Whoodoo
LVC Member
First, after a little while lurking around, I would like to formally introduce myself. My name is Alan and I have had the LS on my mind ever since I saw one in my old neighborhood many, many years ago. I think the LS has beautiful proportions and an understated but classic design.
After purchasing this '05 with relatively low miles (88k) but some obvious deficiencies, I am finally ready to start posting my progress, and in that light, I'll start with the work I have done so far.
Here is what it looked like when I bought it, after a wash, of course.
The first order of business was to fix the clogged sunroof drain tubes. When I drove it home, water would drip on me every time I turned left. I had a little trouble at first, but found a pretty good way to clear out the drain tubes, which I explained here:
Sunroof drain tubes unclogged
The next order of business was to get the car looking more how I wanted:
First, I lowered it with Eibach springs. I cannot express how much frustration I had with this job... cheap spring compressors suck so hard... the one I bought off the shelf of my local Advance Auto was so mediocre that I am tempted to say it's not even worth it. Cheap tools may get the job done, but sometimes (and in this case) they really aren't worth it. But, after much time cranking on failing spring compressor threads, I had all four corners back in the car. I will say that the ride is seemingly not any different than stock, but ground clearance is compromised because now I can't back into my driveway without scraping the frame on the sidewalk.
Next, was to replace all of the coils and plugs. I had a cylinder 2 misfire, so I bought some really really cheap coils on Amazon ($40 from Parts Galaxy for all 8), plugs, and a Fel-Pro valve cover gasket set. The passenger side had a few oily spark plug wells, so I replaced that valve cover gasket, but the driver's side cylinder bank was dry, so I left that alone.
With the engine now happy, I thought I just had cosmetic stuff to do, but a massive upper radiator hose failure dictated otherwise:
That's replaced, and now I finally have time to get the wheels put on it that I hunted down... They are Volvo 18x8 pegasus wheels in the dark grey color. I have always like these wheels and I think they suit the LS perfectly. Tires are Westlake SA07 radials from Amazon in 245/40/18s for $65 each with free shipping (thanks Amazon Prime). I also needed to get 63.4mm to 65.1mm hubcentric spacers and some lug nuts (Amazon.com: 65.1mm OD to 63.4mm ID Circuit Performance Silver Aluminum Hub Centric Rings: Automotive) (Amazon.com: WheelGuard 1957BK, Bulge Acorn Lug Nut, 12mm-1.5, 3/4" (19mm) Hex, Black Chrome Plating (20): Automotive)
Here is what the car looks like now
After purchasing this '05 with relatively low miles (88k) but some obvious deficiencies, I am finally ready to start posting my progress, and in that light, I'll start with the work I have done so far.
Here is what it looked like when I bought it, after a wash, of course.
The first order of business was to fix the clogged sunroof drain tubes. When I drove it home, water would drip on me every time I turned left. I had a little trouble at first, but found a pretty good way to clear out the drain tubes, which I explained here:
Sunroof drain tubes unclogged
The next order of business was to get the car looking more how I wanted:
First, I lowered it with Eibach springs. I cannot express how much frustration I had with this job... cheap spring compressors suck so hard... the one I bought off the shelf of my local Advance Auto was so mediocre that I am tempted to say it's not even worth it. Cheap tools may get the job done, but sometimes (and in this case) they really aren't worth it. But, after much time cranking on failing spring compressor threads, I had all four corners back in the car. I will say that the ride is seemingly not any different than stock, but ground clearance is compromised because now I can't back into my driveway without scraping the frame on the sidewalk.
Next, was to replace all of the coils and plugs. I had a cylinder 2 misfire, so I bought some really really cheap coils on Amazon ($40 from Parts Galaxy for all 8), plugs, and a Fel-Pro valve cover gasket set. The passenger side had a few oily spark plug wells, so I replaced that valve cover gasket, but the driver's side cylinder bank was dry, so I left that alone.
With the engine now happy, I thought I just had cosmetic stuff to do, but a massive upper radiator hose failure dictated otherwise:
That's replaced, and now I finally have time to get the wheels put on it that I hunted down... They are Volvo 18x8 pegasus wheels in the dark grey color. I have always like these wheels and I think they suit the LS perfectly. Tires are Westlake SA07 radials from Amazon in 245/40/18s for $65 each with free shipping (thanks Amazon Prime). I also needed to get 63.4mm to 65.1mm hubcentric spacers and some lug nuts (Amazon.com: 65.1mm OD to 63.4mm ID Circuit Performance Silver Aluminum Hub Centric Rings: Automotive) (Amazon.com: WheelGuard 1957BK, Bulge Acorn Lug Nut, 12mm-1.5, 3/4" (19mm) Hex, Black Chrome Plating (20): Automotive)
Here is what the car looks like now
