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How much HP does a SC400 make?


The Lexus SC400 is a luxury coupe that has gained a reputation for its smooth performance and reliability. Known for its elegant design and powerful engine, the SC400 has been a favorite among car enthusiasts since its debut in the early 1990s. In this article, we’ll explore the horsepower (HP) output of the SC400 and what makes its engine so special.


The Engine Behind the Power


The Lexus SC400 is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine, which is part of Toyota's renowned 1UZ-FE engine family. This engine is celebrated for its durability, smooth operation, and impressive performance. Over the years, the SC400 has seen slight variations in horsepower depending on the model year.


Horsepower by Model Year


The horsepower output of the Lexus SC400 varies slightly depending on the production year:



  • 1992-1997 Models: The SC400's 4.0-liter V8 engine produced 250 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque during these years. This was a significant amount of power for a luxury coupe at the time.

  • 1998-2000 Models: In 1998, Lexus made some updates to the engine, increasing the horsepower to 290 and torque to 300 lb-ft. This improvement was achieved through refinements in the engine's design and tuning.


Why the SC400 Stands Out


The SC400’s engine is not just about raw power; it’s also about refinement. The 1UZ-FE V8 is known for its smoothness and reliability, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts and mechanics alike. Here are a few reasons why the SC400 remains a standout:



  • Reliability: The 1UZ-FE engine is built to last, with many SC400s still running strong after decades of use.

  • Performance: The combination of horsepower and torque provides a balanced driving experience, whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating city streets.

  • Luxury Features: The SC400 pairs its powerful engine with a luxurious interior, offering a premium driving experience.


Conclusion


The Lexus SC400 is a testament to Lexus's commitment to blending performance with luxury. With horsepower ranging from 250 to 290 depending on the model year, the SC400 delivers a driving experience that is both powerful and refined. Whether you’re a collector or simply an admirer of classic luxury coupes, the SC400 remains a vehicle worth celebrating.


Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lexus SC400 fast?


With shorter gearing and 246 fewer pounds of mass than the LS, the SC400 managed a zero-to-60-mph time of 6.7 seconds, 1.2 seconds better than the sedan. The 1997 SC400 added 10 horsepower, and the '98 gained even more power (reaching 290 horses) and an extra gear (now a five-speed automatic).



What is the fastest Lexus V-8?


With a 0-60 MPH time of 3.96 seconds, the Lexus RC F Track Edition is the undisputed king of acceleration, reaching a top speed of 176 mph. A tremendous 472 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque are produced by the V8 engine.



How long can a SC400 last?


With proper maintenance these cars will easily go 300,000 miles or more with little trouble. The engine is based on the old Toyota IRL racing engine, is durable, and built with forged internals!



How much HP does a stock 1UZ make?


In its original, Japanese domestic market trim with 10.0:1 compression, power output is 191 kW JIS (256 hp; 260 PS), torque of 353 N⋅m (260 lb⋅ft).



How much power can you get from a 1UZ?


The blocks, heads and cylinders can handle 600hp fine. The problem is with the conrods and final gear in the VVTi model. The VVTi 1UZ has much thinner conrods than the previous versions of the engine. If this is a pre-VVTi engine, you should be good for up to 380-400hp without having to make other upgrades.



How much HP can SC400 handle?


it can take ~450 whp with a trans cooler.



Is the SC400 rare?


Looking as beautiful today as it did 20 years ago, SC400 just one of 243 built for the U.S. market in the final year of production.



How much HP is a stock 2JZ?


The 2JZ-GTE is based upon a 3.0L, inline-six, cast-iron short-block with an aluminum head. From the factory, North American versions put down 320hp but leave a whole lot of wiggle room for much more.



How much HP can a 2JZ handle?


The 2JZ-GTE's already proven itself worthy of belting out more than 2,000hp. You'll need more than a 64mm turbo to get anywhere close, though, but it's less complicated than you think. Start with something in the 72mm range, and plan on bulking up the bottom end with forged pistons and rods as well as billet main caps.



How much horsepower does a Lexus SC400 have?


Engine

Horsepower250 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque260 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.