Has anyone installed or have any experience with these chassis braces from TOM's for our platform:
https://www.apexi-usa.com/collections/lexus-is-14-20/products/toms-racing-2021-lexus-is-member-brace-front
https://www.apexi-usa.com/collections/lexus-is-14-20/products/toms-racing-2021-lexus-is-lower-body-brace-rear
https://www.apexi-usa.com/collections/lexus-is-14-20/products/toms-racing-2021-lexus-is-member-brace-rear

I'm wondering if they just replace braces that are already there, or if these actually offer performance benefits.

 

I have bunch of braces on my 2IS and not on my 500 yet, but they do make a difference especially the rear lower body brace, I got the F sport accessories rear brace on my 350 and definitely made the 2IS' rear more planted, others not much difference unless you track or auto cross the thing. But the lower body brace, you'll notice right away on those curvy highway on ramps and off ramps. All these braces depending on the design, most replaces oem weak designed braces and some add on to different places in the chassis

 

I’ve bought only the front strut tower brace so far, because I hear this car is a little on the squishy side when it comes to handling even in Sport+. Couldn’t get my hands on the rear strut brace because it was sold out when I ordered the front ones. But once my car arrives within the next week or so I’ll let you know how goes.

 

Yes they replace the braces, we have sold a bunch for the IS500.

-Josh

 

Any ETA on when these braces are going to come back in stock? I may consider upgrading to them after I do my Swift springs and Figs LCA.

 

Should have them back now depending on what you're looking for.

-Josh

 

Your website says they are out of stock for the IS500, but there is an option to pre-order.

 

Contact us via text or email.

-Josh

 

I got my braces from Josh. After install, the car feels more rigid.

 

How did just the strut tower brace make the car feel?

 

for IS/GS/RC suspension setup, the strut tower brace is more of a show piece than it is functional, it'll make a tiny difference but I didn't notice any difference in my 2IS, my 2IS have TOM's front tower brace and Cusco rear tower brace.

 

it actually makes the car more rigid. the combination of the strut tower bar and the rr racing usrs lca bushings makes a tremendous difference in my car; really noticable when taking turns and cornering at higher speeds

 

So I just installed the full set of TOM's braces on my car.
The install was a bit more involved than I expected. I needed to trim and remove some of the plastic underbody panels to fit the braces. Also fitment with aftermarket exhausts may be an issue. I needed to remove the axleback portion to get access to the bolts for the rear brace and I needed to make spacers to fit the center brace over my Apexi midpipe.

The braces DO increase rigidity by a noticeable amount. Turn in and responsiveness is subjectively better, however it feels like the ride is a bit harsher as well. I think I could only recommend these for people who intend to either track or very spiritedly drive their cars, as I'm not sure the hit to ride quality will be worth it for the increased handling for most people.

 

that's the case for most parts like these. even for drag racing, these braces wouldn't be used to their max potential unless you start wielding serious power. this set up and other upgrades (ie oil and tranny coolers, bbk, etc) would only be of value to a track/circuit driver as these parts can get expensive and don't serve much of a purpose for "normal" driving conditions. on the other hand it's still pretty cool to have!

 

How much trimming of the plastic underbody panels was required to make the brace(s) fit?

I did this mod on my 2008 IS350 with the F Sport brace and it made a significant difference and I would love to do it on my IS500.

-Kenji