The old IS200T thread contains a cluster of shops that have stopped supporting the 8AR platform + Sheddy is inactive/sold his IS200t. I'd like to help change focus to shops that are currently putting in great quality work to earn our support while sharing my experience between the D3 and BMS JB4 devices.
Over time, this thread will be updated with my own dyno charts + a turbo upgrade + intercooler + progress from there. I will also try to update with relevant information to tuning since the other thread is over 200 pages long.

I'm very responsive to messages on IG if you have ANY questions! -> https://www.instagram.com/htxricer/


4 years ago, I took a dive and got the JB4. I used it every day until the week before upgrading to D3. Here's my review:
BMS JB4 - Overview: 0 support. Their device doesn't have the ability to read/clear codes. It can log stuff, but only keeps track of psi and throttle % + RPM. There have been no updates to the software since the device first released...even though updates were "promised" from Day 1. It's hard to draw a direct comparison with a flash vs piggyback device, but the JB4 and D3 Flash Tune are the exact same price. Avoid the BMS JB4 at all costs if you have $600 laying around.
BMS JB4 - Installation: Takes about 10 minutes to install and 5 minutes to uninstall. Way more annoying to deal with. You have to unplug two sensors, plug the JB4 as a "middleman", and run the cables through the pre-cut hole in the firewall, plug the OBD2 in, and have a random USB cable to hide...which is...frustrating to do after a few times. The device must be plugged in 24/7.
Tuning Issues - JB4:I had to drive in "manual" with the JB4 because regular "D" would trip a boost sensor in higher gears and trigger all of the above. This is due to the "boost trickery" that the JB4 device does. Turning the car off for 5-10 minutes resets the error, but it's just a bit annoying. Despite the error message, I never removed the JB4 because the car still felt better than stock.
Review - JB4: I'd pay about $200 for this device/$350. The gains are noticeable on pulls, but the throttle delay still being prominent is the real killer that makes this car such a slug.
JB4 Update Progression: None.

https://d3performance.net/index.php/...ormance-tuner/

In early October 2022, I met the owner of D3 and picked up my device in person. His shop was local, I figured I'd save a few bucks on shipping, and I wanted to meet the guy I was trusting with my engine. Here's my review:
D3 Performance - Overview: D3 Communicates effectively, their device can read/clear codes, read temps, boost, knock feedback, logs (more detailed than JB4), remote emergency recovery service, and they've pushed out multiple updates via their proprietary tuning software to owners in their registered system.
D3 - Installation/Removal: Less than 5 minutes and plugs straight into your OBD2 port. Retains your stock ECU on the tuning device so you can revert to stock if needed. Does not have to be plugged in while driving.
D3 Update Progression: They have already pushed multiple updates via email to users. D3 has got their hands full at the moment: They're working on mass-production for their custom intercooler, chargepipes, turbo muffler deletes, hybrid turbo & they're almost at the finish line for all of this. NOTE: Charge pipes are required for Stage 2 since factory plastic ones can't handle 20+ psi. They're also using my car as a mule to get more power out of our platform.
Tuning Issues - D3: 0 problems, 0 CEL's, 0 Engine Malfunction, and 0 Limp Mode warnings. Absolutely solid tune.
Review - D3: The D3 Performance Tune is how this car should have came stock. It actually MOVES, throttle delay is eliminated, shift points are more aggressive yet refined, eco, normal, sport actually feel like what they say, and so much more. It's the best $600 you'll ever spend on your car.

