exist3nce

So I'm new here and essentially mirroring this thread from my build thread over at the my.is forums....

Hello all, I've just picked up a 2002 IS300 5MT after searching for about 2 months.

232,000 km (144000 mi) on the clock.

Color is Intensa Blue Pearl.

All factory options, leather + LSD.

Previous owner already installed Tien S tech springs and Clutchmasters Stage 4 Ceramic clutch.

A little background about my car history... I currently also own a 2004 Chevrolet Optra (aka Suzuki Forenza in USA) since new. I've made a custom turbo kit for it incorporating a T4/T04B and Greddy Emanage Blue. Other highlights include KW V3 coilovers, a custom Getrag 6MT F28 conversion, Infinity FX35 projectors retrofit and water/meth injection. It currently puts down 260whp compared with a stock 110whp. A fun and reliable little daily driver


Anyways so far I LOVE my IS, my only complaint is notchy shifting with the 5spd W55. I've read alot of other complaints about the shifting on this trans so I guess I'm not alone. So far I've switched the trans fluid to Royal Purple Max Gear and the differential fluid to AMSoil Severe Gear. Also adjusted the clutch peddle for earlier/higher engagement. These helped somewhat but I still find myself getting blocked from shifting smoothly, especially in 1st gear (while stopped) and the 3rd-4th gear shift. It doesn't grind, it just doesn't let the selector go into gear without alot of force. I may try GM Syncromesh fluid next to see if that improves it at all. I've driven many other many cars and never had one that feels like this.

Needless to say I didn't buy this car to keep it stock, so let this be the first post in my build thread!

Heres a few pics of my new baby:



More details and pics coming... stay tuned

exist3nce

Parts starting to arrive

Divided T4 Stainless manifold
Racetronix SMP 850 cc/min injectors

exist3nce

Next piece has arrived Titan adjustable cam gear.



And the teardown has begun:



The project should gain some momentum now...

exist3nce

Fresh timing belt, tensioner, water pump, etc. Titan cam gear installed:


Precision 3.5" core intercooler mounted with a little chopping/hammering here and there:


Manifold wastegate flange had to be changed to fit my 38mm Turbosmart gate:


The turbo Decided to steal it from my other car (the Optra) and clean it up a little. I've put a CT12B on the Optra for now. This is a T4/T04B V-trim, 0.58 AR exhaust.


Turbo mounted and in its final resting position!


More coming soon

exist3nce

Aluminum intercooler piping all complete, with TurboXS BOV in the bumper





3" Stainless downpipe with DEI Ti Exhaust wrap and 3" exhaust with high flow cat:





Axle-back section of the exhaust with split entry collector, using a 94 SupraTT OEM muffler to keep that Lexus refinement

exist3nce

And it continues....

Pump basket taken apart, and stock pump vs Walbro GSS342:


Finished product with return fitting & line installed:


Will be taking full control of this beast with AEM EMS

exist3nce

Final shot of the engine bay.... will have to get some better pics in the daylight



First start up and ready for tuning!


Loaded onto the dyno


Results!! and VIDEO

dsouthmia0

iTrader: (3)

i like your build thread here better, I can see it all on one page. Dam you work fast

Jerm23

^change you posts per page to 30 :P

very nice!

exist3nce

LOL thx yah from bone stock to boosted and dyno tuned in 3 weeks hahaha

exist3nce

Couple pics of the finished exhaust and underbody paint refresh which were taken on a different camera during the build

baadhabit

iTrader: (2)

did you purchase the intercooler piping or did you fab it up yourself? interesting to see the pipe routed that way. doesnt leave much room for the turbo intake pipe

did you also replace your headgasket with a thicker one?

exist3nce

All the piping is custom fabbed, it works out nicely and nothing on the frame had to be cut.

The GE motor is 100% stock @ 225,000km even the headgasket lol

exist3nce

Finally there has been a break with the crappy weather over the past few days and I've been driving the IS!!


Its been amazing!! The power is so much fun and it sounds super mean when that wastegate opens... yet still cruises around with a "slightly modified OEM performance growl". Makes an awesome sleeper Surprisingly its able to grip quite decent on the crappy all season tires that came with it in these low temperatures.

Drive-ability is about 90% of stock I would say. Theres a few small hiccups here and there that will be ironed out with street tuning as we go, but nothing major. Cold starts are no problem so far down to -10 deg C and same with warm and hot restarts. All in all I'm very pleased with how this turned out - its pretty much like stock just way more power and higher rev limit

I'll get some driving video if i get a chance as the car won't be out for very long (the weather is turning crap again).

dsouthmia0

iTrader: (3)

Great update, glad to hear everything is going good. I'm jealous and cant wait to get mine out of the shop