IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

Suspension or Wheels?

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Old 03-04-15, 05:53 AM
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AlexiaMom
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Default Suspension or Wheels?

Which one would you do first? I want to see what option wins I personally think suspension first then wheels. My hubby says wheels first. What do you guys think? Let the debate begin!
Old 03-04-15, 05:57 AM
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redspencer
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What are your priorities? Better handling or better looks? The F-Sport Rear Sway Bar is the most popular initial suspension upgrade for the ISx50 as it has the best bang-for-your-buck difference with how the car behaves after doing this simple mod.
Old 03-04-15, 06:44 AM
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Sffd103
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Of you had to choose only one then most say suspension first. I'm assuming it's for looks and you don't want a large wheel gap when you install new wheel/tires.
Old 03-04-15, 08:20 AM
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MarioVela
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Suspension. The car will look a lot better the moment your drop it. Once dropped, you can find wheels
Old 03-04-15, 08:36 AM
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getafewliv
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Gotta lower before you put wheels on or it just won't look right.

Lowered with stock > aftermarket with wheel gap
Old 03-04-15, 09:53 AM
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AlexiaMom
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Exactly. He thinks wheels first will be cheaper on a daily driven lexus.
Old 03-04-15, 10:07 AM
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FSportIS
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Suspension: Substance + some form (lower)
Wheels: Form.

As accountants keep saying, substance over form! I would spend money on something that helps handling where I can feel first before cosmetic mod. Ah, lowering also helps the car look much better too. With a wheels on stock height, it still looks bad lol.
Old 03-04-15, 11:35 AM
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AlexiaMom
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Originally Posted by FSportIS
Suspension: Substance + some form (lower)
Wheels: Form.

As accountants keep saying, substance over form! I would spend money on something that helps handling where I can feel first before cosmetic mod. Ah, lowering also helps the car look much better too. With a wheels on stock height, it still looks bad lol.
^^ I agree
Old 03-04-15, 11:42 AM
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FSportIS
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Originally Posted by AlexiaMom
^^ I agree
If so, F Sport sway bars + coilovers such as BCR are waiting for you These components will transform your stock car handling to a whole new level. You can feel it!
Old 03-04-15, 12:05 PM
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dyongg
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Originally Posted by FSportIS
If so, F Sport sway bars + coilovers such as BCR are waiting for you These components will transform your stock car handling to a whole new level. You can feel it!
Fsport sway and coils were definitely the first things I bought for my car and they make your car feel completely different!
Old 03-04-15, 01:05 PM
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Jeff Lange
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Suspension, tires, then wheels for me.

Maybe some other stuff before wheels too, unless you really don't like the wheels you have.

Jeff
Old 03-04-15, 01:41 PM
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Gville350
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From my own personal experience, I went with BCR coilovers; dropped 3+" on stock wheels. Then added the rear F-sport sway bar. Then finally got me some wheels (Genesis Track 19s). Totally glad I went this route cuz I couldn't deal with the 4x4 wheel gap, like others mentioned.
Old 03-04-15, 02:17 PM
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VTsuckah
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I just installed coilovers on my somewhat stock 2010 IS350. It makes a world of difference in looks even with stock wheels and you get the improved handling. To me, it was a no brainer to go suspension first.
Old 03-04-15, 02:41 PM
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srt1
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This is NOT a debate it's a suggestion for you two. Is this a daily or weekend type ryde? I've been into lowered cars since the late 80's, when mini trucks were the "IN" thang. If we had no money to do a big upgrade we dumped(lowered) the car first. So a budget is what I'd look at. If I can afford 2-3k wheels OR suspension I'd go w/wheels. That's me. I don't race my ***** and I personally don't like the look of a lowered car on stocks. BUT Lex has some decent stock wheels. Lowering can be cheaper than wheels so if you guys are strapped on cash then go w/what they ^ said. Check out pics of lowered X50's on stocks and see if that's what you guys like.
Old 03-04-15, 02:55 PM
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Jeff Lange
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I guess it also depends on what you want to change the suspension for. If you are just looking to lower it so it looks differently, I'd probably save up and do wheels and suspension at the same time. Aftermarket wheels at stock height (depending on fitment and what you want) can look goofy, but so can a very lowered car on stock wheels.

I changed my suspension solely for performance reasons, but did not want to lower the car, so my stock wheels still looked normal.

Jeff


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