Modifications + Current Progress
11/9/2022 - Purchased an N1X Evo mid pipe from Josh @ Meraki Autoworks to complete my full Apexi N1 Evolution-X system (144-KT03P). I am going to also be getting a turbo from D3 Performance instead of a GoTuned 380. Will keep you updated.
11/14/2022 - I have purchased a de-catted downpipe from PPE through Figs Engineering. Don't need any other parts now. Just need to put them on.
11/30/2022 - Picked up the D3 Performance Hybrid Turbo, D3 Chargepipe, D3 Turbo Muffler Delete. Will install this weekend 12/3/2022 with some buddies. Picture below

12/3/2022 - D3 Performance Turbo, D3 Chargepipe, and D3 Turbo Muffler delete are installed. Pending a revised tune now. Please leave your email below if you'd like me to forward you the .pdfs from the service manual regarding installation/removal of the turbo. The total install time between 2 noobs and 1 experienced fella was 11 hours. Someone with experience or a shop could knock the turbo install out in under 8 hours.
Tools used for turbo install:10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 3/8 socket wrench, 1/4 socket wrench + wrenches in the sizes mentioned, swivel socket wrench, extensions for both socket wrenches, normal screwdrivers, (a little) extra coolant, small fingers, and PICTURES BEFORE YOU START REMOVING STUFF. No lift needed — just a floor jack to adjust the downpipe angle when clamping the new turbo on & to grab the 10mm through the engine multiple times.
12/8/2022 - I dropped my car off at D3 Performance so they could continue development for their tunes. I'm assuming all with a D3 device and the appropriate supporting mods will probably get an update if they're able to make progress with the platform (AGAIN: unconfirmed)

12/21/2022 - My car is still with D3 as they continue R&D for the 8AR-FTS. I reached out to D3 today to see how things were going: No updates yet. Even though the engine is capable of putting out ~400HP (with supporting modifications), it will take time, patience, and a lot of hard work from D3 to get there. As the holidays approach, I'm thinking things will probably move a tad slower. Just wanted to touch base with an update as I went silent for a bit here. I'll do my best to let them hold onto it for as long as they need, and will keep you all as updated as I can.

I hope this helps anybody that is on the fence of deciding between Orange Virus/VFTuner/OVFlash (lol), TTI, BurgerMotorsports, MForce, AFE, Vivid, Toms, or any of the other shops that are no longer supporting our platform.
check out the highlight "IS200T build" for whenever I make updates.
instagram.com/htxricer/

1/1/2023 - Happy New Year! Small update: I had to pick the car up for some errands, so D3 was kind enough to let me have the car back for a bit. It'll go back to them on 1/9 for an undiscussed period of time. The car is on an unreleased tune making about 250whp (if I remember correctly) and did 190whp with FBO NO TUNE My phone was dead so I wasn't able to take a picture of the charts. They hit over 270whp, but that tune hit a few walls regarding how locked down and difficult the Lexus/Toyota ECU is. D3 is committed to cracking the case. I'm stoked to see where we go from here.
**EDITED** The car pulls significantly harder. Editing my previous statement because the numbers were way off, and are not a reflection of a finished product. Roads that I used to think were long are now a bit shorter.

1/6/2023 - Went head to head and did 4 roll races with a 2015 Mitsubishi Evolution X (Final Edition). Each race was dead even. DM me on Instagram for the video: htxricer
1/17/2023 - Dropped the car back off with D3.

 

FYI: PPE just finished a handful of downpipes for the IS200t/RC200t. They are in stock now on Figs Engineering if anyone needs to buy. If you're too late on this, the lead time is 4-6 weeks for PPE. Use "PPEFREE" at checkout in the link below for free shipping.
https://shopfigs.com/v5/PPE200tDP
https://www.instagram.com/figsengineering/

 

Thanks for posting this. I've had a D3 tune on my 2016 GS200t for a little over 2 years and 20k miles and I am super happy with it every time I drive the car.

I installed a progressive water injection system earlier this year to help with cooling and I am very happy with that mod as well. Details in my thread here if interested:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...tallation.html

I also added the HPS charge pipe, intake tube and TMD.

The last tune update I installed that was pushed to me was in October 2021. I'd be interested in this stage 2 you mentioned, do you have any more information on that?

I refuse to install exhaust mods (last thing I want to hear is a 4cyl) so I know that will limit options with a larger turbo but I am curious how more boost would pair with the water or water/meth injection.

