Hi I've been trying to find the following information to help me with future Mod decisions.

1) What are the stock spring rates on the IS500?
2) I was told that the brakes on the IS500 are the same as the GS; what year and model GS? (I would like to research the aftermarket experiences they have had)
3) Lastly, how exactly do the adjustable dampers work? I dont feel any difference between the drive modes were that is concerned. I had a 2018 Red Sport and there was a big difference from normal to sport plus. From medium firm to rock hard.

Thank you in advance

 

3) In Sport S+ the dampers will get firmer. I find it to be a good difference.

 

Hmmm, I guess the Red sport spoiled me.
In that car if you go over a speed bump in normal mode you get some deflection (lets say 1/2 inch compression then the same in rebound). In spot+ no deflect at all. VERY firm.

I don't feel it in the Lexus. Maybe I don't understand how exactly its being adjusted??

 

I drove an IS 500 once (thanks, DLPTony ) and did not notice a big difference between Sport S+ and the other modes. If anything, S+ felt similar to how my IS 350 feels with its non-adjustable suspension. It could be partly that the IS 500 seems to ride softer in Normal/Sport than what I might expect - very smooth ride indeed.

 

^^ I agree, I find that Sport+ has more of a shift point change (and audible noise) than how stiff the car feels. I mean there is a change but it's not a "OMG that is much stiffer" moment.

 

On bad roads (which we have alot around here) S+ is quite noticeable, but I do agree that it's not an OMG difference on nice roads

 

I think the biggest suspension difference with S+ is that the car will stay flat on turns. When I take a fast on-ramp in normal the car leans hard, S+ cleans that up.

 

^^ that could very well be and makes sense. I live in a very small rural area and no such ramps, or very few, but I will try and find one and give that a try