ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion - GS F (2016-present)

Is this worth buying?

lexustokyo — Wed, 20 May 2026 06:30:23 GMT

Just wondering about this particular gs-f?
always liked the anniversary spec but the damage seems like trouble? Any thoughts?
thanks

Salvage title GS-F

NOVEL Exhaust Manifold Install Tips for GS F

ModInJapan — Fri, 08 May 2026 15:38:31 GMT

Hey ClubLexus GS F owners,

We wanted to share our NOVEL Exhaust Manifold installation video for anyone looking into this upgrade on the GS F.

The car in the video is a newer RC F, but the install tips and clearance notes apply the same to the GS F.

This is definitely not a quick bolt-on job. The main challenge is taking your time with each runner and confirming clearance before moving forward.

Important install notes:

- The manifold is installed one runner at a time
- Carefully check the clearance of each runner during the install
- A camera or borescope can make the process much easier because some areas are hard to see directly
- Each runner only fits one way, so if it does not feel right, stop and re-check the orientation
- On the driver�s side, the steering rack passes through the manifold area
- Clearance around the steering rack is extremely tight
- Make sure the steering rack does not contact or rub against the manifold
- Some installers may add a washer to help gain a small amount of clearance, but space is still very limited
- Tack welding is not required since the runners will be held in place once installed
- Some installers may still tack weld them, but that is optional
- Patience and repeated clearance checks are key

Hopefully this helps GS F owners planning the install or discussing it with their shop.

Feel free to check it out and let us know if you have any questions.

NOVEL Carbon Fiber Aerodynamics Kit Installation � Lexus GS F

ModInJapan — Fri, 08 May 2026 15:29:37 GMT

I wanted to put together a general installation overview for the NOVEL Carbon Fiber Aerodynamics Kit for the Lexus GS F. This kit includes the front lip spoiler, side spoilers, rear under spoilers, and rear diffuser.

Official Instructions:
Front Spoiler: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/2532v...fs1i8phnz&dl=0
Side Skirts: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/4pawy...eq62j9uqc&dl=0
Rear Under / Rear Diffuser: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qhebv...qm6lypzty&dl=0

Overall, the installation is fairly straightforward, but it is not just a simple peel-and-stick install. The kit requires test fitting, marking, drilling, double-sided tape prep, and hardware installation. I would definitely recommend having two people for the install, as the instructions specifically mention that temporary placement and final installation should be done by two or more people.

General Installation Notes

Before installing any of the carbon pieces, I recommend doing the following:

Test fit each part before removing any tape backing
Use masking tape to mark the mounting positions
Mark all hole locations carefully
Drill the marked mounting holes where required
Install the supplied nutters / nutter rings where applicable
Thoroughly degrease both the vehicle surface and the carbon part surface
Do not remove all of the double-sided tape backing at once

The instructions repeatedly note that the double-sided tape backing should not be fully peeled off before positioning the part. The better method is to partially expose the backing, position the part, check alignment, then slowly pull the backing out while pressing the part into place.

Front Lip Spoiler Installation

For the front lip spoiler, the first step is to remove the factory mounting screws from the left and right wheel arch side of the front bumper.

After that, temporarily position the front lip spoiler on the car and mark the hole locations on the underside of the factory front bumper. Once the holes are marked, drill the marked locations and install the supplied nutter rings.

The front lip spoiler hardware includes:

Front lip spoiler body
11 M6 bolts
11 M6 washers
11 M6 spring washers
11 nutter rings
13 blindfold caps
Double-sided tape

Once the nutter rings are installed, apply the double-sided tape to the front spoiler. Position the lip on the bumper, slowly remove the tape backing, and press the spoiler into place.

The front lip is secured using the two factory bolts near the wheel arches, plus the 11 supplied M6 bolts, washers, and spring washers. After everything is tightened, install the blindfold caps.

Side Spoiler Installation

The side spoilers install on the lower side of the factory side steps. The instruction diagram shows the left side, but the same process applies to the right side.

Start by temporarily positioning the side spoiler on the bottom of the factory side step. Mark the hole locations, then drill the marked holes. Once drilled, install the supplied nutters into the holes.

The side spoiler hardware includes:

2 side spoiler bodies
8 M6 bolts
8 M6 washers
8 M6 spring washers
8 nutters
Double-sided tape

After the nutters are installed, apply double-sided tape to the side spoiler. Position the spoiler on the car, slowly remove the tape backing, and press the spoiler firmly into place.

The side spoilers are then secured using the supplied M6 bolts, washers, and spring washers at all 8 mounting points.

Rear Under Spoiler and Diffuser Installation

The rear section consists of the rear under spoilers and the diffuser.

