Performance - Body Roll...
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
"Sometimes ya gotta roll the hard six." - CDR William Adama
Looks like I'm going to be the only proponent of modifying suspensions (DNA modification) to improve handling. So be it!
I am one of those people that have always believed that you can improve the handling of ANY car or light truck as long as you have a few things to begin with:
1) A strong, maybe even overwhelming desire to keep the car rather than buy something else that handles better out of the box.
2) A clear and concise idea/goal of what you desire--write it down so you don't forget.
3) A willingness to experiment with your suspension, knowing that some changes may need to be reversed.
4) A willingness to accept trade-offs. There's no doubt that the ride will be affected, which may be a negative for you.
5) The knowledge to know when to stop if you just can't achieve your documented goal.
6) Last but not least: An endless supply of money! The #1 requirement before you start. Not only do you have to buy parts, but you may need to have them installed, and you MUST get your car re-aligned if you have affected the geometry.
Also, I should have mentioned earlier that new tires (and maybe wheels) can make an amazing difference in how a car handles. If you still have the OEM tires, the best money you ever spend might be on a set of better tires. I won't venture a guess as to which tires may be best for you. I'll leave that to the tire experts.
However, I recently had a set of Michelin Primacy tires put on our ES350 and they really transformed the car. Tighter steering, slightly firmer ride, better cornering, etc. All without affecting the ambience of the car. It had some Bridgestone Potenzas on it when we bought it--why I don't know, as those are NOT recommended for the ES350 from what I read online.
I am one of those people that have always believed that you can improve the handling of ANY car or light truck as long as you have a few things to begin with:
1) A strong, maybe even overwhelming desire to keep the car rather than buy something else that handles better out of the box.
2) A clear and concise idea/goal of what you desire--write it down so you don't forget.
3) A willingness to experiment with your suspension, knowing that some changes may need to be reversed.
4) A willingness to accept trade-offs. There's no doubt that the ride will be affected, which may be a negative for you.
5) The knowledge to know when to stop if you just can't achieve your documented goal.
6) Last but not least: An endless supply of money! The #1 requirement before you start. Not only do you have to buy parts, but you may need to have them installed, and you MUST get your car re-aligned if you have affected the geometry.
Also, I should have mentioned earlier that new tires (and maybe wheels) can make an amazing difference in how a car handles. If you still have the OEM tires, the best money you ever spend might be on a set of better tires. I won't venture a guess as to which tires may be best for you. I'll leave that to the tire experts.
However, I recently had a set of Michelin Primacy tires put on our ES350 and they really transformed the car. Tighter steering, slightly firmer ride, better cornering, etc. All without affecting the ambience of the car. It had some Bridgestone Potenzas on it when we bought it--why I don't know, as those are NOT recommended for the ES350 from what I read online.
specs of my modifications are on here.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...-pictures.html
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
I saw pics of your ride, SickES. Your username is well deserved. So how much did your car's ride suffer compaired to factory stock? I, too, am interested in decreasing body roll. I am willing to trade some ride quality for flatter cornering, but do not want this to become a completely different animal.
I saw pics of your ride, SickES. Your username is well deserved. So how much did your car's ride suffer compaired to factory stock? I, too, am interested in decreasing body roll. I am willing to trade some ride quality for flatter cornering, but do not want this to become a completely different animal.
putting on coilovers significantly stiffened the ride. i would not suggest it if you're looking to keep a somewhat luxury smooth ride.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 19
Likes: 2
From: CA
I intend on keeping my car. I suspect the sway bars in the high performance Lexus models like the IS-F might my ES-350. A slight increase in the Bars diameter will not really change the ride that much and are easy to install and are relatively inexpensive. If it ends up being a big deal, I will be happy with my car anyway. I’m not doing auto-cross like I did with my Boxster in the PCA. People generally don’t buy Lexus for performance as they are more interested in quality, reliability & comfort. Everything is a compromise and my car scores high and a little less body role would be appreciated while I use it as an Uber driver. 280,000 original miles on the original engine & trans and the car still look and drives like new. With all this wear, the engine does not use any oil at all in between oil changes and it stays clean, which is a really good sign it still has a long way to go. I have a lead foot too! Great product! It’s a keep and will be the last car I ever own! (By the way I have a 1999 Corvette convertible that I supercharged that smogs here in California and gets 30 MPG!)
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,133
Likes: 1,704
From: VA
IS-F parts will not fit. It is built on a completely different rear-wheel drive platform. The ES is built on the front drive platform shared with the Camry, Highlander, RX, Sienna and Avalon.
Do some searching (here and elsewhere online such as https://www.toyotanation.com/forums/...ara-04-08.104/
Several members have installed Camry TRD sway bars or aftermarket sway bars for the Camry. Ultra Racing used to make one and you can still find them on eBay from overseas.
Look at this related thread
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...-handling.html
Do some searching (here and elsewhere online such as https://www.toyotanation.com/forums/...ara-04-08.104/
Several members have installed Camry TRD sway bars or aftermarket sway bars for the Camry. Ultra Racing used to make one and you can still find them on eBay from overseas.
Look at this related thread
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...-handling.html
Last edited by Clutchless; Apr 23, 2022 at 10:53 AM.
CL Community Team
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,133
Likes: 1,704
From: VA
Here is a used Ultra Racing rear bar on eBay but you have to get your own bar bushings (19mm I think) and new endlinks. Still cheaper and faster delivery than the new ones from Malaysia.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/32491240415...wAAOSwjxthpSDk
https://www.ebay.com/itm/32491240415...wAAOSwjxthpSDk
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fierce gs
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Nov 2, 2001 12:10 PM
