07 IS350 Modding Questions
08-26-16, 11:50 AM
#1
07 IS350 Modding Questions
Hi everyone! This is my first post and I am new here, so please forgive my ignorance or lack of research on certain things.
Anyway, I am getting a 2007 IS350 in the span of the next 2 months with about 73,000 miles on it (took me an absolute eternity to actually find one with low miles, I didn't realize they were so rare in my area), and I had a few questions on modification to the much more experienced people here:
1. Over the spring of 2017 hopefully I want to begin modding the car. Not looking for a ridiculous increase on performance (maybe 30 - 60 bhp) I have seen supercharger kits go for $6,000 (HKS) and a Rotrex kit (but you have to get the parts yourself). I also heard that you can bolt on parts (PPE Headers, exhaust, F Sport intake, ECU tune, etc.) that will add some more hp to the car. If I were to get the latter, I'd get a Meisterschaft exhaust, PPE Headers, F Sport or Joe Z air intake, and an RR Racing or TTFS tune (if there is a better tune or exhaust out there please let me know). Because I will only have the money for one of these two, should I get the supercharger or get an exhaust, air intake, and tune up? And also to anyone who has the tune and used it for a few thousand miles, are there reliability issues with raising the redline to 7000?
2. I read somewhere here you could install the ISF steering ECU to improve steering performance. Is it a mod that is worth it? (i.e. how does it change the feel of the wheel, does it make it handle better, etc.)
I appreciate all the help I can get. I have done my research but there is a lot I don't know and I'm too excited so I don't want to make any wrong decisions.
Anyway, I am getting a 2007 IS350 in the span of the next 2 months with about 73,000 miles on it (took me an absolute eternity to actually find one with low miles, I didn't realize they were so rare in my area), and I had a few questions on modification to the much more experienced people here:
1. Over the spring of 2017 hopefully I want to begin modding the car. Not looking for a ridiculous increase on performance (maybe 30 - 60 bhp) I have seen supercharger kits go for $6,000 (HKS) and a Rotrex kit (but you have to get the parts yourself). I also heard that you can bolt on parts (PPE Headers, exhaust, F Sport intake, ECU tune, etc.) that will add some more hp to the car. If I were to get the latter, I'd get a Meisterschaft exhaust, PPE Headers, F Sport or Joe Z air intake, and an RR Racing or TTFS tune (if there is a better tune or exhaust out there please let me know). Because I will only have the money for one of these two, should I get the supercharger or get an exhaust, air intake, and tune up? And also to anyone who has the tune and used it for a few thousand miles, are there reliability issues with raising the redline to 7000?
2. I read somewhere here you could install the ISF steering ECU to improve steering performance. Is it a mod that is worth it? (i.e. how does it change the feel of the wheel, does it make it handle better, etc.)
I appreciate all the help I can get. I have done my research but there is a lot I don't know and I'm too excited so I don't want to make any wrong decisions.
08-26-16, 12:25 PM
#2
Welcome to the CL forums!
1. As one of the early birds with getting the ECU tune and the 7200 RPM redline, there have been no reliability issues with the raised redline. It was actually me who recommended to RR Racing that the 7200 RPM redline should be a safe option as the Lotus Evora and Evora S have been running 7200 RPM redlines on the 2GR-FE motor without issue for years.
If you're willing to wait for a couple of more months, RR-Racing might have a supercharger kit available for the 2006-2013 IS350:
2. If greatly improved steering feel and feedback is a priority for you, I would highly recommend the 2011+ IS-F Steering ECU. It makes a noticeable difference with tactile feedback on what the tires are doing and the steering feels more direct as you turn the wheel an inch or a millimeter.
If you do end up getting the IS-F Steering ECU, I also recommend you swapping out the front LCA OEM bushings to an aftermarket option (either from RR-Racing or FIGS Engineering) as the combination will give you the steering feel of a sports car.
