IS - 1st Gen (2001-2005) Discussion about the IS models up to the 2005 model

Cheap/Easy mods for is300?

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Old 10-04-13, 01:43 PM
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jaseman
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Default Cheap/Easy mods for is300?

So, after 130k on the clocks, I'm thinking I want to putz with my bone stoke 02 5speed. Just looking to do the cheap easy stuff at the moment (gonna do springs/struts/sways in the spring)

Car is a DD, so drivability is a must. And I'm 41 with kids, so I'm not really wanting to attract any attention. Just get a bit more enjoyment out of the car (doesn't help that we just bought my wife a 335i and now my is300 feels old overnight... LOL)

So what are the best, cheap, easy or free mods for this car. Say in the $10 - $50 range, or under an hour or two on a weeknight after the kids go to sleep?

Already plan on doing the CDD mod this weekend (any improvement in the clutch is good). But what else is there that I can do like this, if anything?

Let me edit to add...
As a long time auto-x'er and road racer , I'm well aware that real performance is neither cheap, nor easy. I also know that every car has little tricks that can be performed with little more than a few homemade spacers, a $10 part from NAP (like the CDD mod for the clutch) or sourcing a relatively cheap part from another vehicle. THIS is the type of stuff I'm looking for.

Thanks

Last edited by jaseman; 10-04-13 at 02:56 PM.
Old 10-17-13, 02:11 AM
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birdman299
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one thing im happy did is replace all the interior lights with led bulbs. i did it all around, license plate lights, reverse lights, turn signals, interior, gauge cluster. all are white led's. you can get whatever color you want though. it gives it a cleaner look imo. some carbon fiber wrap on some dash components, or a hydro dip. caliper paint with some lexus decals on them give the outside a nice pop. tint the side markers. lots of things to do. ive done all of the above, any questions, ask away.
Old 10-23-13, 12:06 PM
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bacon22
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Blackin out the headlight housing is another MOD that is in the DIY section of the forum. thats ur best bet to start with. everything else thats cheap is already basically said.
Old 10-25-13, 02:41 AM
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mIS
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Theres no cheap mods for the is300...unless u want it to look like a pos
Old 10-27-13, 08:51 PM
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stheodore
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I'm pretty much in the same boat, and do agree with the LED bulbs suggestion. I've been screwing around with those for side markers and license plate bulbs, and they are cheap and fun...definitely help to update the car a bit. I haven't done any interior bulbs just yet, but am already thinking about it.

I've also changed the front grill once already, and now bought an Altezza grill that's on the way. These are fun, cheap, and easily reversible mods.
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