| Author |
Message |
Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 30
Reg: 07-2010
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Hi John,
Thank you for your comments and a new picture.
I saw your new profile picture too.
17 inches BBS wheels were very popular in those years and this BBS was not a dealer's option.
It was sold in many car shops and for 15inch 4.0GT-Limited owners, it was the first step to change their wheels. BBS wheels were one of the most expensive one.
Toyota itself had no choice or recommendation about wheels.
Heated leather seats were equipped from May 1992.
And reverse camera was a maker option for UZZ31.
The original size of the wheels were 215/60R15 15×6.5JJ alloy wheels.
Some other pictures from the '91 brochure.
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John Jantzen
TryHard
Tasmania
V8 '31 on '30 suspension
Posts: 228
Reg: 11-2005
|
Hi Katsuji,
Great information and pictures!I've always wondered what size tyres the 15" wheels mounted, as they are almost always changed here as one of the first moves of any new Soarer owner. It's good to know what the situation was with the 17" BBS wheels too!
My '91 has a woodgrain console kit, and looking at the pictures from the brochure I now know for sure it is the factory one. Have never seen the ski racks of course, or the sunroof as shown. All the factory sunroofs I have seen look much like the one on my '93 model.
Interesting to see a date for introduction of heated seats, too. I don't know if I mentioned the reversing camera in my 91 is aftermarket - a cheap CCD camera from EBay. It works perfectly with the wiring harness and the EMV, and I have mounted it in a plate just above the rear number plate. |
Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 31
Reg: 07-2010
|
Hi Peter,
Congratulations for having the very last UZZ31.
I have a question about the production history that you investigated. It's really great!
I'm completely surprised when I saw this list.
My question is that why UZZ31 has two lines and serial numbers in the final 1997 lists.
And about your number 45.
Does this mean that it is one of those 1000042~1000049?
Model: UZZ31 4.0ltr V8 Air Suspension
Year Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
1991 0001001 0001006 0001024 0001903 0003599 0005157 0006684 0007335 0007765 0008125 0008377
1992 0008503 0008610 0008723 0008893 0008935 0009037 0009115 0009261 0009331 0009416 0009487 0009563
1993 0009609 0009633 0009661 0009722 0009772 0009823 0009877 0009932 0009973 0010008 0010036 0010060
1994 0010074 0010097 0010214 0010314 0010381 0010446 0010524 0010616 0010649 0010697 0010730 0010764
1995 0010786 0010808 0010844 0010876 0010900 0010924 0010950 0010977 0010986 0011011 0011027 0011039
1996 0011050 0011063 0011077 0011095 0011106 0011120 0011131 0011134 0011166 0011203 0011249 0011270
1997 0011275 0011288 0011300 0011338
1997 1000000 1000001 1000025 1000042 1000047 1000049 |
David Grima
DieHard
WA
1JZ-GTE TT
Posts: 627
Reg: 07-2007
|
John that photo of the sunroof is an optional plastic hood cover thingy, I seen it on a Soarer at a car yard once a few years ago when I was searching for a Soarer at the time.
EDIT: here like this one I just found on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/JDM-SOARER-SC300-SC400-SUN-ROOF-VISOR-SPOILER-OEM-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem3ef7ec637bQQitemZ270447436667QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
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John Jantzen
TryHard
Tasmania
V8 '31 on '30 suspension
Posts: 229
Reg: 11-2005
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David Grima wrote on Monday, September 20, 2010 - 09:31 pm:John that photo of the sunroof is an optional plastic hood cover thingy, I seen it on a Soarers at a car yard a few years ago when I was searching for a Soarer at the time.
Thanks David! Never seen one - until today.
Katsuji, the way I read that table is that Peter's is in the group of numbers you quote, so there are 4 cars after his. We have another quite interesting Soarer in Tasmania - the 6th last UZZ32, a 1996 model, number 868. It is in very good original condition, and is owned by a member of this forum.
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Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 32
Reg: 07-2010
|
Hi John,
It's a great pleasure for me if you enjoyed my message.
And additional information about the wheel size.
Only UZZ32 and JZZ30 had 16inch wheels 225/55R16 16×6.5JJ alloy wheel.
And moreover, emergency tire which settled in the trunk, UZZ32 and JZZ30 had a 225/55R16 tyre&steel wheel. Other Soarers had T135/70D16 tyre&steel wheel. But after minor change in 1994, they all became temporary tyre&wheel. |
Jason Cheah
TryHard
QLD
JZZ31 no more... JZAS31?
