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Lexus IS/GS: Aftermarket Modifications

Here are some aftermarket modifications for the Lexus to set it apart from the crowd.

By Jeffrey Smith - November 24, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS and GS (2005-2013).

From blacking out your heads or reddening up your tails to replacing the stock rims, there are virtually hundreds of tricks you can do to make your ride uniquely your own. Some of these mods are very simple and can be done in just a few hours, and others will take some time and challenge your skills. In the end, you'll have the satisfaction of knowing you made your Lexus your own. Many folks shy away from modifying their ride because of warranty concerns. The general consensus is that the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act offers some consumer protections; however, it is unlikely that will prevent all heartache from a mod gone wrong, so proceed at your own risk. The following are some popular modifications from the very basic to fairly complex, but all will give you that unique look that will set you apart.

Lexus Aftermarket Lighting Mods

For the Lexus, you have basically three options to change your vehicle's lighting: the headlights, the taillights and the fog lamps. You can do one, two or all three modifications illustrated below. These are relatively simple to do and you can tweak these in any way you like to suit your style.

Aftermarket HID Installation

DIY Cost – About $300 depending upon parts source
Professional Cost – $500 and up. Factory direct parts are about $450 and up
Skill Level – Easy; but quite a few parts to remove to get to lights

Many options are out there for changing out your headlights with HID versions. A straight out super bright replacement bulb is the cheapest way to go. If you want a more unique look without cheaping out too much, go for the Proxenon kit. You can choose a wide range of brightness options, depending upon the kit and they are easy to install.

Fog Lamp Blue Overlay Film

DIY Cost – About $25
Professional Cost – $200 and up
Skill Level – Easy to moderate. There are a lot of parts to remove, including the front bumper to get to the fog lamps if you also want to replace them. Otherwise, it is simply taping the overlay to the outside of the fog lamp cover.

This is the absolute easiest modification you can do to the Lexus, but you can see the huge impact it can make on the way your car pops. Aerotect makes this overlay in a variety of colors. Shown here is the blue and what a difference it makes.

Red Taillight Mod

DIY Cost – $10
Professional Cost – $100
Skill Level – Very easy

This is just as easy as the blue overlay fog lamp mod. Using the same method, purchase a roll of red overlay film. Trace the amber part of the taillight onto a piece of cardboard to use as a stencil or template. Cut the overlay film and place on the amber portion and the job is done. It's extremely simple, but makes a huge difference in the way your Lexus looks.

Lexus Aftermarket Wheels

Lexus owners have many choices when it comes to aftermarket wheel modifications. There are many brands and sizes from which to choose. Care must be taken with the front wheels on the IS-350 particularly. A copious amount of clearance is needed to accommodate

Wheel Mods

DIY Cost – $150 - $800 or more per rim
Professional Cost – $2,000 and up based upon rim and tire choice
Skill Level – Moderately difficult with specialized equipment

Nothing quite sets apart a car than the rims and tires that are mounted on it. There are virtually hundreds of rim designs in a myriad of colors and finish. Silver is a popular option in such makes as Antera or Racing Harts. If black is your thing, Volk makes a great black rim, but is at the higher end of the priceline. Yokohama is another popular brand that makes both rims and the tires you'll want to put on. To save some time and money, consider purchasing the rims and take them to have the rubber put on and then mount them yourself.

Lexus Aftermarket Intake Systems

There are a few manufacturers of air intake kits and system components to choose from. Some come in nice and shiny chrome to really make your engine bling, and others prefer the traditional stock look of a powder coated black finish.

Intake Modification

DIY Cost – $200 - $400
Professional Cost – $500 - $600 and up
Skill Level – Moderate to easy

Once you have had the opportunity to make the outside of your car pop, it's time to take a look under the hood. Whether or not you want your engine to shine or have a subtle upgrade, you can outfit your aftermarket air intake system in shiny chrome or flat black. Some of the most popular kits available today is LTM, AEM, Injen, and K&N. Injen is a good mid-range price point and shows really well under the hood.

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