LC500 Bracing Improvements - TOM's Kit
 

Howdy! Given the lack of information regarding this upgrade from TOM's, I wanted to provide a data point. The parts in this kit replace or supplement bracing in the vehicle to improve handling, which I have clearly noticed.

1. BACKGROUND: USA, 2018 Coupe, fully loaded (performance package, 21" wheels, etc.). As part of my "LCF" project (taking my 2018 LC500 and improving it with only OEM components), improving the bracing of the car as had been done with newer model years was on the list. However, the risk/reward of buying OEM parts for the latest model years, with no guarantee of fitment / no other user history, led me to pursue TOM's kit. Granted, while there was essentially 0 feedback on this kit online, I decided to trust TOM's pedigree across other Lexus performance models.
2. PARTS
   1. COMPLETE KIT - TOM's SKU: 53000-TUZ10
      https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...65a0babc3.jpeghttps://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...c5ffd08cb1.jpg
      1. SUBCOMPONENTS OF KIT
         1. 53680-TUZ10: Front Upper Performance Rod (LEFT PHOTO)
         2. 51403-TUZ10: Front Cross-Member Brace
         3. 52296-TUZ10: Front Lower Body Brace
         4. 52297-TUZ10: Rear Lower Body Brace
         5. 52295-TUZ10: Rear Cross-Member Brace
3. LOCATING A SHOP
   1. This install is very simple - a Lexus dealer can do it, but you can get the same result from any good shop for half the price.
4. INSTALLATION PICTURES
   1. Not a ton of photos for this one given how simple the install was, but see below examples.
      https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...ffdb3a2678.jpg
      Forward Bracing (2. 51403-TUZ10), previously nothing here, this sits under the front splash shield
      https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...bd345da654.jpg
      Comparison between OE bracing and Toms (Front Lower Body Brace), Lighter weight and also feels very rigid
      https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...24a3ff4038.jpg
      Installed bracing (Front Lower Body Brace)
5. COST SUMMARY:
   1. COST:
      1. LABOR
         1. BRACING INSTALL LABOR: $600
         2. MATERIAL
            1. PARTS: $2,000
            2. SHIPPING: $500
            3. TARRIFS: $~400 (pre-tarrif spike would be ~$325)
6. INITIAL RESULTS / SUMMARY
   1. I was not expecting to notice a significant improvement, but I was pleasantly surprised. The car feels much more responsive during positive/negative acceleration when turning and cornering in daily driving. I would say it makes "Normal" mode handling feel like 50-75% of "Sport" handling, with Sport and Sport + handling improving noticeably from there. The car really feels like it is on rails when compared to pre-upgrade: less steering slop when turning aggressively, better turn accuracy at higher speeds, and overall improvement to driving enjoyability. The kit adds minimal weight to the vehicle when you consider it swaps out some of the OEM bracing. The only thing I will note is, despite the additional stiffness, this kit does NOT eliminate the creaking sound from the rear of the vehicle, as is common in this model.

All that being said, aside from the Hybrid Diff Swap, I think this is one of the more meaningful upgrades the LC for those wanting to maintain an "OEM" style car. As far as my OEM "LCF" project goes, now that this kit, the hybrid diff, and the TRD aero kit are installed, the only major upgrade left is for the Auxillary Transmission Cooler to be installed.

Happy to answer any questions about this kit, and merry Christmas!

@LegacyLC
I am sure folks will appreciate you taking the time to provide feedback and driving impressions after the Toms brace kit installation. Those are noteworthy improvements that you described, and apparently come without penalty to the ride quality (I assume). Congratulations on the success and progress on your 2018 LC 500.

Are the OEM and Toms braces steel or aluminum ?

Much appreciated. Have debated on whether to put these in for many years. You might have pushed me over the edge there

Thanks for the very thorough summary with all the information needed to accomplish what appears to be a significant improvement in the LC500. You've certainly given me reasons to consider doing mine. I absolutely love the feeling of riding on a rail!
Merry Christmas!

@Sundriver
“. You've certainly given me reasons to consider doing mine. I absolutely love the feeling of riding on a rail!”

Yes and you gain this improvement without sacrificing the ride quality of the LC 500. Quite compelling.

Here are additional feedback comments from Toms brace kit Lexus IS owners.
@LegacyLC
Did you experience any differences in the ride quality of your LC 500?

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...is-braces.html

Perhaps the impact to ride quality is more noticable on newer vehicles, since the 2018 has "rougher" suspension than later models, but I only notice a little additional harshness over speed bumps. No noticeable nvh during regular driving otherwise. Much appreciated!

The Tom's braces are steel, and the OEM braces appear to be a mix/match of steel and aluminum.

Perhaps I need to ask TOM's for a referral code haha. In all seriousness, I would be interested to have another data point on this kit - best of luck!

Happy to! It ends up being about the same price as the hybrid diff swap, though I honestly feel that since the car already is very spry, this kit might be the upgrade I enjoy the most. Combined with 4 wheel steering, it makes the car feel smaller than it is.

To expand on my previous comment, I have not noticed a meaningful increase in noise, vibration, or harshness after installing the kit when driving at normal/enthusiastic speeds. I'll keep an eye on it as I continue to rack up miles, but the only slight ncrease in harshness I've noticed is over speed bumps, which is a worthwhile trade imo haha

I've had my eye on this as well, but like you, not a lot of info on it, so I kind of held back. Thanks for all the insight. how long did it take to come in after you placed the order?

Pass for me...my 24 handles excellent and I dont want to change it in anyway(especially while under warranty).

@barncobob63
“Pass for me...my 24 handles excellent and I dont want to change it in anyway”

Perfectly understandable. Lexus has stated how much effort they put into achieving substantial chassis rigidity in the LC 500(Exceeds the LFA). As a result it as you noted handles quite well despite its heavy weight and luxury GT oriented emphasis. Despite their success they have continued incremental improvements (2025 additional braces and 2026 stronger door strikers) gaining further chassis rigidity.

I can see how the Toms complete brace kit would improve what’s already a very high level of LC 500 overall rigidity. Essentially upgrading a known strength rather than fixing a design weakness.

will it help my car not look like this on the track :uh::p

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...a6a95d376a.jpg

Yeah I was a bit afraid to take the leap, and hopefully additional user experiences will help flesh this out. I ordered my kit from Blackhawk Japan, which from what I can tell is the cheapest place to pick it up. TOM's was out of stock so it took about a month to receive them after order. I'm not sure if they have stock now or if it's usually made to order.