For the rear under spoilers, temporarily position the parts against the bottom of the factory rear bumper and mark the mounting position using masking tape or a similar method.

For the diffuser, temporarily place it against the lower surface of the factory bumper. Mark the hole locations on the factory bumper and under cover, then drill the marked holes.

The rear under spoiler parts include:

2 rear under spoiler bodies
Double-sided tape

The diffuser parts include:

Diffuser main body
4 tapping screws
Double-sided tape

Apply double-sided tape to the rear under spoilers and diffuser. As with the front and sides, do not peel all of the tape backing off at once. Position the pieces first, check alignment, then slowly remove the backing while pressing the parts into place.

The rear under spoilers are secured using the factory bolts and clips. The diffuser is secured using the supplied tapping screws into the holes drilled during preparation.

Important Tips

Have a second person help hold and align the parts.
Do not rush the test fitting process.
Use masking tape as a guide before drilling or applying tape.
Make sure all surfaces are fully cleaned and degreased before applying the double-sided tape.
Do not fully remove the tape backing until the part is correctly positioned.
Check left-to-right balance before pressing the tape down permanently.
Be careful when drilling into the bumper, side step, and under cover areas.

Final Thoughts

The NOVEL carbon aero kit is a clean and well-integrated setup for the Lexus GS F, but proper installation takes patience. Since the kit uses both double-sided tape and mechanical fasteners, alignment is very important before fully committing the tape.

This is a manageable install for someone comfortable with basic drilling, test fitting, and working with exterior aero parts. However, because carbon fiber parts can be expensive and alignment is critical, it is worth taking your time or having a professional shop handle the install.

Once installed properly, the NOVEL kit gives the GS F a more aggressive and complete look while still mounting securely with both adhesive and hardware.

DIY NOVEL Valved Exhaust Install Guide for Lexus GS F � Vacuum Line Routing & Valve C

ModInJapan — Fri, 08 May 2026 15:13:51 GMT

I wanted to put together a clean install guide for the NOVEL Valved Exhaust System on the Lexus GS F.
Here are the official instructions: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/wsei0...vqbkas6cs&dl=0

This post focuses mainly on the valve controller, vacuum lines, and switch wiring, since that is the part most people will want visual reference for.

The NOVEL kit includes:

Valve controller body
T-shaped connectors
Air/vacuum hose
Harness kit

The controller mounts in the engine bay near the right/passenger-side strut tower. Vacuum is tapped from the factory variable resonator vacuum hose, sent to the NOVEL valve controller, then routed to the rear muffler valves.

GS F Engine Bay Vacuum Line Reference Photos

Tools / Supplies Recommended

Basic hand tools
Hose cutter, razor blade, or sharp side cutters
Zip ties
Corrugated wire loom or heat sleeve
Electrical tape
Jack stands or lift
12V test light or multimeter
Extra vacuum hose if needed

Step 1 - Locate the Factory Variable Resonator Vacuum Hose

Open the hood and locate the factory vacuum hose for the OEM variable resonator system.

On the GS F, this is located near the right/passenger-side strut tower area, close to the intake/airbox and factory vacuum components.

This is the hose that will be cut and tapped using the supplied NOVEL T-fitting.

Important: Make sure you are cutting the correct vacuum hose. The NOVEL instruction diagram identifies this as the line to the factory variable resonator.

Step 2 - Install the T-Fitting

Cut the factory variable resonator vacuum hose.

Install the supplied T-shaped connector inline.

The original vacuum path remains connected, and the new branch from the T-fitting will feed the NOVEL valve controller.

Make sure the hose is fully seated on the T-fitting. If the fit is loose, secure it with a small clamp or zip tie.

Step 3 - Mount the NOVEL Valve Controller

Mount the NOVEL valve controller near the right/passenger-side strut tower.

The NOVEL instruction sheet shows the controller mounted using an existing factory bolt in that area.

Recommended mounting notes:

Keep the controller away from direct engine heat
Keep it away from moving parts
Mount it securely so it cannot rattle
Make sure the vacuum ports remain accessible
Leave a little slack in the hose so nothing is pulled tight

Step 4 - Connect the Vacuum Hose to the Valve Controller

Run the vacuum hose from the T-fitting to the top port of the NOVEL valve controller.

The side port of the valve controller is the outlet that routes toward the rear of the vehicle.

Double-check the hose routing and make sure there are no kinks.

Step 5 - Route the Vacuum Hose Toward the Rear of the Vehicle

From the side port of the NOVEL valve controller, route the vacuum hose down and toward the rear of the vehicle.

