So instead of spending $75k on a new RCF I have the opportunity to get some parts at cost and thought about the RCF front on my ISF. I seem to remember from the track day that Lexus used the GS front end, in which case this would be a pretty serious undertaking. Has anyone parked their ISF next to an RCF and see the side by side comparison of size? I would assume that some cutting and molding would be in order at the least, but damn, those LED lights and spindle grill would be a killer new look.

 

Anything is possible with money + time. Theres plenty of guys who did the 3IS front and 4GS front on the 2IS, i imagine with some creativity this would work, and look pretty cool too.

 

I'm thinking that'll be way more work and expense than you're really up for, but it is a cool idea. The look of the RCF has definitely grown on me to the point where I really like it... but I'm not overwhelmed by the performance upgrade to the ISF, based on what I've read. I'm definitely not moved to purchase one like I thought I might be. The ISF is still such a great car!

 

 

^thanks!



You're absolutely right on the performance aspect. Plus with the wife and I working on adding to the family so 4 doors will come in handy sooner rather than later.

 

It wouldn't be my choice to be honest.

The ISF is a great car in its own rights. Why try to make it look like something it's not?!

You'd be better off buying good headers, exhaust, suspension, wheels & tires. That way you would have a better car than the RCF.

Throw in a proper LSD as well if you don't have one on your car (can't see as I'm on a cellphone).

I actually prefer the ISF styling because it's more subtle/unassuming.

Not saying don't do it, just my opinion.

 

I'm a bit confused as to why there is a perception among the IS F owners that there is not much of a performance gain moving to the RC F? The specs show significant gains across the board. A few tenths of a second are major gains, let alone over a full second 0-100.

C/D TEST RESULTS IS F:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 11.0 sec
Zero to 150 mph: 28.2 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.1 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 13.1 sec @ 110 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 169 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 159 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.90 g

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway: 16/23 mpg
C/D observed: 18 mpg


C/D TEST RESULTS RC F:
Zero to 60 mph: 4.3 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 9.9 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 16.7 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 4.7 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 3.5 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 12.8 sec @ 114 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 171 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 154 ft
Roadholding, 200-ft-dia skidpad: 0.95 g


FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving: 16/25 mpg
C/D observed: 15 mpg

 

^ because with headers and an exhaust, the gap between the RCF and ISF is negligible.

 

Headers and exhaust add maybe 20hp? We have yet to see a dyno graph on the RC F, but it still comes out with 40? peak hp over the modified RC F.

Headers and exhaust do not address the handling difference.

Stating that one car is almost as good as another car only when the first car is modified simply makes no sense to me.

 

I love how you used the worst possible time to make the RCF time much better. Do you know her many magazine reviews have gotten the ISF 0-60 in 4.4 and 12.4 for the quartermile? Members here gotten 12.3 bone stock.
My ISF with headers and exhaust made 409whp and 380 tq on a Dynojet on a hot 90 degree day. First dyno chart I have seen for the RCF is 379whp. The ISF gains about 50-60whp with headers and exhaust combo. Many ISF with headers and exhaust has gotten their 1/4 mile time down to 11.8-12.0 so it is definitely faster than the stock RCF

 

Now it all makes sense.

 

You are also overlooking the main criticism of the RCF, it's weight!

The ISF is a lot lighter, especially if you add lighter wheels, 2 piece rotors, carbon hood etc.

Throw in the HP gains from good headers and a proper exhaust, and power wise it's very close.

Get some coilovers, proper LSD, FIGS handling upgrades, and you may be surprised which car gets the best results.

All for a lot less cash than a stock RCF.

 

The RC F is approximately 119lb heavier than the IS F (Car and Driver published).

I still don't understand trying to compare a heavily modified car against a stock vehicle. I can take an FRS and $30,000.00 and smoke the ISF you mentioned on any track in America and still be less expensive than the ISF. Under your rationalization, I should buy the FRS.

 

The OP already has an ISF, he and many of us would like a 4 doors Lexus. So upgrading to a 2 doors Lexus isn't much of an upgrade in our eyes only. Especially the extra 30k-40k that we will need I fork on top. Headers and exhaust mods is much more budget friendly and also retains the usable of 4 drs

 

Now THAT response I understand! It's why my wife drives a 2014 AWD IS350 F-Sport.