JM51526

Thinking of getting an ISF next year sometime (used). When did the limited slip diff come out (2010?).

Anyone who's driven both the earlier models and the limited slip - is it worth getting a newer model for the limited slip? I understand there have been changes to the suspension (and brakes?) as well. I'll track the car occasionally and quite likely autocross - should I avoid the early models?

Thanks!

darbs242

iTrader: (5)

I have an 08 i bought new and found a 2011 rear end for the lsd. it is noticeable on the street or on a track. that doesn't mean i would stay away from an earlier model, you can install a osgikin locker lsd for 3k. 2011+ does have some cool upgrades over a 08-09 but at a 15k price difference.

JM51526

Thanks. I'm thinking the extra for a late model may be worth it - the LSD came in 2010, right?

projectdna

iTrader: (56)

^ yes, MY 2010 was the first year the IS-F came with a limited-slip rear diff from the factory.

daedalus

iTrader: (2)

the '10+'s are worth it. The LSD does make a big difference from driving and '08 back to back with my '10 but the newer navi and interior tweaks (black navigation surrounds) and steering wheel tweaks are worth the extra bucks as well. But if you can stretch it to a '11 the suspension tweaks, headlights, and new dash cluster are worth it.

thekhmer

iTrader: (2)

do you even track the car? if yes, continue to page 2.

JM51526

Thanks, all! I'll keep saving up and start planning on a 10+. I've got a '90 LS, and think it would be really cool to have the first Lexus sedan and the fastest Lexus sedan both in my garage. Sold my Camaro and old El Camino - on the way to a new obsession!

scamsel

Must concur, would be cool

WillRockwe

While the '10 had the LSD, it was the '11 that introduced the major suspension upgrade. As Car & Driver listed:
"There are softer front springs, stiffer rear springs, larger-diameter anti-roll bars front and rear, stiffer bushings on the rear subframe and rear anti-roll bar, and a new steering knuckle and front lower control arms for reduced unsprung mass. Oh, and the rear camber is tweaked as well."

When I was shopping for an F, I looked only at '11 or later.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

the price diff on 2011 is pretty high compare to the older models, another option is to buy someones 2011+ OEM suspension and swap it. Theres already one on the classfieds

PatrickISF

It's quite a bit more than just the suspension itself that was done to improve the handling. Just swapping out the springs/shocks is not going to give you the complete deal.

SunnyD09

Correct...you would also need to retrofit the 2011+ steering ECU as well.

JM51526

Thank you for the info! What's one more year, eh? It's only money...

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

C&D lied. Half of what they said is not true at all. Nothing new in the front since '08 but springs. All the updates were in the rear and mostly bushings. Swaybars are unchanged from 2008 to current. Bushings, yes, bars, no. And the dumb thing about the "lightweight hubs" in the front we've heard from other magazines is completely unsupported by anything Lexus publishes and all parts listings. Hubs have not changed at all during the entire production run.

Take the magazines with a BIG grain of salt. They talk out their rears frequently on these kinds of details.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

so find a used 2011+ OEM suspension, 2011+ ISF steering ECU, F Sport Sways, aftermarket bushings, FIGS LCA bushings and get a lot of the updates for a fraction of the price jump. Not sure how much the LSD would cost.