911m3

Hi all,

I'm looking for a new car, but have been swaying back and forth on which car to get. I've owned a 911, 5 series BMW, Peugeot and Toyotas. I love the feel of European cars but wished they have Toyota's reliability.

For about 8 months now, I've looked at the 996, G35, M3, 330ix, and even the WRX and EVOs. Toyota currently don't have anything (RWD or AWD) with performance. In my mind, I'd really love to get the Porsche again, but for family practicality, what I really need is a sports coupe or sedan that sits 4 (2+2 at worst) and has less headache like our Toyotas...which brings me to Lexus.

I saw the IS350, but it's only A/T. That leaves me with the IS250, but with smaller engine. So the question goes, does TRD or anyone make performance parts for the existing IS300? Cause if they do, I'm sure they'll support the upcoming model too.

TIA,
-Rod

rominl

iTrader: (4)

trd has some stuff for the current is300, but not really that much. but there are tons of other aftermarket companies making parts for teh car and the market is just huge

but keep in mind though, the next gen IS i think it's of a slightly different market, so we will have to see how the jdm markets react imho

911m3

Thanks Rominl.

A quick search on the web didn't show much quality products but here I saw Indigo girl's? project. That was a good one. I was looking for engine and suspension moods. I don't like to change the outside much so it'll look like a sleeper. A supercharger would be nice.

BTW, how's the theft on these cars compared to M3s and 911s? It seems the new styling is more for the younger generation.

My heart is so stuck with the 911 and perhaps the M3, but I'll keep researching on the IS. I still have about a max of a year and a half before I loose it.

Thanks again,
-Rod

bchau_gt

TRD does have suspension parts available (springs, shocks, underbody braces), but many people seem to choose from other aftermarket companies like Tein, HKS, JIC, Tanabe, Eibach, etc. I would say that Tein coilovers are the most popular among the Lexus crowd.

You can also get anti-sway bar sets from Hotchkis, Eibach, etc.

For power upgrades, there are a few companies that provide supercharger and turbo kits for the IS300:
* Toyomoto (www.toyomoto.com)
* TurboEast (www.turboeast.com)
* SRT (www.swiftracing.com)
* Peter Farrell Supercars (www.pfsupercars.com)
* Luxury Motorworks (www.luxurymotorworks.com)
* Boost Logic (www.boostlogic.com)
* Pro Lex Performance (www.prolexperformance.com)

Just know that the IS300 is not a cheap car to boost and there can be a lot of potential issues with tuning due to engine management systems working against the stock OBDII ECU.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

also if you go to www.l-tunedparts.com you can see tons of items for the is300 too

911m3

Now those are what I'm looking for. That would have taken me weeks to find those. Thanks again both.

One question, since I don't have much time (usually very busy at work), I want to know what the crowd thinks are the most reliable 3rd party supercharges or turbo units. ...and durable componentries for suspension etc. I think I like the idea of adjustable shocks.

Sorry for the lazy questions. I do research when I get the chance like 3am today ;-)

-Rod

bchau_gt

I think that most of the supercharger and turbo kits produced by IS300 tuners are reliable for the most part. I wouldn't really say one is more reliable than any other because reliability largely depends on how well the car is maintained by the owner and how well it was tuned. There's no straight or easy answer to that question. If you do plan to boost your IS300, then the best thing to do is research each kit that suits your needs and determine how well they handle issues with fuel delivery, engine management, etc.

Similarly with suspensions, I think they're all equally durable, but the life-span of such components probably depends on how you drive and how quickly you wear out the parts. I would suggest getting coilovers if you're willing to spend a little more, but they provide ride height and stiffness adjustability, so if you ever want to change the feel of the car, then you can easily do so.

13s_is300

in my opinion there are a ton of boosted IS300's for sale right now. and if i had to do it over i would buy this one. but that is my $.02


http://is300.net/forums/showthread.php?t=254291

HKGS300

Lexus' strategy for the new IS250/350 will be different than for the existing IS300.

Firstly, Japan will get both the engines, so JDM tuners will be stimulated in developing performance parts for those cars.. Since the GS will also have the 3.5L engine (and no Toyota Turbo version planned), also the GS will likely get more engine parts (which may likely be compatible or easily adaptable).

Secondly, both engines will be available in Europe. Expect to see a TTE (the European version of TRD, who are also behind most of the Toyota motorsport activities) to come with a supercharger or turbo for the IS. The IS will be Lexus most important model in Europe, so TTE will be focused on it.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

wow, he's selling his car already? man!

bchau_gt

Yup, it's been on sale for a couple months now. I hope it finds a good new owner (and someone local ). If I could afford it, I would buy it.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

come on brian, you can do it just sell yours

that's one of the cleanest car i have seen man

bchau_gt

Actually, Jason just sold it.
Besides, my car's going to Florida soon as a gift to my brother-in-law.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah i talked to him tonight, very sad