This Lexus Looks to Flex 9-Second Performance on Sick Summer
There will always be the desired cars and trucks in any circle, The advantage of most popular cars is more parts availability, as well as finding people with similar engines and/or chassis set-ups, where someone can have a road map to the car they’d like.
The bad part about popular cars and trucks is the chances for finding identical ones is a good possibility.
So when a different make or model shows up, it can be easier to spot, although this Lexus SC could miss even a well-trained eye.
Sean Smyth has been a fan of the Toyota Supra and Lexus SC, and with the fourth-generation Supra models continuing to appreciate in pricing, it made Sean’s choice an easy one.
“It’s front engine, rear-wheel-drive, something different and since the Supra was built off the SC, there are some options for suspension,” said Sean.
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When Sean acquired the Lexus in 2016, it was in mint condition. He drove it in that set-up for about a year, then started to make modifications for more power and faster performances.
“I started to supercharge the stock motor, before deciding a LS-swap was a better option for drag and drive events,” Sean said.
Using an aluminum block 5.3-liter base, the stock crankshaft was retained, with K1 connecting rods and Wiseco pistons taking the place of the stock ones. A Summit Racing Pro LS Stage 2 turbo camshaft slid in the vacancy left by the stock camshaft, and a Precision LS PT7675 turbocharger found a spot in the engine bay.
A 3-speed Turbo 400 transmission with a PTC converter help pass the power to the pavement.
Sean will partake in Sick Summer Presented by TBM Brakes, his second drag and drive event, hoping for a change in luck from his first event, Hot Rod Drag Week 2022.
“I made a terrible pass on day one, then had wiring issues about 30 minutes outside of the track,” Sean explained. “It ended up taking me out of competition. I made an exhibition run on Wednesday after fixing the car, and hurt the motor.”
With everything fixed just over half-a-year later, Sean looks to Sick Summer with goals of running 9.99 or better elapsed times for the week. “I enjoy the challenge of making a car fast, but able to survive,” Sean said.
He got a slight head start on that goal, clocking his first 9-second run, a 9.99 at 135 mph, in testing on Friday May 26th. Will he be able to complete the event and avoid issues this time, as well as meet his goals?
Written by Derek Putnam. Photos courtesy of Sean Smyth.
If you have thoughts / feedback / ideas, please e-mail us at derek@sickthemagazine.com