lol. I go through cars quickly so I need to have my fun from mile 1. 😂 I’ve actually not gotten on the car too much, but I have spent some time in the moderate range. That’s where it leaves a bit on the table.

 

Absolutely. It’s going to hold up. It’s not going to be a POS at 20k miles. It’s a great car and I love it. It has character. I just know it could be even better. 🤣

 

I mean, that checks out. The engine makes peak HP at the end of the RPM range, so if you're only flirting in the 3-5k RPM range, you're not going to get all the fun.

 

On that note, who drives for extended time (>1 min) in 1st gear at 55mph or 2nd gear at 70mph? Real question. Is this the right or wrong way to drive? To me it seems like a ton of strain even for a bulletproof engine.

 

From the sound of it, everyone who drives down my street after 10pm

In reality, probably very few, if any, people. Same with Corvettes. They make peak HP after 6k, but I doubt they spend a long time in that range.

 

I seriously hope you guys don't do this.

 

I’ve passed the break-in period so now I can open it up. Curious to see how the pedal commander helps/hinders perceived transmission behavior.

 

Same as pressing harder on the pedal would.

 

You’re 100% right. However, remapping the throttle is a common function of a tune which isn’t available on the iS. I just prefer a bit more initial throttle tip in. For me, this is a Toyota product thing. Only VW and Toyota have I bought a device like a pedal commander. Now it responds more like I’d expect. Tough crowd on this forum!

 

There are a couple mega grouches, don't let them discourage you! The rest of us are pretty relaxed.

I agree with you, it's like 95% of pedal travel only gives you 50-60% throttle. I was complaining about that when I first got this car. I make a right onto a highway on my way home from work and in the C7 I could let the car shift from 1-2 like normal (since I'm turning) and roll on the gas in 2nd gear when I'm pointing straight and it would pull to redline easily. This car is already shifting into 3rd, sometimes even 4th by the time I'm pointing straight. Now I use the paddles when I want to get on it and it works out a lot better.

 

I’ve noticed but I’ve been around for a long time and have helped a lot of people over the years due to my access to nearly every OEM. Maybe it’s some young guys here who are full of pi$$ and vinegar. I’ve just taken notice there’s a bit of combativeness here that’s unnecessary.

I’m happy with my basic mods. It’s made the car drive better and to -my- liking. Isn’t that the point?

The shift schedule in the IS 500 is extremely conservative. Usually it’s in 4th by the time I’m through a large intersection. Add the that the lazy throttle map and it just makes it all the more noticeable. I put about 25 miles on the car today and was pleased with the feel from the pedal commander in sport -4.

 

Took me about 2k miles to realize there is a kickdown button that unleashes the transmission. Have to floor it and then press down even harder, throttle pedal will go another 1/2” or so and you’ll feel the click in your right foot as the kickdown button is depressed.

 

Agreed, some are like that just to be contrarians. Too much positivity where the clouds rain Skittles makes them uncomfortable. I. Kid. 😜

The pedal commander sounds cool as hell, but I’m too chicken-crap to be messing up my warranty. So it’s the paddles and Sport+ for me!

That part. 🔥🤘🏽

My ‘16 IS 350 FSport had it, but it ain’t nothing like my IS 500! 😂 In this car it feels like a true after-burner and it makes this Air Force Brat super happy. ✈️

Considered changing my car’s name from BluStreak to BluAngel or AfterBurner because of it. If I ever decide on an exhaust, ThunderBird is a real possibility. 😎

 

If it's anything like the 350, it may well cause the transmission to hold gears a bit longer afterwards, too, if done in Sport or S+ mode. It may seem weird to push the pedal all the way to the floor to "tell" the car you want to drive fast, but it is effective.

 

Blue Angel? Are you in the Navy now too?