carlos3366

go for the IS350 but make sure it doesn't have the airbag recall problem.

I shift the heck out of my 250 to make it go fast, so far no tranny problems with 144,000 miles.

Ling2IS

iTrader: (4)

I've been asking my local service advisor about the airbag and door panel recalls, no luck. I'm sure if a 350 had that problem, it would be covered under the recall, in time.

Ling2IS

iTrader: (4)

Update - I test drove a TL-S a few days ago and my general impressions are..

• Butt dyno wise, IS350 is noticeably quicker
• IS interior feels more premium and less dated
• TL-S steering feels heavier, slightly more direct
• TL-S backup camera quality is garbage

Overall, I am definitely leaning towards a 350. The only thing going for the TL-S at this point is the exterior looks.

Rezno

iTrader: (1)

Yeah the FWD layout and the very very long gears limit it in acceleration. It would be much faster with Honda's 9 speed auto or 8 speed dual clutch. Where did you drive it? Have you taken it to a back road?

Also I think the backup camera being terrible is something on all Hondas from 07 - 09. They fog up and get dirty too easily and the resolution is far far from perfect.

Zmon

iTrader: (2)

In regards to the steering, you can swap out the steering ECU for one off an IS-F (08-14), most people seem to have 11-12 units. Makes it heavier, direct, more feedback.... you can stiffen it up even more by hitting the pwr switch. I can't explain it and I've had mine for a month now, but IMO, huge improvement over my 08's stock steering ECU.

Ling2IS

iTrader: (4)

Hm, I've seen a thread or two about that. How much does the ISF steering ECU run? How easy is it to install?

Ling2IS

iTrader: (4)

I had limited seat time, so I drove it on a wide ish street and some quiet residential areas. There were no back roads nearby haha

Zmon

iTrader: (2)

It's not hard to install. Take out the battery, remove the cover underneath it and there's the ECU. Just unclip the connectors and itll pull right out.

Cost wise, it varies depending on which years you buy. 08-10 are the cheapest (and the heaviest feeling iirc. Someone here on CL was selling an 08 for $200 iirc), 11-12 models seem to be more common here, I personally paid $350 for mine, then you have 13-14s which cost the most, not really any direct comparisons between the 11-12 and 13-14 units so its safe to say the 11-12 may be a better choice.

Ling2IS

iTrader: (4)

Do you ship your ECU out to get it coded or you're paying for a new ECU with the steering ECU already inside?

Mhm, I see. I've taken out the stock ECU before

redspencer

iTrader: (1)

You're paying for a new (or used) IS-F Steering ECU (either the 08-10, 11-12, or 13-14 version) and after installing the unit, you'll need to get it calibrated at the dealership via TechStream.

Ling2IS

iTrader: (4)

Oh gotcha. I don't intend to drive the car super hard, maybe a back road here and there, so I'll see how I like the handling after just coilovers and maybe sway bars.