Updates: JPM X Cusco x MM IS-F
Updates: JPM X Cusco x MM IS-F
It's been awhile since I've posted anything new on my car so I figured I would 
CUSCO
A couple months ago the guys at Cusco USA approached me to test fit some new front & rear shock tower bars on the my IS-F.
The rear bar (not pictured ) is the same as the regular 2IS but the front bar is different (to clear the engine cover). What you see here is the prototype and they hope to have the production version completed and ready for sale late 2011 or early 2012. Price TBD.
NOTE: I did notice some increased chassis rigidity but you are not going to install shock/strut bars and transform your car into a "race car"
http://www.cusco.co.jp/en/parts_prod...for_lexus.html
This is a going to be a good alternative to the more expensive TOM's or iCode front and rear braces currently available for the IS F. And yes you have the GT Spec bars that "look like" Cusco bars but aren't and weren't designed for the front of the IS-F, contacts the engine cover and not made in Japan.
The Cusco bar clears the factory engine cover but as with all front shock bars on the IS-F, they will require trimming or removal of the left and right covers. The rear will require holes to be placed in the rear trunk carpet panels to fit the bar or removal.
So far I've noticed a marginal increase in chassis rigidity and at some point in the future I may test fit/install some of the other parts they offer for the 2IS to see if they will fit our cars.
JPM Coachworks
One of the other things I had done was recovering of the factory wheel (and most importantly) in addition to making it thicker. The factory wheel grip diameter is 4.5" vs 5.2" on the wheel I had done by JPM Coachworks. It is the same thickness as the M3 (which is the one of the best factory steering wheels I've ever felt/driven).
I bought a core from a 2IS and had it sent to them with what I wanted, perforated alcantara at the top and bottom with perforated leather on the sides to match the seats and blue stitching. The folks at JPM maintained communication with me throughout the process. They called me when they got the core wheel to confirm what I outlined in my letter and emailed me with tracking when it was completed. The process took less than 2 weeks even though they quoted longer.
I won't quote pricing here but it's not cheap. The materials are all top grade, feel like OEM and are not like the other wheels on the market which I purchased before realizing that it was not what I wanted.
Now for the pics!
NOTE: If you have to have the "F" on the steering wheel I'm sure you can send your stock wheel and they can accommodate your request. I couldn't care less and wanted to keep my factory wheel as is so the core without the "F" worked for me
Thanks for looking!
CUSCO
A couple months ago the guys at Cusco USA approached me to test fit some new front & rear shock tower bars on the my IS-F.
The rear bar (not pictured ) is the same as the regular 2IS but the front bar is different (to clear the engine cover). What you see here is the prototype and they hope to have the production version completed and ready for sale late 2011 or early 2012. Price TBD.
NOTE: I did notice some increased chassis rigidity but you are not going to install shock/strut bars and transform your car into a "race car"
http://www.cusco.co.jp/en/parts_prod...for_lexus.html
This is a going to be a good alternative to the more expensive TOM's or iCode front and rear braces currently available for the IS F. And yes you have the GT Spec bars that "look like" Cusco bars but aren't and weren't designed for the front of the IS-F, contacts the engine cover and not made in Japan.
The Cusco bar clears the factory engine cover but as with all front shock bars on the IS-F, they will require trimming or removal of the left and right covers. The rear will require holes to be placed in the rear trunk carpet panels to fit the bar or removal.
So far I've noticed a marginal increase in chassis rigidity and at some point in the future I may test fit/install some of the other parts they offer for the 2IS to see if they will fit our cars.
JPM Coachworks
One of the other things I had done was recovering of the factory wheel (and most importantly) in addition to making it thicker. The factory wheel grip diameter is 4.5" vs 5.2" on the wheel I had done by JPM Coachworks. It is the same thickness as the M3 (which is the one of the best factory steering wheels I've ever felt/driven).
I bought a core from a 2IS and had it sent to them with what I wanted, perforated alcantara at the top and bottom with perforated leather on the sides to match the seats and blue stitching. The folks at JPM maintained communication with me throughout the process. They called me when they got the core wheel to confirm what I outlined in my letter and emailed me with tracking when it was completed. The process took less than 2 weeks even though they quoted longer.
I won't quote pricing here but it's not cheap. The materials are all top grade, feel like OEM and are not like the other wheels on the market which I purchased before realizing that it was not what I wanted.
Now for the pics!
NOTE: If you have to have the "F" on the steering wheel I'm sure you can send your stock wheel and they can accommodate your request. I couldn't care less and wanted to keep my factory wheel as is so the core without the "F" worked for me
Thanks for looking!
Thanks for the updates! I'm surprised that the bars are not making more of a difference. I guess it speaks to the stock stiffness of the chassis.
The steering wheel quality looks really good! I actually like the stock thickness though, so I def. won't be looking at this mod. My hands get tired from gripping thick steering wheels.
The steering wheel quality looks really good! I actually like the stock thickness though, so I def. won't be looking at this mod. My hands get tired from gripping thick steering wheels.
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http://www.jpmcoachworks.com/jpm/sho...-re-cover.html
Thanks for the updates! I'm surprised that the bars are not making more of a difference. I guess it speaks to the stock stiffness of the chassis.
The steering wheel quality looks really good! I actually like the stock thickness though, so I def. won't be looking at this mod. My hands get tired from gripping thick steering wheels.
The steering wheel quality looks really good! I actually like the stock thickness though, so I def. won't be looking at this mod. My hands get tired from gripping thick steering wheels.
, just kidding. I couldn't be happier with the quality and the way it feels. It also really adds to the joy of driving the car for me. These things are really subjective though. Thanks Dev!
Thanks! I tried to be as detailed as possible and cover the typical questions people may have.