2006 IS250 LS1 Swap
06-23-14, 09:57 PM
#333
I think if I did it again I could probably do it for a fraction of the price and the time. I'm still waiting for someone who is committed to doing the swap who I can share all my lesson learned with. It would be even better id they were in South Florida.
06-24-14, 06:41 PM
#338
Ok ok ok, I give in. Here are a few updates.
I wish I ccould say that the e-brake handle was for drifting but the truth is that a foot e-brake and a manual car don't mix well. You always find yourself needing a third foot and the footwell seemed very cramped. I had a hard time finding a used hand e-brake from an ISx50 and the new one was about $200 bucks so one day I was browsing through the IS300 parts catalog and realized that the e-brake assembly part number was the same for the IS300 and the ISx50. A quick trip to ebay and $25 later I had an e-brake from an IS300 at my door. I had to remove the passenger seat to drill the mounting holes but it fit perfectly. Here's a pic:
I also finished my dash (almost). I covered all the dash trim pieces including the gauge pod with 3M Dinoc carbon fiber. I still have the a/c vent bezel to go but I am not crazy about the final result. It might just be the color of the suede which seems a little mis-matched with the carbon fiber but I am thinking about removing it and going solid color with all the trim pieces.
Most recently I installed some Powerstop brake pads and cross drilled rotors. I have also been on the hunt for a set of rims because I have pretty much zero tread left on my rear tires and I don't want to replace my tires until I find rims. Problem is I am trying to save some money and find some used rims but almost everyone goes 20" with the IS. I want either 19" or even 18" so I could get a nice fat tire on the back. I'll keep you all posted.
I wish I ccould say that the e-brake handle was for drifting but the truth is that a foot e-brake and a manual car don't mix well. You always find yourself needing a third foot and the footwell seemed very cramped. I had a hard time finding a used hand e-brake from an ISx50 and the new one was about $200 bucks so one day I was browsing through the IS300 parts catalog and realized that the e-brake assembly part number was the same for the IS300 and the ISx50. A quick trip to ebay and $25 later I had an e-brake from an IS300 at my door. I had to remove the passenger seat to drill the mounting holes but it fit perfectly. Here's a pic:
I also finished my dash (almost). I covered all the dash trim pieces including the gauge pod with 3M Dinoc carbon fiber. I still have the a/c vent bezel to go but I am not crazy about the final result. It might just be the color of the suede which seems a little mis-matched with the carbon fiber but I am thinking about removing it and going solid color with all the trim pieces.
Most recently I installed some Powerstop brake pads and cross drilled rotors. I have also been on the hunt for a set of rims because I have pretty much zero tread left on my rear tires and I don't want to replace my tires until I find rims. Problem is I am trying to save some money and find some used rims but almost everyone goes 20" with the IS. I want either 19" or even 18" so I could get a nice fat tire on the back. I'll keep you all posted.
06-24-14, 07:05 PM
#339
Perhaps a Genesis Track wheel setup might fit the bill? OEM-look, but leaps above the stock wheels.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...is-thread.html
You can find rough used sets for <$500.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...is-thread.html
You can find rough used sets for <$500.
06-24-14, 07:32 PM
#340
Perhaps a Genesis Track wheel setup might fit the bill? OEM-look, but leaps above the stock wheels.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...is-thread.html
You can find rough used sets for <$500.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...is-thread.html
You can find rough used sets for <$500.
06-24-14, 08:46 PM
#341
Maybe look into TSW Nurburgrings if you like the style? Available in a wide range of sizes and offsets, and very cheap for rotary forged, lightweight wheels. I hear good things about VMR wheels as well.
TSW Nurburgring specs (lists weight, but not offset):
http://www.tsw.com/alloy_wheels_nurburgring.php
I think you could probably do 18 or 19 x 10.5 with a +43 offset for flush to fender (no poke) fitment at 0 to -0.05 camber in the rear. Provided you roll the rear fenders, you could probably fit a 305-30/R19 on the rears (Michelin Pilot Super Sports are only $350 each in this size!), or if you go to 18's, you have a few options in 285-40/R18. I would go for the 19s personally, mainly because you can get the PSS in a section width that wouldn't require you to stretch the tire on the wheel.
I'm very excited to see the end result!!
TSW Nurburgring specs (lists weight, but not offset):
http://www.tsw.com/alloy_wheels_nurburgring.php
I think you could probably do 18 or 19 x 10.5 with a +43 offset for flush to fender (no poke) fitment at 0 to -0.05 camber in the rear. Provided you roll the rear fenders, you could probably fit a 305-30/R19 on the rears (Michelin Pilot Super Sports are only $350 each in this size!), or if you go to 18's, you have a few options in 285-40/R18. I would go for the 19s personally, mainly because you can get the PSS in a section width that wouldn't require you to stretch the tire on the wheel.
I'm very excited to see the end result!!
06-25-14, 10:57 AM
#342
Lexus Test Driver
Gville350 makes a good case for the OEM+ look with Genesis Track wheels. I'm sure whatever you go with will be great. Are you going wider in the rear for the power increase?
