RA40

iTrader: (6)

For the UCF2X, the ~MC and MC~ is important to note. It was a big deal when I was looking for the engine undercover for our June '97 built LS. One parts guy told me a production date after July was a completely different undercover design but this might apply to US spec LS400's. IDK, just throwing it out since you may be in that mid point of the 97-98 years in the JDM where yours would be a MC~.

Reminder, this isn't a FS thread so make a classified or go PM if working out details.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

Good tip. Is this MC code part of the vin, or...? Thanks.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Not part of the code, the ~ is used in front or behind to mean MC=minor change revision. The 95-97 is noted as ~MC meaning before minor change. 98-00 is MC~ minor change after/following.

For your US spec LS400, you'll want body parts that are designated as MC~. Body kits, lights, panels...etc. The headlights and tails are the most specific because as you discovered, there were panel changes made for the revision. Hood, grille, trunk lid and front bumper cover among them.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

Ok, so it should be listed on the replacement parts? In your experience, how good are after-market companies at identifying this?

RA40

iTrader: (6)

US imported parts will specify for the 98+. The JDM companies will list accessory panels, body kits, lights as UCF20/21 MC~ These will fit your 98+. If the listing is UCF20/21 ~MC that is not what you want. A look through VIP Style or VIP Car ads will be similar for others indicating minor changes within the the chassis.

Hiroshi12

iTrader: (1)

Thanks again RA40.

Bill Dowd

I tried the LED bulbs from DDM Tuning Huntington Beach CA and cost $8.00 to 10.00 each I put them in my 1991 LS and they are brighter than the stock bulbs and at night really light up nicely. They also have HID head lights at about $35.00 I put them in my fog lights and do they really light up the road I didn't use them in my head lights due to the wide spread that will blind cars coming towards did that been there not good. I also put the double stack white on my side maker lights and they light damn bright. I also put in the white Led bulbs in my interior the opera lights to door lights and the ones next to the moon roof control. This will help the alternator last longer LOL I changed my at 295,000 and it was still working but I got nervous due to long trips at night weekly drives 313,000 miles on the clock use mobile one products nothing wore as yet.

RugbyDad

Central Pine looks to have extremely good quality stuff, I ordered something from them (will post pics when its all installed ). Be prepared though. Everything is custom made to order meaning expensive (except for the stuff that they happen to find, and they DO happen to find some truly extraordinary stuff, see pics below).

Theres also finalstageparts they do custom work as well as ordering JDM tails and headlights and aero kits and blah blah blah. Again, really expensive stuff. Only plan on buying if you have a couple grand sitting idly in the sofa cushions. Now for amazing pictures of stuff I wish I could buy. All of this stuff is for a ucf20 MC~. Theres much more for a bunch of other kind of cars, mostly the q45 infiniti.

video of some amazing looking custom one off led tails in oem housings: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=685909144810185





Smoked clear LED tails??!!

Bill Dowd

I went the cheap route I went to DDM Tuning in Huntington Beach CA and just got the bulbs for my 1991 LS and found them to be plenty bright and no problems for 2 years.. I also got bright back up lights each cost around $8.00 each and it takes a load of the alternator I also put all the inside lights over to LED and they have not given any problems. I also went with HID lights in the fogs and head lights $33.00 for HID lights.