there's only springs for the camry. no air, or adjustables, or anything like that on the market.  also i think youre gonna have a problem with struts b'c the es comes with a stock "tems" like system.  so do do susp you either gonna go with springs and struts with disconnected tems, custom air, or the third option, celica parts.
the celica susp is similar but not exact.  the plus is that there are adjustables with camber plates for the celica on the market.  the problem is that they're not exact bolt ons.  another member directed me to toyotanation and there a member talked about how the top mounts for the front susp is different.  so, youd have to cut new holes where your struts mount.  i dont know about you, but i dont trust myself to get it perfect....and if its not its gonna be an alignment nightmare.
anyway, im in the same situation as you so good luck and let me know if you get any new info!!
by the way, whered you get the clear corners for your car?  did you make them?  i looked all over but ive never found a set for our car

[QUOTE=VJ_400;312163]maybe even a 1st gen soarer suspension and front and rear bumper ^^^[/QUOTE]

Thats an interesting idea!- yet another super rare car haha- I look into it. 

[QUOTE=NELSON09;312166]Always loved those. I'd SLAM it on like some 2 gen GS 5 spokes - the ones that look like the IS wheels.[/QUOTE]
I'm trying to look through google images to find the wheel you are talking about- so many 5 spoke!

[QUOTE=JITb;312176]there is a decent afermarket for the camry especially the years u need.[/QUOTE]

There is some, but it's tough in the suspension department

[QUOTE=BLKonBLK98;312238]do some searching... not to be a d**k but it came up not long ago. i just don't remember the details but something like slightly modded celica coilovers or somethin...
 
the advice i gave in that thread (when you find it) applies.
 
have fun![/QUOTE]

Yeah I am going through old searches to find more info- thank you!

[QUOTE=VipIS3;312405]I cant wait to see what this is going to turn out like[/QUOTE]

same here- I'm patient to get it all done- who knows how long it will take. It was the first car I ever drove at age 16- I hope to keep it forever!

[QUOTE=classicstyle;312704]whats up man! im the other es250 that they're talking about.  i just picked one up to, and was looking to start building it, after i unload my 350z (two seater didnt work since i just had a baby).
anyway, i havent picked up any susp yet, but based on my research and talking to mechanics that i know, the same year camry suspension should indeed fit.  problem is there's only springs for the camry. no air, or adjustables, or anything like that on the market.  also i think youre gonna have a problem with struts b'c the es comes with a stock "tems" like system.  so do do susp you either gonna go with springs and struts with disconnected tems, custom air, or the third option, celica parts.
the celica susp is similar but not exact.  the plus is that there are adjustables with camber plates for the celica on the market.  the problem is that they're not exact bolt ons.  another member directed me to toyotanation and there a member talked about how the top mounts for the front susp is different.  so, youd have to cut new holes where your struts mount.  i dont know about you, but i dont trust myself to get it perfect....and if its not its gonna be an alignment nightmare.
anyway, im in the same situation as you so good luck and let me know if you get any new info!!
by the way, whered you get the clear corners for your car?  did you make them?  i looked all over but ive never found a set for our car[/QUOTE]

Nice to finally run into another enthusiast wanting to mod this car! Rare for sure. I went through some of your old posts and read up on the info you had. I found the same springs your talking about- "b&g" for the same year camry- I wonder how weak of a drop they give (I bet pretty weak..lol)

What exactly is this "tems" system your referring to? I've done some custom metal milling when in school- but doing custom suspension scares me a bit too. 

The clear corners? I bought them from Junction Produce back in the day!! Just Kidding...lol I custom did them- I used some lexan from home depot- used a dremel to cut the shape out- used rough sand paper to rough up the back side to give it a translucent look- You have to chisel the amber out sort of- they are super glued in. 

I have a spare trunk- I want to use it to make a trunklid spoiler out of clay or foam- finish it in fiberglass. Check my website of design work: [url]www.codycasale.com[/url]

nice work, i just might have to try to make a set myself. thanks for the info.
as for the springs b&g, intrax, and a couple other companies make for our car.  the most drop ive found so far is 1.5, i think that's by intrax.
the "tems" system i was refering to is called "ect" (electronically controlled traction" for the es250 (at least i think thats what it's called).  the little button to the left of the e-brake that's supposed to stiffen your suspension for when you need "more agressive handling" or whatever lexus called it.  anyway, i'm pretty sure it hooks up to the struts somehow. so, when you put in your after market suspension im pretty sure youre gonna have to disconnect it.  i don't see how the computer would be able to correctly calculate and balance your car, when it's dropped, meaning the computer would think there's constant pressure being applied to all 4 tires.
anyway ill keep you posted as i discover new things. good luck with the spoiler thing and let me know when youre gonna start selling the clear corners out of your garage. haha

[QUOTE=classicstyle;313003]nice work, i just might have to try to make a set myself. thanks for the info.
as for the springs b&g, intrax, and a couple other companies make for our car. the most drop ive found so far is 1.5, i think that's by intrax.
the "tems" system i was refering to is called "ect" (electronically controlled traction" for the es250 (at least i think thats what it's called). the little button to the left of the e-brake that's supposed to stiffen your suspension for when you need "more agressive handling" or whatever lexus called it. anyway, i'm pretty sure it hooks up to the struts somehow. so, when you put in your after market suspension im pretty sure youre gonna have to disconnect it. i don't see how the computer would be able to correctly calculate and balance your car, when it's dropped, meaning the computer would think there's constant pressure being applied to all 4 tires.
anyway ill keep you posted as i discover new things. good luck with the spoiler thing and let me know when youre gonna start selling the clear corners out of your garage. haha[/QUOTE]
 
The ECT/PWR button?? That button has nothing to do with the suspension... trust me haha. 
 
