Lexus IS F Build Is a Long Time in the Making

This Club Lexus member refused to give up on his dream of owning the perfect Lexus IS F. And we’d say his persistence was well worth it!

For most fans of the brand, the Lexus IS F represents the ultimate canvas for a project. These naturally-aspirated, rear-wheel drive sedans are relatively affordable and supported by an expansive aftermarket, making them excellent build candidates. Club Lexus member JohnMorgan recognizes that potential, and went to some pretty big extremes to find the perfect Lexus IS F for his tastes!

“It was a long month and a half trying to get this particular car. As I was looking for IS-Fs on Mannheim, this gem popped up. It literally fit all my criteria – 2012+, Starfire Pearl, no sunroof. As many of you know, the sunroof delete was a special order and there are little to none of them in the U.S. So I was looking at a true unicorn. The red interior was just a bonus, and the car was owned by someone at TMS (Toyota Motor Sales). So the car was definitely in good hands.

The auction was on 3/9/17 and unfortunately my broker lost as I did not have his number at the time to tell him to keep bidding. The car ended up going to New Jersey and I actively pursued it, calling the dealership almost every day trying to buy the car before it left CA. Unfortunately, the car ended up going back East. Only for me to buy it and have it shipped back here!”

At least in this case, persistence certainly paid off! And the OP wasted no time making this the Lexus IS F of his dreams. After a dyno test and a short period of time driving the car as-is, he got to work with some mods!

“Currently:
3,677 lbs. wet
383 WHP / 368 LBFT TQ. STD
HPS Intake Elbow
aFe Oiled Intake Filter
BC Racing BR Type Coilovers with Swift Springs
LED Turn Bulbs + Diode Dynamic SmartTap
ZITO FlowForme ZF01 18×10 et42 – 285/35/18 Square – Sumitomo HTRZ III
Tom’s Rear Strut Bar
Figs Engineering Front LCA Rear Mount Bushings
CCS-P by TRD: Carbon Front Spoiler, Carbon Rear Diffuser, Carbon Rear Spoiler

To be installed:
FIGS Engineering Rear LCA (Mega Arms)
Rear Toe Links
19mm Adjustable Sway Bar”

With all of that sorted, the OP installed LED headlights and a programmable flasher box for a little visual appeal. To this point, he was also very particular about keeping things as light as possible.

Next up on the list was a set of ZITO FlowForme ZF02 wheels measuring in at 19×9 et25 F / 19×10 et35 R in Gloss Gunmetal. For tires, the OP went with a set of Federal 595s in 245/35/19 F – 275/30/19 R. And yes, they looked pretty darn wicked!

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.