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I finally found a vehicle to contend for the best overall daily driver against the 4g TL SH-AWD.
It's a 2016-2018 BMW 340i. I don't care if it will be AWD or RWD; 6MT or ZF8. Prices have dropped significantly recently, and in essence, the 340i with the B58 is a combination of different vehicles all in one.
1) Infiniti M56
2) Mitsubishi Evo X MR
3) Infiniti G37 IPL
4) Toybaru BRZ/FR-S/GR86
5) Infiniti FX50
6) Aston Martin V8 Vantage
7) Corvette C6 Z06
These are all cars from my bucket list. While the 340i may not handle like some of them, the B58 has the most potential for all of the different power levels. It's the best bargain to accommodate every aspect that I desire. The IS F will remain as my summer toy, and now I need to move the pieces of the puzzle in order to acquire a 340i.
My saga with the ZDX has concluded. I intend the pull out the IS F in the coming weeks. Two cars will be the limit from now on, as it was difficult to balance attention between them all. The remainder of the bucket list cars will have to wait until after I decide that I'm ready to move on from the IS F, and that doesn't seem to be occurring in the immediate future.
I randomly encountered that Advance Auto Parts was having a sale, and a Scangauge 3 is $50 off. So, I ordered a second unit to have dedicated in the IS F. After being so accustomed to having a Scangauge and Escort 9500ix, I feel naked without them.
I'm not certain as to what the order of events will be yet, however, this is the list of tasks that I need to accomplish with the IS F:
-change oil, and send a sample for a UOA
-muffler delete
-order the Sikky rear sway bar kit
-order the LCA bushings
-drive, a lot...
I expect to pull the IS F out in the next 7-10 days, as it seems that the temperatures will regulate in the 50's, and above.
In other news, I recently performed a modification that I've been wanting to experience for well over a decade. I don't recall where I saw this initially, however, the BRZ GT300 always comes to mind first. For my Vitpilen, I applied a vinyl over the headlight. Now, for the TL, I actually replaced the xenon bulbs with Morimoto 3000k ones. I don't understand why all cars don't have this yellow spectrum lighting, as the reflections from signs, and the reflected lane paint, are much more profound. It's a different world, honestly. All future vehicles with xenon headlights will receive this modification.
I've been researching heavily on intakes and exhausts, and it seems that I need to remain stock... I read about vented and recirculated intakes, and the optimal route is to remain with the recirculating stock intake. I read about the DIY mod for the secondary intake valve, and that I should leave it alone as it was intended to function. From what others have stated, by applying the muffler delete, there will be a horrendous drone during lower RPM's. There's no point in modifying the performance/power aspect until I'm ready to install headers.
The USRS LCA bushings should be the priority right now.
@lobuxracer , what other modifications should I consider that are a necessity, or QOL improvements?
I researched on the EPS ECU, and the 41 will cost ~$600, while the 42 will cost ~$850. For now, I'll keep this information in mind.
As far as an LSD is concerned, I'll remain with the stock open differential in the short term.
What I really want right now, is a set of 2012-2014 rims... I love their design, and I want the 255/275 staggered setup, since the 255 square setup is not what I had expected. I'll also continue to research other rim models in the aftermarket that will resemble the sizing of the 2012-2014 rims.
I finally found a set of OEM xenon headlights. I will also purchase 3000k D4S bulbs and convert the IS F as how the TL was. The yellow lighting has proven to be superior in regards to visibility.
Yesterday, I cruised and hooned for 200 miles. The car continues to deliver euphoria. It'd be such an amazing vehicle to daily, and am jealous of the individuals that do daily their IS F's. With how poorly Cleveland's streets are, it wouldn't make sense to do so. I drive on specific roads and routes purposefully in order to avoid the atrocity. My TL needs a BBK, because the stopping power, bite, and pedal feel of the 6 pots is exquisite. My TL also needs a 5.0l V8, because the power is sublime across the entire rev range. It's comical jumping back in the TL after the IS F. Even with the flaws of the IS F, I still cherish and appreciate it. The only way to drive it is in M mode, with the paddle shifters. I still managed to average over 21 MPG during my cruise, with all of the WOT's, and 6th as the highest gear utilized.
I forgot to update that I purchased tires a couple of weeks ago for the stock rims. I should have them mounted in the coming days. 245/35R19 fronts, and 275/30R19 rears. I haven't decided if I will swap wheels right away, or wait until I address the LCA bushings first.
I'm contemplating on selling the square setup, and running the OEM's in the larger sizes until I find another staggered set of rims. The optimal choice is the 2012-2014 rim set, however, I'll read into other setups, as well.
I've driven nearly 400 miles on the new tires in the past month. The ride feels more compliant, despite the smaller sidewalls, and there is less intervention from traction control. I can still easily fishtail out of a turn, though. I've driven about 6,500 miles in total since I purchased the IS F, and it's my favorite car that I've owned to date.
After much research and pondering, I believe that the IS F is the perfect street car as a secondary car; toy. I wouldn't daily it in the winter, or in general around greater Cleveland. I only cruise on specific routes where the roads are adequate. I've been delving back and forth between S2000/FT86 and a C6 Z06. The decision is so nuanced based on needs, location, expectation, etc. I turn off the computer, go hoon in the IS F, and the discussion vanishes.
I also pulled out the Vitpilen today, for the first time in 2025. While it's a different and unique experience, I favor the time behind the wheel of the IS F more.
I've ridden over 200 miles on the Vitpilen, and driven over 500 miles in the IS F these past couple of days. The IS F is the definite experience right now, and prefer it over the two wheel experience. The engine and transmission perform so perfectly right now, after the countless WOT's I've done. It pulls so strong to 100 MPH, brakes exceptionally well, and now it may be time to address the suspension. My car came with the Bilstein shocks as spare parts, however, I seem to crave a proper coilover setup. I always wanted a premium set for the STi, however, I never got around to it. I have quite some information to research.
My cars are all street cars, so right now, I don't believe that I need the LSD, for my current application. The RR Racing USRS LCA are a must, and the Sikky rear sway bar kit is a maybe.
What is 100% certain, though, is that I love driving the IS F. Because the TL is not the IS F, I look forward to to these drives.
Today is a glorious day, as I've just sent payment for a Sard replica spoiler. I've been patiently waiting for another to appear for sale, and I'm eager to install it on my own car. This is essentially the only visual modification that I cared for.