Posts: 127
Reg: 09-2005
|
Wow. I didn't know that the woodgrain console kit was actually a real toyota option.
Also, is it just me or is that soarer in the brochure a 5 seater? It has centre seatbelt clips for the rear? |
John Jantzen
TryHard
Tasmania
V8 '31 on '30 suspension
Posts: 230
Reg: 11-2005
|
Interesting about the spare wheels. My '91 came with a temporary style wheel - I have always wondered if that was an accessory or not
Here is a photo taken at a recent club cruise.
The car at right is the very late UZZ32. There are 8 Soarers and one Chaser present - quite good for our small population. Tasmania has a population of about 500,000 people. We think there at least 30 Soarers in the state, possibly more. The cars from left are: (my) Uzz31, uzz31, Chaser jza80, Uzz31 with supercharger, Uzz31, jzz30, uzz31, and the uzz32.
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David Grima
DieHard
WA
1JZ-GTE TT
Posts: 628
Reg: 07-2007
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Katsuji I have a full 16" black steel rim with 225 width tyre as a spare in the boot on my 1992 JZZ30. I was a bit surprised when I first took it out cause it still looks like new and like it has never even been taken out and used as a spare. I bought my Soarer about 3 years ago now with 110k and I am the first Aussie owner since import to Australia. Thanks for that info, I had no idea that it was standard for only JZZ30 and UZZ32 to only have the 16" steel wheel. I did wonder why my friend had the thin yellow wheel with temporary tyre on his UZZ30 and why I didn't and had a full tyre. |
Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 33
Reg: 07-2010
|
Hi Jason,
About the woodgrain console.
There were two kind of woodgrain consoles.
The original dealer's option were presented to the 4.0GT-Limited with EMV only.
Other models because of various audio systems, if they have woodgrain panels,they were all after market ones.
Of course the Toyota's dealer option woodgrain panel had better quality than after market ones.
Jason you have sharp eyes!
Soarers are all 5 seater!
Even those luxury cars like Soarer, Toyota must have equipped with 5 seats!
why?
It is because of the foolish law that if you carry persons over than the seats which Toyota registered to the Transportation Bureau, and if a police officer found it, then you have to pay penalty charge according to the regulations of over loaded.
But for US market(Lexus SC300,400), it's a 4 seater!
Additional pictures about dealer's options.
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Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 34
Reg: 07-2010
|
Hi John,
Thank for your picture.
I'll show this picture to my friend who owns a early UZZ32.
I'll show you my friend's UZZ32.
His UZZ32 is built in March 1992, but he changed to '94 rear lights and emblem to the gold one. Your friend's emblem also seems gold.
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Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 35
Reg: 07-2010
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Hi david,
I'm glad to hear my information helped your mystery-shrouded issue.
I have changed the spare to BBS wheel, and altogether I have 5 BBS wheels!
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Peter Nitschke
Junk Filterer
South Australia
UZZ30 UZZ31
Posts: 11854
Reg: 11-2004
|
Katsuji Ueda wrote on Monday, September 20, 2010 - 09:28 pm:My question is that why UZZ31 has two lines and serial numbers in the final 1997 lists.
And about your number 45.
Does this mean that it is one of those 1000042~1000049?
As I read it, they changed the number sequence part way through April. I have no idea why.
Yes, my UZZ31 is 1000045, so almost the last one made.
That production chart has been floating on the Internet for ages, I have no idea of it's actual origins or authenticity, but it seems to be accurate. |
Matthew Sharpe
Goo Roo
North Island
JZZ31
Posts: 5866
Reg: 10-2005
|
Its on the internet, so it must be true :-)
Now the mystery of the leather seats in JZZ31's is made clear! Thanks for that! |
Christian Somerville
DieHard
South Australia
UZZ31 V8 LTD
Posts: 937
Reg: 03-2009
|
Thanks for all your info! |
Darren Bauer
TryHard
Victoria
Soarer TT
Posts: 114
Reg: 04-2010
|
Hello Ueda-san,
many thanks for all your wisdom and resources.
Which part of Osaka are you from? |
Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 37
Reg: 07-2010
|
Hi Darren,
Thank you for your message.
You seems to know some knowledge about Japan, because you wrote Ueda-san instead of Katsuji.
Mainly when we call a person, we usually call his last name like Bauer-san as you know.
I saw your profile and you have a '95 Soarer.
How many km did you run with the Soarer?
Did you change it by yourself the Lexus L badge or was it that way when you bought it?
My residence is in Suita-city in Osaka.
