E46CT

I was poking around my engine bay just tinkering, being curious and decided to remove the air cleaner lid and air cleaner itself. I noticed a very thick padded liner after the air cleaner cartridge. I decided to remove it (I saved it in case I needed to put it back). I test drove the car and could be all in my head but the car feels more responsive particuarly when the turbo spools up. Overall power doesn't seem affected. Just driveability. When you see how thick and restrictive this padding is, you might agree with me. Either case, it can't HELP performance. Out it went.

Then I got to thinking... what if I combine the mod I just tried along with a better flowing filter? I for one am not a believer in cold air intakes or intakes in general doing much for power, if anything at all. But I would try a Lexus product. So I went searching the internet for the F-Sport intake listed on the Lexus catalog as possibly being available for the 2017 IS but no photos or no price. I know some IS200t owners have went to the dealer asking Lexus if the F-Sport intake fits their IS200ts only to be told no. The intake in question is here: http://amzn.to/2dHC0N8

I remember seeing on the Lexus parts catalog that just recently got introducted for the IS200t that the 250/350/200t all share the same air filter. So the filter for the 250/350 should fit the 200t. I took a chance. And it does fit! I purchased an F-Sport air intake filter used on eBay part PTR03-53141-AA or here on eBay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LEXUS-OEM-FACTORY-F-SPORT-AIR-FILTER-2014-2016-IS250-IS350-PTR03-53141-AA/232061439910?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D39850%26meid%3D3066fc6c92d540dc858e688ea8150100%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D332003617895

(I give Belle Lexus a shout out because their parts guy has always been exceptional to me)

The car seems a tad more responsive than the removed padding I did. So the combined effect I believe helped throttle response. Is the car now a beast? No. But driveability seems improved. If anything, it looks damn cool! And no need to buy air filters.

Now keep in mind, you will need to clean the air filter at 10-15k mile intervals. NO OIL. For cleaner, I purchased this cleaner: http://amzn.to/2dUL4S6

Two more things:

The AIRBOX LOWER PORTION. Part of the reason for the $400 F-Sport intake is its sculpted/different lower airbox. The stock 250/350 airbox (as far as I know) has a grid pattern plastic inside for baffling/noise reduction purposes. A common mod for 250/350 guys is to CUT out those baffling spending 2 hours doing it and then it looks like crap. Well when I removed my air filter on my 200t, I was surprised to find Lexus smoothed out the lower airbox just as they did on the $400 F Sport air box. The only difference is the 250/350 F-Sport airbox lower portion has a 2x3" rectangle cutout towards the front of the car to give the airbox a deeper sound. I do want to try this but will carefully research this first. I'm not sure how it will sound on a 4 cylinder. I don't want a ricey sound that a modded airbox makes on a 4 cylinder. I may try a smaller hole at first and enlarge and see how I like it one step at a time. The 200T airbox may be a good choice for 250/350 modders! I do not know for sure if the lower part of the 200t fits the 250/350. I don't see why not. This thread and pics/info within is for educational purposes only. Modify your car at your own risk! You may void your warranty if you modify things. The F Sport filter below is a Lexus part so just installing that alone should be fine =) (Just a disclaimer)

Also it seems all Lexus needs to do (or any company really) is supply a pipe and a silicone coupling. And you've got yourself a COMPLETE F-Sport intake for the 200t.

I want the blue F logo as in the Lexus upper airbox piece... I wonder where to get that? Just for cool looks =) If anyone can point me in the right direction to a decal, plaque, etc. Just for fun.





Here's some pics:












And the foam padding (carbon filter) I removed. It had to be carefully cut out on one "Stitch" using a small knife then the rest just pulls out. It is melted/fused onto the plastic airbox lid. If you wanted to reinstall it, you could probably just melt it back on using a hot soldering tip or similar. Clean up any plastic bits left behind. Don't want the engine sucking them in.




Information on removing the charcoal filter is for information and educational purposes only. Its purpose is to absorb unspent fuel vapor from the intake tract after the engine is shut off. It's to prevent dirty air escaping into the environment through the airbox.

SwiftIS

Subscribed. Interested in seeing future air box modding. Did you notice any difference in sound removing the "filter" or adding a f sport filter?

Sheddy

I did the same mod. I am just running a K&N drop in filter instead.

E46CT

didn't want to ruin an expensive Lexus factory MAF sensor so decided to go Pro Genuine Lexus for the filter.

as for sound maybe i got used to it but no dramatic difference in turbo sound. maybe slight.

Rudiculous

iTrader: (15)

You could try contacting OP for the top lid:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/3ge...-lid-only.html

E46CT

Thanks but looks like the 250/350 lid has its intake pointed up whereas the 200t goes to the right. a no go!

Update... you can definitely hear more boost noise. but not much. drove it some more. it's noticeable. Maybe 10% louder.

rj200t

Can someone post a video of the F Sport Intake to hear the sound of the turbo? Debating between getting the F Sport Intake or 3rd Party aftermarket intake.

E46CT

There is no "F Sport intake" for the 200t. I just added a drop in.

There's not really any sound to speak of. Slightly deeper at low rpms. That's it. Not worth making a video. And there's no "Can someone" i'm the only one that did it that I know of. lol.. much of the 200t is experimentation. nobody is really doing anything or making anything for this car. been over a year.

specONE

iTrader: (3)

lol at you removing the foam padding off the Lid.
The Fsport Lid also has this foam padding FYI.



The real difference between 250/350 Fsport lid and Non is just the logo and shaping very slightly of it (doubt it helps for performance)

Solara350

I would not mod an expensive Lexus, this kind if idea for those who can't afford, you removed that under box filter out isn't good for your Engine, your Turbo sucks more dust into the engine, now no problem but not good for a long run, Just snap in KnN or Fsport air filter it sounds the same.

evltwn

This is actually what I'm doing with my 2014 IS250. I ordered an HPS intake kit, and an F-Sport drop-in filter. Both should be here tomorrow.

E46CT

I did it for fun, low cost, free. As far as the padding, it's a charcoal filter for emissions purposes. It's there to neutralize unburnt gases coming from the manifold. It's added restriction mostly for California cars. The F Sport box has it not for performance, but to comply with regulation. Either way, nothing really to laugh at

Common mod in the BMW community. BMW has been using charcoal filters for quite a while now.

Nah. Nothing to do with that. See above.