Not really understanding why ppl want more IS500 specific options. Are you guys all trying to put this on in your garage? I would understand the need for direct fitment in that case.

But if using a shop for install why not just get any of the RCF axle backs and just have them adjust the hangers?

 

Because it seems silly to buy an exhaust for a different car that needs modifications to fit. I'd rather just go custom at that point. If all it takes is some hangers to be moved, the manufacturers should be all over it.

 

That’s a good point.
But a custom exhaust may not deliver desired results that people are looking for. My statement was more towards those that want specific applications. For example, they heard/ watched a video on how a specific exhaust (Tom’s, Novel, Invidia, Borla, etc) sounds on the RCF and want that exact tone in their IS.

Instead of waiting for an unlikely release for the IS platform, they can just retrofit.

 

Sad news...just received confirmation that HKS has no plans to fabricate an exhaust system for the IS500...see below:

Thank you for reaching out to us.

However, we are afraid we currently have no plan to release an exhaust system for the LEXUS IS500.

Thank you.

HKS USA Support

HKS USA, Inc.

 

I posted a while back that RR Racing is soon to have theirs out. The valvetronic cat back sounds good on YouTube clips of RC-Fs and GS-Fs. I did misspeak as to when they’d have it ready though … actual email reply from them below (I had reached out to see if the valves exhaust always started in open/loud mode like some other options).

 

I just want an exhaust that sounds good and looks good without costing an arm and a leg.

 

I think the Invidia Q300 sounds great and it’s one of the lowest priced on the market. But it’s for the RCF and must be fabbed to fit at a muffler shop.
If i do decide to get an exhaust that will probably be what I go with.

 

the invdia does sound nice and like the shape of the exhaust tips...not so much the burnt titanium ends, but like them over all compared to GTH and Apexi. I wonder if it is as easy as adjusting the hangars on the mufflers. it'd be nice is the piping from the axel back (from a RCF or GSF system) lined up w/ the mid pipe. any confirmation of that?

 

My GTHaus axleback actually had issues with fitment.. it was wayy too close to the bumper. No matter how I adjusted it by loosening/tightening/etc, it would fall back to the original position. I had to jerry-rig the stock rubber hangars with some hose clamps and now the fitment is

 

That's what I've been holding out in hopes they will make an is500 variant. I liked the sound and lower decibels from what I heard from rcf and gsf videos. Since I plan on doing headers, I don't want it to get ridiculously loud.

Also I would follow the common route of painting the q300 muffler cans black, leaving only the tips, for a more subtle look.

 

Anyone know if the exhaust they used at this event is the apexi?

 

I doubt it given that video is 11 months old and apexi is just now releasing their exhaust. Looks like stock tips and the driver states "free flowing exhaust mod." I'd guess custom midpipes at that time period.

 

 

Those have a nice growl to them!

Sounds like the Street Demon is louder than the Street Demon Plus. Going to have to see what kind of system those are.

 

I've visited their site several times now to look at their systems. I believe they only do custom installations at their TX location. I like that they offer a slew of optional exhaust tips - oval, round, black, polished and more. I did notice that they use a tradition pipe bending machine as opposed to a mandrel bend machine. Most aftermarket packaged exhaust systems utilize either mandrel bends or a cut/sectioned exhaust to make sure there is no wrinkling or compression in the curves.

I'm still partial to just swapping out the mid pipe section and leaving the stock factory axle back portion. Not sure if I would go resonated or non-resonated until I can hear more sound clips. The factory 472hp is plenty for me, not really bent on trying to squeeze out more performance from the engine but I would like a more satisfying exhaust note.

This is all based on when and IF, IF, IF I can ever get my Grecian Water car. I'm predicting that I won't have the car until well into 2023 which hopefully will give me more time to evaluate exhaust systems.