I live here since 1979.
I pasted a google earth view but I'm not sure whether you can see it or not.
A you-tube movie might help which I took my neighborhood.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ons__xVw5WA
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Matthew Sharpe
Goo Roo
North Island
JZZ31
Posts: 5870
Reg: 10-2005
|
Looks like a nice, clean, green place to live. |
Darren Bauer
TryHard
Victoria
Soarer TT
Posts: 116
Reg: 04-2010
|
Ueda-san, I've only owned the car for 4 months but I've liked them for 10 years or so. It came from Sydney and it already had the Lexus badges on and I'm still deciding if they suit. Car needs a complete paint job so maybe I will remove them then. Taihen na! |
Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 38
Reg: 07-2010
|
Hi Darren,
I suppose previous owner in Japan had changed the badges. Many Soarer owners in Japan who love their cars, they like to chang the badges to the Lexus ones.
The main reason is that Lexus brand is regarded as more luxurious than Toyota brand in Japan.
Genuine Lexus SC400 are not sold in Japan. But several friends of mine have genuine Lexus SC400 though importers from USA.
So it does exist a genuine SC400 with LHD.
If it's RHD it's a Soarer. |
Joshua Rao
Goo Roo
WA
JZZ30 vvti auto GT-L (for sale), 97 Blk UZZ31, JZZ30 vvti turbo BLK manual, V8 UZZ31 (being wrecked), Legnum VR4, Alfa 156
Posts: 2018
Reg: 09-2006
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why did they want LHD Lexus Ueda-san? |
Matthew Sharpe
Goo Roo
North Island
JZZ31
Posts: 5874
Reg: 10-2005
|
I remember reading an article about Japanese importing cars from the US and Europe - apparently its a bit of a status symbol to be able to step out of the drivers seat onto the footpath or something... It does seem a bit odd to import a UZZ30-SC400 considering how inferior they are spec wise compared to more easily available UZZ31/UZZ32 Soarers. Having driven a few left hookers over the years, its not very safe either. |
Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 39
Reg: 07-2010
|
Hi Joshua,
Sorry for my late answer. I went on a trip last weekend and just an hour ago I returned.
Now about your Question.
It's very difficult for me to answer the question.
Because there are many differences between Lexus SC400 and Soarer 4.0GT-L.
First of all, my friend's Lexus are all built in 1999.
As you may know, Soarer 4.0GT-L had faded away in 1997, but Lexus SC400 were made until 2000.
The greatest difference is that 1UZ-FE engine has been changed to VVT-i in 1998 for SC400.
Second reason is that Lexus SC400 has analog-type speed and tacho meters in stead of digital ones of Soarer 4.0GT-L.
Third reason is that Soarers speed-limit will work when it comes to 180km/h, but SC400 doesn't.
And also there are many small differences to satisfy Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards in USA compered with a Soarer in Japan.
My friend said it's more different than might first be surmised. |
Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 40
Reg: 07-2010
|
Hi Matthew,
Reading your comments, I agree with you.
But in Japan, there are so many Soarer maniacs who want to have all kinds of Soarers or.
One of my Friend's SC400 with gull-wing doors.
He had a 4.0GT-L before he got this '99 SC400.
I want to hear your comments about this car.
|
Joshua Rao
Goo Roo
WA
JZZ30 vvti auto GT-L (for sale), 97 Blk UZZ31, JZZ30 vvti turbo BLK manual, V8 UZZ31 (being wrecked), Legnum VR4, Alfa 156
Posts: 2042
Reg: 09-2006
|
How very interesting to us westerners who much idolize the soarer with it's specs over the inferior sc300. Thanks for the response. |
Matthew Sharpe
Goo Roo
North Island
JZZ31
Posts: 5885
Reg: 10-2005
|
Katsuji Ueda wrote on Sunday, September 26, 2010 - 10:56 pm:I want to hear your comments about this car.
I'm not a fan of gullwing doors I'm afraid! Even when well engineered from factory they are usually very impractical. Scissor style aren't so bad for car parks etc. but I just know I'd bash my head on them all the time.
Also hate the bling chrome wheels.
I do like his black interior though!
Looks like he should have spent some time and/or money adjusting the handbrake cable rather than on all that pointless bling though - either that or he really likes to put the handbrake on hard!
As long as he loves it I guess.  |
Steven Soknacki
Tinkerer
Ontario
SC400
Posts: 76
Reg: 07-2006
|
Is that an LS460 steering wheel in the SC400?