1. As one of the early birds with getting the ECU tune and the 7200 RPM redline, there have been no reliability issues with the raised redline. It was actually me who recommended to RR Racing that the 7200 RPM redline should be a safe option as the Lotus Evora and Evora S have been running 7200 RPM redlines on the 2GR-FE motor without issue for years.
If you're willing to wait for a couple of more months, RR-Racing might have a supercharger kit available for the 2006-2013 IS350:
If you do end up getting the IS-F Steering ECU, I also recommend you swapping out the front LCA OEM bushings to an aftermarket option (either from RR-Racing or FIGS Engineering) as the combination will give you the steering feel of a sports car.
08-26-16, 12:51 PM
#3
I'd not spend the money on a S/C'r; not worth the slight bump in HP. If you want HP, hit it with a 100 shot with fail-safes for $1000-1200. A completely stock IS350 with a 100-shot has been told to me personally to have held up without any issues (trans, driveline, motor, etc).
I have PPE headers, and I highly recommend them.
Same with the RR Racing front LCA bushing upgrade.
I have PPE headers, and I highly recommend them.
Same with the RR Racing front LCA bushing upgrade.
08-26-16, 03:04 PM
#4
Welcome to the CL forums!
1. As one of the early birds with getting the ECU tune and the 7200 RPM redline, there have been no reliability issues with the raised redline. It was actually me who recommended to RR Racing that the 7200 RPM redline should be a safe option as the Lotus Evora and Evora S have been running 7200 RPM redlines on the 2GR-FE motor without issue for years.
If you're willing to wait for a couple of more months, RR-Racing might have a supercharger kit available for the 2006-2013 IS350:
2. If greatly improved steering feel and feedback is a priority for you, I would highly recommend the 2011+ IS-F Steering ECU. It makes a noticeable difference with tactile feedback on what the tires are doing and the steering feels more direct as you turn the wheel an inch or a millimeter.
If you do end up getting the IS-F Steering ECU, I also recommend you swapping out the front LCA OEM bushings to an aftermarket option (either from RR-Racing or FIGS Engineering) as the combination will give you the steering feel of a sports car.
1. As one of the early birds with getting the ECU tune and the 7200 RPM redline, there have been no reliability issues with the raised redline. It was actually me who recommended to RR Racing that the 7200 RPM redline should be a safe option as the Lotus Evora and Evora S have been running 7200 RPM redlines on the 2GR-FE motor without issue for years.
If you're willing to wait for a couple of more months, RR-Racing might have a supercharger kit available for the 2006-2013 IS350:
2. If greatly improved steering feel and feedback is a priority for you, I would highly recommend the 2011+ IS-F Steering ECU. It makes a noticeable difference with tactile feedback on what the tires are doing and the steering feels more direct as you turn the wheel an inch or a millimeter.
If you do end up getting the IS-F Steering ECU, I also recommend you swapping out the front LCA OEM bushings to an aftermarket option (either from RR-Racing or FIGS Engineering) as the combination will give you the steering feel of a sports car.
Definitely have to get that steering mod. Should I go to a dealership and have them calibrate it or is it just plug and play?
I'd not spend the money on a S/C'r; not worth the slight bump in HP. If you want HP, hit it with a 100 shot with fail-safes for $1000-1200. A completely stock IS350 with a 100-shot has been told to me personally to have held up without any issues (trans, driveline, motor, etc).
I have PPE headers, and I highly recommend them. Same with the RR Racing front LCA bushing upgrade.
I have PPE headers, and I highly recommend them.
Same with the RR Racing front LCA bushing upgrade.
08-26-16, 06:04 PM
#5
We've yet to see what gains are possible when a proper ECU tune is incorporated with a supercharger as previous supercharger builds were utilizing the stock OEM maps (or with piggyback tunes). Even with those restrictions, I think we had a few members with heavily modified supercharger builds hitting around the 350rwhp mark, IIRK:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...50-dyno-d.html
If you have access to Techstream, you can calibrate the steering ECU yourself. Otherwise, it's best to take it to Lexus for them to calibrate it for you.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...50-dyno-d.html
If you have access to Techstream, you can calibrate the steering ECU yourself. Otherwise, it's best to take it to Lexus for them to calibrate it for you.
