Looking for better braking - 2023 IS350
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Driver School Candidate
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From: FL
Looking for better braking - 2023 IS350
I just got a 2023 IS350 and I am looking for some better bite when I brake. I was thinking that I need to change the brake pads. Any suggestions on some good quality pads that will give better bite when braking? Or would I be better off replacing the brakes system?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
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I assume the F Sport still comes stock with semi-metallic high friction pads. If not, get some. Metallic mix is the best for cold bite.
I used to bang this car hard on the streets and some light canyons. i can't imagine what you're doing on public roads to where they're not good enough. i found the stopping power for reasonable sporty driving on public roads to be far more than satisfactory.
if you get those track bro pads, they may ultimately stop harder but that assumes they're warmed up. this is why i think stock high friction pads are the best compromise.
but maybe stock equipment has changed since had this car.
I used to bang this car hard on the streets and some light canyons. i can't imagine what you're doing on public roads to where they're not good enough. i found the stopping power for reasonable sporty driving on public roads to be far more than satisfactory.
if you get those track bro pads, they may ultimately stop harder but that assumes they're warmed up. this is why i think stock high friction pads are the best compromise.
but maybe stock equipment has changed since had this car.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Vaudreuil, Canada
I'm curious as to which car are you comparing it to for you to say that you need better brakes...
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I mean you could always swap the brakes from an IS 500 or RC F, assuming they fit behind your wheels. I've seen the F brakes behind the stock wheels, so I know it will be an option but is probably expensive.
The best thing you could do, really, is get better tires and better brake fluid. The tires and fluid are the true limiting factors of the stock braking system. You already have 4-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers, which is more than most of the other similar competing cars have. You could swap out rotors, too. But honestly, the car has brakes. Maybe the perception that it needs more is just because Lexus tuned the brake pedal to be linear in this car instead of tuning it to be sensitive.
The best thing you could do, really, is get better tires and better brake fluid. The tires and fluid are the true limiting factors of the stock braking system. You already have 4-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers, which is more than most of the other similar competing cars have. You could swap out rotors, too. But honestly, the car has brakes. Maybe the perception that it needs more is just because Lexus tuned the brake pedal to be linear in this car instead of tuning it to be sensitive.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2023
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From: FL
GeorgeR, i have driven a few Porsche's and when you tap the brake you feel a lot more direct contract. Like the distance pushing down on the pedal you feel it immediately. With the IS its like you have to push down a little more to feel the bite on the brake. I am just looking to have it feel more responsive.
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From: FL
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From: GA
GeorgeR, i have driven a few Porsche's and when you tap the brake you feel a lot more direct contract. Like the distance pushing down on the pedal you feel it immediately. With the IS its like you have to push down a little more to feel the bite on the brake. I am just looking to have it feel more responsive.
Driving my new IS 500 for a couple of days now, and I find the brakes feel nearly identical to my IS 350 - immediate engagement, but progressive stopping power as I depress the pedal. There's very little dead space at the top of the pedal - just enough where I'm not giving anyone whiplash accidentally. I'll say it's not the most responsive pedal I've experienced, but honestly, it's pretty much perfect for a daily driver, which... this car basically is. A smooth operator, if you will. I like how easy it is to smoothly stop the car.
Pads alone may provide better "bite", but the actual feedback through the pedal probably won't be noticeably different if at all, if my understanding of braking systems is correct.
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Racer
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From: nj
I mean you could always swap the brakes from an IS 500 or RC F, assuming they fit behind your wheels. I've seen the F brakes behind the stock wheels, so I know it will be an option but is probably expensive.
The best thing you could do, really, is get better tires and better brake fluid. The tires and fluid are the true limiting factors of the stock braking system. You already have 4-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers, which is more than most of the other similar competing cars have. You could swap out rotors, too. But honestly, the car has brakes. Maybe the perception that it needs more is just because Lexus tuned the brake pedal to be linear in this car instead of tuning it to be sensitive.
The best thing you could do, really, is get better tires and better brake fluid. The tires and fluid are the true limiting factors of the stock braking system. You already have 4-piston front and 2-piston rear brake calipers, which is more than most of the other similar competing cars have. You could swap out rotors, too. But honestly, the car has brakes. Maybe the perception that it needs more is just because Lexus tuned the brake pedal to be linear in this car instead of tuning it to be sensitive.
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From: GA
Advanced
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I believe EBC Yellowstuff is what you're looking for.
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