The really trick stuff can be found in the dash. Instead of going with an aftermarket stereo, Melendez built a computer that can do anything the best head unit can and more. "I can go online, I have navigation software, it plays MP3s, videos, it's basically a computer that costs like half of what a head unit costs. I only have about $600 in it. I used the factory face since it's kinda contoured and then blended in the touch screen so it all looks factory." If that weren't cool enough, the IS300 steering wheel has shifter buttons that actually work. They're wired into the monster that resides under the hood.
The scene in the engine bay is a sharp contrast to the subdued exterior. In place of the naturally-aspirated 3-liter lies a JDM 2.5-liter 1JZ-GTE with a massive GReddy T78 turbocharger. The hard-core Toyota tuners have been keeping quiet about this engine. But truth be told, these things are stout enough to crank out more than 700 bhp all day long and currently they're selling for around a grand. Melendez got this one for $1,200, shipped to his house in Florida. Like everything else on the car, he did all of the installation himself. While the motor and transmission bolt right up to the SC's attachment points, he did a good deal of fabrication to get the output up to where he wanted it. Using his skills as a graphic designer, he drew up plans on a CAD program and had the throttle cable and catch can brackets cut out with a water jet. He also cut all of the intercooler and exhaust piping and had a local welder zap it all together.
The engine has had no trouble producing horsepower. However, the automatic transmissions have not been doing as well. "The stock one breaks at close to 450-475 ft-lbs of torque, the last one broke in one day, it took me longer to put it in than to break it. The one I'm currently building is supposed to hold the horsepower. I got the valvebody modified and I bought all of the Raybestos clutches and springs from Import Transmission Performance," Melendez says. And while he may have to go easy with the throttle pedal for the time being, that hasn't kept him from showing people what can be done with the right car, the right mods and a whole lot of hard work. "I'm trying to show the car as much as I can because it's been such a long process." Indeed it has. But the results are not only well worth the long hours and hard work. Melendez has a very unique (and incredibly fast) example of a modified SC300 that he has built himself. That's also something to be very proud of.
Specifications & Details
'92 Lexus Sc300
Engine
2.5-liter Toyota Soarer
1JZ-GTE turbocharged inline-6
Engine Modifications
GReddy T78 turbocharger, SS turbo manifold, KU Engineering intake manifold and 90mm throttle body, Spearco FMIC, HKS BOV, Tial 60mm wastegate, modified 2JZ-GTE cams, Fidanza cam gears, GReddy timing belt, Titan fuel rail, Aeromotive FPR, Boost Logic 780cc injectors, Haste 4-row radiator, Samco hoses, Flex-a-lite fans, Optima battery, custom-fabricated aluminum IC piping, catch cans, power steering reservoir, brackets, and SS downpipe and center-exit exhaust w/ MagnaFlow mufflers
Engine Management
A'Pexi Power FC
Drivetrain
ModificationsSuprastick V4 transmission controller w/ paddle shifter, Import Performance Transmissions' modified valvebody and torque converter w/ Raybestos Blue performance clutches and plates
Suspension
Maxspeed coilovers, Daizen camber kit and polyurethane bushings, Tanabe sway bars (f/r)
Wheels, Tires And Brakes
Volk GT-C 19x9.5 (f) and 19x10.5 (r), Kumho tires 245/35/19 (f) and 275/30/19 (r), HP 8-piston front brake kit and Supra TT rear brake conversion
Exterior Modifications
Lamborghini Diablo gunmetal paint, JIC bodykit, Seibon CF hood, Ganador mirrors, '98 grille, foglights, taillights, and door moldings, JDM Soarer front bumper lights and rear glass with wiper, HID headlights and foglights, Shaved antenna and emblems, dual-center exhaust tips
By Andy Hope
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