What engine is in the 1998 LS400?
The 1998 Lexus LS400 is powered by Lexus/Toyota’s 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V8 engine. This is the core answer behind the LS400’s smooth, front-engine performance and refined ride.
Engine at a glance
The following section summarizes the primary specifications and what they mean for the 1998 LS400’s powertrain.
Key specifications of the 1UZ-FE 4.0-liter V8 used in the 1998 LS400 include the engine type, displacement, and peak performance figures. This list provides a concise reference for enthusiasts and owners.
- Engine family: 1UZ-FE
- Displacement: 4.0 liters (3994 cc)
- Configuration: Aluminum-block V8 with four overhead camshafts (DOHC) and 32 valves
- Fuel system: Sequential fuel injection
- Induction: Naturally aspirated
- Power (approximate): 290 horsepower at around 6,000 rpm (EPA/market ratings vary by year and region)
- Torque (approximate): About 308 lb-ft (around 418 Nm) at mid-range rpm
- Transmission pairing: Typically mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission
These core specifications define the LS400’s capability: a smooth, high-revving V8 that delivers refined power across a broad range, contributing to the model’s reputation for comfort and long-distance performance.
Technology and design highlights
Beyond raw figures, the 1UZ-FE engine in the 1998 LS400 carries several design choices that influenced refinement, durability, and maintenance needs. The following points highlight notable technology and engineering decisions that set this engine apart in its era.
- Material and construction: Aluminum block and heads to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity
- Valvetrain: DOHC with 32 valves (four per cylinder) for efficient breathing and smooth high-RPM operation
- Fuel delivery: Sequential multi-point fuel injection for precise mixture control
- Engine management: Early electronic controls that supported reliable startup, performance, and emissions compliance
- Cooling and lubrication: Robust systems designed for long-term operation and cruising durability
The 1UZ-FE’s combination of lightweight construction, sophisticated valvetrain, and reliable fuel delivery helped the 1998 LS400 earn a reputation for quiet operation, strong low-to-mid RPM response, and long-term dependability.
Performance context and market impact
In the late 1990s, the LS400 positioned Lexus as a maker of flagship luxury sedans that could rival European rivals on comfort and smoothness. The 1UZ-FE engine’s blend of refined power delivery and durability was central to that image. While horsepower figures sit in the high-200s and torque is ample for highway cruising, the experience was less about raw speed and more about effortless acceleration, refined noise characteristics, and a serene cabin environment that appealed to executive buyers and long-distance travelers alike.
Summary
The 1998 LS400 uses a 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8, a 32-valve DOHC powerplant that delivers roughly 290 horsepower and about 308 lb-ft of torque, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. Its aluminum construction, precise fuel delivery, and sophisticated valvetrain contributed to the LS400’s reputation for smooth, quiet, and durable performance that helped define Lexus’s flagship luxury sedan in that era.
Additional context
For collectors or owners seeking more detail, replacement parts and service knowledge for the 1UZ-FE remain widely available, reflecting the engine’s popularity and long production life across Toyota/Lexus models. Always verify specifications for your specific market, as horsepower and torque can vary slightly by region and emission regulations.
What kind of engine does a LS400 have?
The Lexus LS 400 is equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 engine, specifically the 1UZ-FE engine, which is known for its smoothness and reliability. The exact horsepower and torque varied by model year, but the original engines produced around 250 horsepower. Later generations used different V8s, with the 2000-2006 models featuring a 4.3-liter V8 with 290 horsepower.
First-generation (1990-1994)
- Engine: 4.0-liter 1UZ-FE V8
- Horsepower: Around 250 hp
- Torque: About 260 lb-ft
- Key features: Aluminum block, four camshafts, and a timing belt.
Later generations (2000-2006)
- Engine: 4.3-liter V8
- Horsepower: 290 hp
- Torque: 320 lb-ft
How much is a 1998 LS400 worth?
The 1998 Lexus LS400 price varies, but it ranges from about $1,200 to $3,300 for a low-end model to as much as $7,000 or more for a model in excellent condition. The nationwide average is around $8,500, with some well-maintained or highly-original examples fetching prices in the $12,000 to $13,000 range at auction. Factors like mileage, condition, features, and location significantly impact the final price.
| Condition | Estimated Price Range |
|---|---|
| Low | $1,217−$3,300$ 1 comma 217 minus $ 3 comma 300$1,217−$3,300 |
| Average | ~$8,500 (nationwide average) |
| High | $7,000+ (for excellent condition) |
| Excellent/Auction | ~$12,500 - $13,500+ (for well-maintained or "highly original" examples) |
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Is the 1998 Lexus LS400 a good car?
Very reliable, super luxury.
Loved driving the LS400 on long trips. No problems EVER. Best luxury car for the money. Highly recommended for a mature driver, it is a great cruiser, not a sports car.
What engine does a 1998 Lexus LS400 have?
Engine
| Base engine size | 4.0 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | V8 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