Check out your owners manual if you have one:
 
[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh66/spray2020/lexusECTPWRbutton001.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh66/spray2020/lexusECTPWRbutton004.jpg[/IMG]
 
Even though this car is pretty slow to begin with- when that switch is turned on you can really see a true difference in acceleration... and gas mileage..lol compared to when its turned off. I always drive with it off, the car seems to eat enough gas as is.

youre right, i stand corrected.  its electronically controlled transmission, an adjustment in the shift points.  thanks for the info. after i read your post i googled it, since i dont have an owner's manual, but wanted to know more about it.  thanks again

got a 88' acura legend spoiler from the salvage yard last week.
 
I'm going to make a mold of it out of plaster or concrete and then cast one out of fiberglass so I can modify it to fit the es250 trunk.
 
here it is in the box almost ready to mold (just the outside surface)
 
[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh66/spray2020/acuralegendspoilermold001.jpg[/IMG]
 
the spoiler itself:
 
[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh66/spray2020/acuralegendspoilermold003.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i253.photobucket.com/albums/hh66/spray2020/acuralegendspoilermold004.jpg[/IMG]
 
I might hold on to the original just incase I ever get a acura legend coupe in the future- these spoilers are hard to come by.
 
they look like this on the legend:
 
[IMG]http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb306/SirPython/P1190162.jpg[/IMG]

Whoa, thats some old school. that should be a good fix....

it will look like a beast with a drop and some fitting wheels.....

Back from the dead...

When I go home for the holidays I plan to fabricate a lip kit for the lexus, but I am trying to come up with a concept that doesn't make it look "heavy". In my opinion many of the Junction Produce kits for the ucf10 look heavy and slow. 

For reference, I really like this ls400 as is, stock body- it is just so long and sleak, but not heavy:

[IMG]http://www.speedhunters.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/IMG_2186_copy.jpg[/IMG]

With that said, I have some ideas for a lip kit- front, sides and rear, and a trunk lid spoiler.

Angled kit:
[URL="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/LexusKitAngled.jpg.html"][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/LexusKitAngled.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Standard kit:

[URL="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/LexusKitStandard.jpg.html"][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/LexusKitStandard.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Kit with side fins:

[URL="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/lexuskitFins.jpg.html"][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/lexuskitFins.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

I am still unsure about these and might just do a front lip and trunk lid spoiler. 

Last idea is a flat line kit:

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/lexuslipkitflatline-1.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/lexuslipkitflatline-1.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Also, I want to see if I can retrofit some s13 coil overs to fit this lexus :)

here is one more, with a duck bill front lip- parallel to the ground:

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/lexuslipkitflatline.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/lexuslipkitflatline.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Another idea: duckbill style front lip:

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/lexuslipkitflatline.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/lexuslipkitflatline.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

I'd go for the angled one, maybe modifying a Silvia kit to fit. Would look more suited for the overall aesthetics...

yeah im digging the angled one, im really looking forward to seeing this car slammed, i have yet to see a fully built one i liked.

angled for sure. In for more!!

I'm wondering if an Insurance kit could be molded to fit......that would be really nice!

[img]http://www.insurance-group.net/products/insurance/aero/img/hgsedan/ins_hg_130crown-f2_fb.jpg[/img]

[img]http://www.insurance-group.net/products/insurance/aero/img/hgsedan/ins_hg_130crown_rb.jpg[/img]

I have a set of s13 coilovers laying around with no s13 anymore- do you think it would require heaps of cutting/welding to get them to suit this lexus?

[QUOTE=Juzzo;504501]I'd go for the angled one, maybe modifying a Silvia kit to fit. Would look more suited for the overall aesthetics...[/QUOTE]

yeah that is true, but I don't have much time and I want to make a lip kit for now. Just home for the holidays and then back to the west coast for school. 
More interested in making the kit by hand from nothing, then modifying a kit to suit. 

However it is snowing here in Philly, it is going to be a challenge, might have to take the car to my grandparents house.

[QUOTE=hellachunky;505188]yeah im digging the angled one, im really looking forward to seeing this car slammed, i have yet to see a fully built one i liked.[/QUOTE]

I am adding one more idea that I think will be cleaner
[QUOTE=Neiser;505193]angled for sure. In for more!![/QUOTE]
:)
[QUOTE=actolex;505363]I'm wondering if an Insurance kit could be molded to fit......that would be really nice!