When routing the hose, avoid:

Exhaust heat
Moving suspension parts
The driveshaft area
Sharp metal edges
Pinch points
Areas where the hose can hang below the underbody panels

NOVEL shows the hose routed through protected areas, including under-panel and heat-shield areas.

Take your time with this step. The hose should be protected and secured the entire way to the rear.

Step 6 - Split the Vacuum Line to the Left and Right Exhaust Valves

At the rear of the car, use the supplied second T-shaped connector to split the vacuum hose to both muffler valves.

One hose goes to the left muffler valve.

One hose goes to the right muffler valve.

Secure the hose to a fixed, non-moving brace or safe mounting point.

Important: Keep the vacuum hose away from the mufflers, exhaust piping, rear diffuser area, and any heat sources. Use heat protection where needed.

Step 7 - Wire the Valve Controller

The NOVEL valve controller requires switched ignition power and ground.

Per the NOVEL wiring diagram:

Ignition power connects to the valve controller harness
The switch wire routes into the cabin
The switch ground connects to a proper chassis ground
The harness should be protected with corrugated tubing or similar protection

Use a multimeter or test light to confirm a proper ignition-switched 12V source.

Do not use constant 12V unless you specifically want the controller powered all the time.

Step 8 - Install the Cabin Switch

Route the switch wiring into the cabin.

The NOVEL diagram shows the switch mounted inside the cabin, around the lower driver-side dash/switch panel area.

You can mount the switch wherever you prefer, but make sure it:

Is easy to reach
Does not interfere with the pedals
Does not interfere with steering movement
Does not pinch behind trim panels

Step 9 - Test the System

Before reinstalling all panels, test the system.

Start the car and operate the switch.

Check the following:

Both rear exhaust valves open and close
No vacuum leaks
No kinked vacuum lines
No loose fittings
No hose touching the exhaust
No wiring near heat or moving parts
No rattles from the valve controller

If only one valve works, check the rear T-fitting and the hose going to each muffler valve.

If neither valve works, check the engine bay T-fitting, controller hose connections, ignition power, and ground.

GS F Vacuum Line Notes

The GS F vacuum routing area is tight but workable.

The cleanest engine bay routing is:

Tap the factory variable resonator vacuum hose near the right/passenger-side strut tower
Run the new vacuum hose from the T-fitting to the top port of the NOVEL valve controller
Mount the controller near the right/passenger-side strut tower using a factory bolt
Run the hose from the side port of the controller toward the rear of the vehicle
Split the line at the rear to feed both muffler valves

Use zip ties to keep the vacuum hose from rubbing against the strut tower, intake box, brackets, or wiring harnesses.

Final Notes

Overall, the NOVEL valved exhaust install is straightforward, but the vacuum hose routing is the most important part.

The basic process is:

Tap the factory variable resonator vacuum line
Feed vacuum to the NOVEL valve controller
Route the controller output hose to the rear of the vehicle
Split the hose to the left and right muffler valves
Wire ignition power, ground, and the cabin switch
Test valve operation before buttoning everything up

Take your time, protect the vacuum line from heat, and make sure everything is secured before driving.

Hope this helps anyone installing the NOVEL Valved Exhaust System on a Lexus GS F.

Greddy axle back power loss and howl?

DMPesso — Wed, 06 May 2026 04:48:28 GMT

Hope everyone is loving their GSF!

I am looking to purchase a GSF that happens to have a greddy axle back and Joe z mid pipe.

Unfortunately he does not have the stock exhaust anymore and I only see a used OEM axle back for sale so no chance of me going back to stock fully.

I�m concerned because upon researching the howling sound I heard from a video he sent, I saw a few posts of people saying they lost low end power with the greddy axle back as well.

anyone have experience with this setup?

Moisture in Headlight Noe Day Time Running Light Is Out

fisker55 — Sat, 02 May 2026 17:52:49 GMT

My 2018 GS has triple LED headlights. Driver side has moisture in assembly. A couple of days ago I noticed the day time running light is out. Anyone had that happen after noticing moisture in assembly. I'm researching non dealer alternative for replacing assembly as dealer quoted me $3,500 for replacement. I found OEM replacement on a site called SSL-Parts.com. I'm doing due diligence on the site and looking for others. I plan to wait till the headlight fails before replacing it unless waiting risks causing additional problems. Any input will be appreciated.

My Space and Tom's a friend

EpikSc400 — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:47:14 GMT

Try to ignore the door ding 😥

Shoutout to Meraki Autoworks. Awesome communication and order arrived two days earlier than expected. Paid on a Friday and delivered Sunday. You guys are awesome!

Apexi non res midpipe with Tom's SS axleback. Sounds amazing!