By the way Ueda-san, I love your BBS wheels! |
Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 41
Reg: 07-2010
|
Hi Steven,
I saw your profile and you are a owner of genuine SC400.
Your question about his steering wheel.
I don't know about it. He is one of the administrators of Soarer Owners Club in Japan.
I think there is nothing stock in his car including interiors or exteriors. Especially his audio and video equipments are superb.
When I meet him next time, I'll ask about it.
It's a pleasure you liked my BBS wheels. They are genuine BBS wheels from Toyota. |
Chris Prak
DieHard
WA
JZZ30 Soarer - Twin Snails
Posts: 889
Reg: 12-2006
|
Welcome Katsuji! You have great knowledge with Soarers. Everyone here is an enthusiast just like you, so I hope you enjoy your stay!
You still drive the Soarer on Japanese roads? I thought they put heavy taxes on cars over 5 years old or something so people always have to keep buying the new cars. Something like that? |
Darren Bauer
TryHard
Victoria
Soarer TT
Posts: 125
Reg: 04-2010
|
I think its the roadworthy that's the killer? |
Darren Bauer
TryHard
Victoria
Soarer TT
Posts: 126
Reg: 04-2010
|
Ueda-san can you tell me if there's a good place in Osaka to buy new or good-condition parts? |
Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 42
Reg: 07-2010
|
Hi,Chris. I was surprised that you know very well about our automobile taxes. Yes, it's true. My '92 Soarer is 18years old and its tax rate is maximum. There are several steps according to how old is the car. Of course our government's target is to reduce environmental pollutions caused by vehicles. One of the way is to take a high tax and another is to present a big benefit when you replace an old car to a new car such as hybrid cars or like wise.
We have to have an inspection certificate every two years and at that time you have to clear emission standard. When we pass it, you can ride another 2 years. Of course I will own my Soarer more several years at least. There are lots of people who owns old cars like our Soarers. A decade ago, it was true to replace a new car in 3~5 years but these years I think the terms of replacement became longer I think. |
Katsuji Ueda
Tinkerer
Osaka
JZZ30 2.5GT-TL
Posts: 43
Reg: 07-2010
|
Hi Darren, when getting a new part, we go to nearby Toyota dealers. If you go to the dealer, from the computer they will search the part number in a moment. Most important point is your product number which is engraved in the engine room. As far as Soarers are concerned almost all the parts are still available.
Now about good-conditioned parts. Second-hand parts are little bit risky these days. Until several years ago, I got some parts from auctions and they were not so bad. But these days
since it's been past more than 18 years, parts on the auctions are not so recommendable, I think.
When repairing, I always bring it to my favourite repair shop. Master of the shop is severe about parts I bring in. A year ago, I got an rebuilt alternator from an auction with a very cheap price(20,000Yen=about AUD$250), but he refused to replace it. The reason is simply because it is impossible to rebuild an alternator with such a cheap price. It must have been a unit with only replacing the brush, he said. His advice was to find a NEW alternator which was made by other make not by Toyota. That price is about 20% less compared with the genuine rebuilt one by Toyota.
If you want to know the part number you need, I'll check it if you let me know your product number. If it is a small part and safe enough to send by air mail, maybe I can help you. |
Matthew Sharpe
Goo Roo
North Island
JZZ31
Posts: 5942
Reg: 10-2005
|
Katsuji Ueda wrote on Saturday, October 16, 2010 - 09:42 pm:Of course our government's target is to reduce environmental pollutions caused by vehicles
I would have to say that I disagree with that. The primary driver in these situations is not environmental pollutions, but economic stimulus. Its been proven time and time again that vehicle emissions make up less than 10% of greenhouse gasses, and private vehicles less than 10% of that 10% (less than 1% of global emissions) with heavy transport such as trucks, trains, shipping, air etc making up the rest. Whilst heavy industry contributes the lions share - including the production of new cars!
Looking at local pollution in large cities, again the private auto mobile comes off as a very lightweight contributor, with the majority of smog being caused again by industry, home heating etc.
So the only real reasons to force people to replace their cars more regularly are to improve safety (which is a valid point for a lot of cars, but not for the Soarer!), or to drive the economy. The very fact that you need to smelt massive amounts of metals etc. to keep replacing your private vehicle fleet every 4-6 years will do far more damage to the environment than someone driving a car that produces 10% more CO2 per KM than the latest model does.
Sorry about the long post, but this "get rid of your old polluting car" bullshit really riles me up, its clearly a load of lies but people don't seem to see through it! |
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