Howdy all. I just bought me a 2001 IS300 that I picked up for a pretty darn good price, as it would not start, and their mechanic pretty much through the towel in and didn't want to fix it. Me, being an ASE Master Tech, decided to dip into a little side project. I am not new to the world of Lexus, as i've had an 02 ES300, 05 ES330, and currently own a 06 GS430, the 01 IS300, and a 00 Celica GTS.

The night the car was dropped off I fiddled with it for about 30min and got her started. She purred like a kitten, ran pretty well, but was puffing out of the radiator. I determined it is in need of a head gasket. I started digging into it, and now have the head off, hoping that the machine shop tells me that she is straight, and not warped beyond repair, I am awaiting that answer. So for now, onto pics.

 

this will make a fun little project!

 

Good work, glad to see an IS300 in the hands of someone who wants to do things properly. Welcome to the 1IS forum, will look forward to seeing more.

 

Well, Took a while to get word back from mahine shop, but the old head was warped .017", max allowable is .0039". They tried to heat straighten it with no luck. I had to order a head, got it in and have started gettin her back together. I am currently waiting on the tool kit so that I can adjust the valve clearance. After that, she can be finished up with the valve covers and intake, and be ready to be started.

 

Whoa...Looks like fun!!! Good luck, it looks like you know what you're doing.

 

Well, I finished the build on Saturday. She fired up and runs great. After starting it up, I pulled it out of the garage, washed it, and took pictures. Put it on craigslist, and sold it 5 hours later. haha. It is a nice driving car, though.

 

Lol, talk about a quick flip.

 

Thats how I drive! Can't argue as I made a good $2500 profit on it.