nickt93

iTrader: (1)

I've had my IS300 for a year and a half now, so I'm long overdue for a build thread. This won't be a typical build thread though, as the car is done in my opinion - this will mostly just document me enjoying the car, making a few upgrades and repairs every now and again.

In the summer of 2010, I started to look for an LSX powered FD RX7. I found a few cars that I liked, but they either sold too quickly or were too far away. I was checking everywhere - looking at NoRotors and Craigslist mutiple times per day.

Then it happened. I was cruising the Atlanta Craigslist and found an IS300 with an LS3 swap. The car was beautiful, the swap was clean, and the price was right. I was already a huge Lexus fan - my daily driver at the time was a 2001 LS430. I was so set on getting an RX7 that at first I debated, but I figured what the heck - I'll take a look at it and see if I like it. The first time I turned the key and heard the motor rumble, though, I was in love.

Many of you may know this car, as it was built by a fellow CL member ATSMATT (who also owns Dedicated Motorsports that sells the necessary swap parts for the conversion). Here is his original FS thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/lex...treet-car.html

A few pics:
























I realize this car isn't for everybody - in fact it's pretty polarizing. Some folks think it is a crime to put a GM motor in a Lexus, but for me it is the best of two worlds - the refinement and quality of a Lexus with the power of one of the world's best motors. I really can't foresee a situation where I would get rid of this car; what could possibly replace it? For me it's the perfect daily driver.

nickt93

iTrader: (1)

Aaaaaand a few videos:

A few laps of Atlanta Motorsports Park:

Lapping Talladega Gran Prix Raceway

Outside the car from the back straight at TGPR (fast forward to 0:12)

An autocross run:

Some dude in an E36 M3 chasing me through AMP:

Driving on a "closed course" last weekend:

Previous owner getting a little sideways

Dyno vid, also from previous owner:

NCis300

iTrader: (2)

thats definitely different, congrats on the pick up, looks awesome

2002GGPIS3

One of my fave IS300's ever. It is not heresy, Lexus itself did experiments putting a V8 in the IS300. Yes I want a turbo IS300, but would like a V8 one alongside it. ! Glad to see this car fell into good hands, and you are actually using the car and thanks for posting the videos !

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

What a beast... Thats pretty awesome bro... Nice IS

FMLis300

Looks like your'e treating her well!

nickt93

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

Here is the build list for the car:

Engine
6.2L LS3 V8 – 459hp/ 425tq
EPS 236 242 .600 lift camshaft
LS7 roller lifters
Comp hardened pushrods
Comp dual .650 lift valve springs
Hardened seats
Titanium retainers
LS6 oil pump
Billet double roller LS2 timing chain
160 degree thermostat
Nick Williams 92mm throttle body
2010 Corvette intake manifold and 42 lb injectors
Dedicated Motorsports 1 3/4 headers with 3 inch collectors
Dedicated Motorsports engine mount kit
Dedicated Motorsports modified LS2 oil pan
Dedicated Motorsports power steering line kit
MSD spark plug wires
Billet power steering pulley
ARP harmonic balancer bolt
All new GM seals and gaskets
Koyo aluminum radiator

Drivetrain
T56 6 speed transmission
Dedicated Motorsports shifter
Dedicated Motorsports two piece driveshaft
Dedicated Motorsports clutch hydraulic kit
LS7 clutch and steel flywheel

Fuel
Walbro 255hp in tank fuel pump
-6 Prolite fuel lines
Trickflow (black) fuel pressure regulator


Suspension/ Wheels/ Tires
KW Variant 3 coilovers
Hotchkis sway bars
FIGS traction bars
FIGS rear toe links
FIGS solid steering rack bushings
Dedicated Motorsports solid differential bushings
Dedicated Motorsports spherical rear lower control arm bushings
ASA AR1 wheels – 18x8 front, 18x9 rear
Kumho Ecsta XS tires – 235/40/18 front, 265/35/18 rear

Brakes
FIGS Supra brake rotor brackets
DBA slotted brake rotors
Hawk HPS brake pads - front and rear
Motul brake fluid

Other
Stainless custom dual exhaust with X-pipe
HP Tuners Pro
Dakota Digital tach converter
Scan Gauge OBDII reader
PLX wideband logging with HP Tuners
Taylor battery box

ais300c

This car is what made me start getting my ls build. ive got an ls2 6.0 going in my is300 It will be probably the middle to end of next year until mine is finished but you have a great automobile there. And I agree with you even though its a GM motor youre getting the best of both worlds the IS has amazing handling and ride comfort but its engine is substantially underpowered. I dont know of anyone in fl with this swap but if you have any info on what i am getting into it would be much appreciated. congrats on the ride its amazing

DonCorleone

iTrader: (6)

Followed that build with great interest, without even knowing the price, no hesitation telling you, well bought! Congrats!

Broseidon

wicked.....

d7620

awesome car. absolutely beast.

mikenice

absolute beast. seeing that engine in that bay is crazy. ive been tossing around idea of getting extra IS300 for this swap. love my turbo IS, but theres something about a big v8....

Li Ls4

iTrader: (12)

wow what a sick car, what is one snug fit Ls motor

thatPOLISH

iTrader: (1)

looks like a beast

Kuu

Check out Parish8's rear mount turbo LSX powered IS300. I think there are a few videos on 1320video.com
Before the turbo, he had about a 100-150shot of nitrous on it and it was nailing 11's. I'm sure he's got it into the mid to low 11's with the rear mount turbo on it now. Most the stuff he builds are LSX powered cars and he throws a turbo on them. (didn't mean to take away from your thread)

If I ever pop the 2JZ motor I'm going to throw in a LSX motor in it.