Last edited by redspencer; 08-26-16 at 06:16 PM.
08-29-16, 11:14 PM
#7
Lexus Champion
We've yet to see what gains are possible when a proper ECU tune is incorporated with a supercharger as previous supercharger builds were utilizing the stock OEM maps (or with piggyback tunes). Even with those restrictions, I think we had a few members with heavily modified supercharger builds hitting around the 350rwhp mark, IIRK:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...50-dyno-d.htmlIf you have access to Techstream, you can calibrate the steering ECU yourself. Otherwise, it's best to take it to Lexus for them to calibrate it for you.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...50-dyno-d.htmlIf you have access to Techstream, you can calibrate the steering ECU yourself. Otherwise, it's best to take it to Lexus for them to calibrate it for you.
Trending Topics
08-30-16, 01:48 PM
#9
Lexus Champion
08-30-16, 01:50 PM
#10
Hey Redspencer, just wondering. With the tune added to your car, has the exhaust note changed? Also does it pop more (assuming yours did it to begin with)? I'm about to order the tune this week hopefully by Friday as long as it stays on sale and was just wondering what other pleasant changes I get from the tune other than the increased redline. Also sorry for all the questions but have you done any comparisons on how much quicker the car accelerates with the tune vs stock? I've yet to see anyone post a drag time, acceleration video or anything at all really.
I've been meaning to log my 0-60 time on my Torque App to see what it shows. I had to reset my ECU a few days ago as my battery was dying so the ECU is currently relearning its ignition timing based on the temperatures and fuel so after that's done with, I'll see if I can post something for you. I don't expect to see optimal times due to the high temperatures and humidity here in Florida but we'll see!
Yeah, that part is definitely true!
08-30-16, 01:53 PM
#11
Lexus Champion
Hey buddy, I haven't noticed any immediate difference with the exhaust note from idle to 6500RPM. The only big difference is the additional exhaust sounds up to the higher 7200 redline (which is very pleasing to the ear). I don't have any popping sounds or backfire coming from exhaust (before or after the tune).
I've been meaning to log my 0-60 time on my Torque App to see what it shows. I had to reset my ECU a few days ago as my battery was dying so the ECU is currently relearning its ignition timing based on the temperatures and fuel so after that's done with, I'll see if I can post something for you. I don't expect to see optimal times due to the high temperatures and humidity here in Florida but we'll see!Yeah, that part is definitely true!
I've been meaning to log my 0-60 time on my Torque App to see what it shows. I had to reset my ECU a few days ago as my battery was dying so the ECU is currently relearning its ignition timing based on the temperatures and fuel so after that's done with, I'll see if I can post something for you. I don't expect to see optimal times due to the high temperatures and humidity here in Florida but we'll see!Yeah, that part is definitely true!
08-30-16, 07:43 PM
#13
Lexus Champion
And yeah I'm excited to get it. But just waiting on my check this Friday to order it. Hopefully it stays on sale.
08-31-16, 07:49 AM
#14
Yeah, the difference in throttle response and pull on 1st and 2nd gear are quite noticeable, especially when you get to take advantage of an extra 500-700 RPMs at the higher rev range. Since the gearing for 3rd and 4th gear aren't quite as aggressive as 1st/2nd gear, the gains aren't felt as much but assuming that the 10-15rwhp is still present, the car should still accelerate faster than without the tune.
08-31-16, 05:08 PM
#15
Lexus Champion
Yeah, the difference in throttle response and pull on 1st and 2nd gear are quite noticeable, especially when you get to take advantage of an extra 500-700 RPMs at the higher rev range. Since the gearing for 3rd and 4th gear aren't quite as aggressive as 1st/2nd gear, the gains aren't felt as much but assuming that the 10-15rwhp is still present, the car should still accelerate faster than without the tune.
