Redspencer's Track-Tuned IS350 w/ OS Giken LSD Build Thread

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04-02-15, 01:48 PM

#46

Gville350

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I'd have the entire thing removed and powdercoated, seeing it sees ALOT of road debris.

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04-02-15, 02:01 PM

#47

FSportIS

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The brace itself has been powdered coat with blue by Lexus, didn't it. I think it is scraping at the bottom against the ground. Even if you repaint or whatever, physical abrasion like scraping will chip it either way.

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04-02-15, 06:36 PM

#48

VMRWheels

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A lot of good stuff in this thread. Keep it up OP!

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04-03-15, 12:40 PM

#49

Gville350

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^^It could be powdercoated, but it's starting to flake off like regular paint. Probably a rush job no matter the process used.

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04-07-15, 09:00 AM

#50

WylieKylie

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Quote:

Originally Posted by FSportIS

Oh lol, why am I seeing Miata everywhere when I go to autocross!!! I thought it is a Southern CA thing but not from your picture in Florida lol. Can it be less Miata please! I'm kind of sick of seeing it overpopulate the autocross event. I want MORE and MORE and MORE Lexus IS to show up!!!

Somehow everytime I go to autocross, I feel myself being exclusive because I'm the ONLY 1 with the Lexus IS350 lol! I feel like owning an exclusive super car at the event :P

Miatas are cheap (both purchase price and consumables), fun, and competitive. Its the no-brainer go-to choice if you want to seriously autocross.

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04-07-15, 12:45 PM

#51

Gville350

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^My neighbor just got one FOR HIS WIFE! LOL! '99 with the sports pkg (LSD included). Didn't wanna pry into how much he paid for it, but it's quite nice and I'm officially jealous.

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04-07-15, 01:29 PM

#52

redspencer

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Miatas are also a great RWD platform for doing V8 swaps (particularly the LS series). There were a few V8 and supercharged Miatas present at the autocross I attended. Those suckers can fly (hence the term "Flyin' Miata")!

BTW, after a few days of some spirited seat time, I can wholeheartedly recommend upgrading from the flimsy OEM rear subframe braces to ones similar to what I recently installed. Though subtle, there is a noticeable improvement in chassis responsiveness during quick transitions, similar to the FIGS LCA bushing upgrade. The rear also feels more stable during aggressive cornering.

If I were to choose/recommend only one upgrade for improving chassis responsiveness, it would still be the F-Sport Chassis Brace.

Last edited by redspencer; 04-07-15 at 01:42 PM.

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04-08-15, 06:16 PM

#53

Gville350

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Any estimates on the weight of that chassis brace? Is there a vendor on CL here that offers those braces?

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04-09-15, 07:46 PM

#54

redspencer

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gville350

Any estimates on the weight of that chassis brace? Is there a vendor on CL here that offers those braces?

I'm estimating that each brace weighs approximately 3lbs. It's a nice chunk of billet aluminum to replace the thin OEM steel brace. Look for a vendor on eBay named "m_assaker" that sales these custom made braces (or search for "rear subframe brace").

Here's the thread on the IS-F subforum where I first learned about this option: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...ion-brace.html

Since the OS Giken is pushing the suspension and chassis to a higher limit, I'm noticing that the new braces are helping to keep the rear suspension even more planted to the pavement than previously before.

Last edited by redspencer; 04-09-15 at 07:56 PM.

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04-10-15, 01:19 PM

#55

Gville350

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^Sorry, I meant the weight of the F-sport chassis brace.

I found the ebay auctions for them...so thanks! I also found Cusco branded ones here :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cusco-Lexus-IS250-IS350-Power-Brace-199-492-R-/371158885625?hash=item566acb24f9&vxp=mtr
Are these the same things connecting in the same places as yours?

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04-10-15, 04:53 PM

#56

redspencer

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gville350

^Sorry, I meant the weight of the F-sport chassis brace.

I found the ebay auctions for them...so thanks! I also found Cusco branded ones here :

Cusco Lexus IS250 is350 Power Brace 199 492 R | eBay

Are these the same things connecting in the same places as yours?

Yup, those Cusco braces are mounted at the same location.

I guesstimate that the F-Sport Chassis Brace is about 20-25 lbs. If I do end up removing the brace to have it sandblasted and powdercoated, I'll be sure to get it weighed on a scale.

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