[IMG]http://www.insurance-group.net/products/insurance/aero/img/hgsedan/ins_hg_130crown-f2_fb.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://www.insurance-group.net/products/insurance/aero/img/hgsedan/ins_hg_130crown_rb.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
Yes I agree, but I can't afford that at the moment, must finish grad school first!
I edited my last post with the designs-  I think doing the "flat line" kit would look nice too- similar to the insurance kit.

The last design is this "flat line" kit, which is more subtle and has a duckbill front lip spoiler which is similar to the insurance kit:

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/lexuslipkitflatline-1.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/lexuslipkitflatline-1.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

If time is a concern if forget about making a custom lip kit. It's going to be way more time consuming then modifying one. Plus if you rush it to get it done you most likely will end up dumping money down the drain and end up with a finished product your unhappy with.

your concept is great and I dig it, I'd save up for the insurance kit..

^
I am a transportation design student and have built many parts by hand in the past :)

It is what I love to do!

check my website:

codycasale.com

Hand Crafted spoiler photos coming soon :)

Silvia spoiler test fit that I used to have on my car in Australia- TBO replica, just to see how it looked:

[URL="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4614.jpg.html"][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4614.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4613.jpg.html"][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4613.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4616.jpg.html"][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4616.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4615.jpg.html"][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4615.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Then a really quick photoshop sketch render to get an idea of what I was going for:

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/LexusAero.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/LexusAero.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Then onto the build:

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4651.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4651.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4650.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4650.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4657.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4657.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4658.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4658.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4656.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4656.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4655.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4655.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Then glassed, gelcoated and skimcoated the outside surface, and made a mounting underside to be attached:

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4870.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4870.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4869.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4869.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4910.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4910.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Then put it on the car for one last look before it gets put in storage for another date:

[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4911.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4911.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4912.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4912.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4913.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4913.jpg[/IMG][/URL]
[URL=http://smg.photobucket.com/user/it066yen/media/IMG_4914.jpg.html][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v347/it066yen/IMG_4914.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Not sure if it should have quarter panel end caps or not?

i think so, will help it merge with the body lines instead of looking abrupt.

I wonder how hard it would be to convert this thing to rwd with ls400 parts?

^ I would love to do that!!

i would not even attempt such a feat (meaning not worth the headache), and get a car already RWD. if you like the body style, get a cressida! great work on the wing, and YES on the end caps!

Damn nice photoshop skills! Good luck with the build!

Hey I know this is really old but I just bought a lexus es250 1991 and this is literally the only thread that came up when I searched "lexus es250 1991".. If anyone knows a low cost method to lower my lex lemme kno

I can't get into my old account, so until then I made a new one to add some new photos.

update, I did some more work on the wing and also shot some more photos of the car during August/ September.

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6581_zps5d77261e.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6581_zps5d77261e.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6614_zpsc4de30c9.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6614_zpsc4de30c9.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6611_zps41da07aa.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6611_zps41da07aa.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6612_zps7d6a5843.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6612_zps7d6a5843.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6613_zps81cc267b.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6613_zps81cc267b.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6615_zps53379c67.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6615_zps53379c67.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

Here is the wing where I had left it, I am going to do all the details now and wetsand/ paint it:

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6815_zpsa379bdcb.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6815_zpsa379bdcb.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6816_zpsf23a2759.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6816_zpsf23a2759.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6814_zps342d6ce9.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6814_zps342d6ce9.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6817_zpsfb7e1f78.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6817_zpsfb7e1f78.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6818_zpsa0611890.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6818_zpsa0611890.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6819_zpsc35a9978.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6819_zpsc35a9978.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6821_zps776a6c6f.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6821_zps776a6c6f.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[URL="http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6820_zps74feae1e.jpg"][IMG]http://i1131.photobucket.com/albums/m547/CodyCasale/IMG_6820_zps74feae1e.jpg[/IMG][/URL]

[QUOTE=lexboii-rk;513551]Hey I know this is really old but I just bought a lexus es250 1991 and this is literally the only thread that came up when I searched "lexus es250 1991".. If anyone knows a low cost method to lower my lex lemme kno[/QUOTE]

My suggestion would be to look into some suspension from the same year toyota camry.

Def looks too big and bulky......and needs end caps.

[QUOTE=actolex;514181]Def looks too big and bulky......and needs end caps.[/QUOTE]


? I made the end caps already

[QUOTE=spray2021;514182]? I made the end caps already[/QUOTE]


Oh....my bad....I was expecting to see them molded to the fender.  Or are they.....can't really tell from the pic.  Where in PA are you because I'd like to see it.

[QUOTE=actolex;514207]Oh....my bad....I was expecting to see them molded to the fender.  Or are they.....can't really tell from the pic.  Where in PA are you because I'd like to see it.[/QUOTE]

I would mold them in, but it is my dad's daily driver and I don't want to take it off the road for long. I am in the Philadelphia area.