Here's a few videos I took earlier this year. Even with stock exhaust, the boost seems to be hitting over 20psi and actually increasing to redline. I haven't taken the time to obtain a true measurement of boost pressure other than from that stock boost gauge.

http://​​​​​https://youtube.com/shor...?feature=share


Here are a couple before the water injection, intake tube, charge pipe, and TMD. This is the first iteration of the tune before the October 2022 update. The boost is fading but I am not sure which change specifically got it to the point of increasing boost at redline so I would be interested to hear from your setup.

 

D3 might have a better idea of how much you could gain without an exhaust. It's probably best to reach out to confirm details for Stage 2 as well. I can't recall if that tune requires a downpipe AND chargepipe or just the chargepipe.
Great additions to the thread by the way! After 2 "pulls" in this Texas weather, its wild how you can feel the engine just **** away all the power. The lack of cooling considering the extremely large spindle grill is pretty funny, lol. I've got a few 0-60's and 0-100's recorded too, but I was on garbage tires and couldn't get traction. I'll record some new ones to add with yours before the turbo goes on

 

​​​​​​Ssounds good and I would highly recommend water injection or an upgraded intercooler if going with a larger turbo. The former is easier in my opinion and you can use it as a power adder if you tune for supplemental methanol.

You are lucky to be local to D3. I was looking into the drop in turbo upgrade or even additional tuning for water injection and I was surprised that D3 doesn't have a remote email tuning service. I've done it on other cars and it's been great to take some logs, email them over, upload a new tweaked tune and repeat until perfect.

 

New update!
12/3/2022 - D3 Performance Turbo, D3 Chargepipe, and D3 Turbo Muffler delete are installed. Pending a revised tune now. Please leave your email below if you'd like me to forward you the .pdfs from the service manual regarding installation/removal of the turbo. The total install time between 2 noobs and 1 experienced fella was 11 hours. 2 experienced people or a shop could knock the turbo install out in about 8 hours.
Tools used for turbo install:10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 3/8 socket wrench, 1/4 socket wrench + wrenches in the sizes mentioned, swivel socket wrench, extensions for both socket wrenches, normal screwdrivers, (a little) extra coolant, small fingers, and PICTURES BEFORE YOU START REMOVING STUFF. No lift needed. We only used a floor jack to adjust the downpipe angle when clamping the new turbo on & to grab the 10mm through the engine multiple times.

Nearly every single bolt and screw is going to be a PITA, and you'll have a large % of the bolts that you'll be grabbing by feel only. The worst one is going to be the one underneath the oil return line.

I strongly advise against this install if you are not mechanically inclined.

 

Excellent, how is the the tune being updated and what are the specs of the new turbo?

 

Post Dyno numbers when everything is complete. I have the d3 tune and takeda intake as of now on my 200t.

 

The tune was updated all through D3. Once they were able, stage 2 was added to my account, I connected the tuner to my laptop, uploaded it, and re-connected the device to my car so it could reflash. Stage 2 felt like it was pushing a few extra lbs of boost and felt like a lil more aggressive shifting (not confirmed, never asked), but I believe they're still refining it and that's why I decided to drop my car off at D3 on 12/8/2022. I'm letting them keep it for about 2 weeks for further developement. I'll probably have a few dyno charts by the end of it, and D3 will probably announce an updated tune for ya'll.

I wish I had the specs of the turbo - will ask the next time I see them

instagram.com/htxricer/
check out the highlight "IS200T build" for whenever I make updates.

 

Should have some dyno numbers in about two weeks.

 

I'm a bit confused, you installed the new turbo and then used a standard "stage 2" tune or are they dyno tuning in-house for the new turbo?

It seems they have had your car for over month, what type of development are they doing on it?

 

Whoops - Typo! meant to put 12/8 (this past thurs. night). I'm thinking I'll have my car back before Christmas. Yes - they'll be tuning in-house on their dyno, and yep I believe it was the standard stage 2 tune.

As time goes, D3 will keep me posted on the process. I'll keep you all updated as well

EDIT: I should add for anyone considering the hybrid turbo that might be nervous about tuning. The ECU will take the upgraded turbo perfectly fine. You just won't see really any gains with it on there until D3 unlocks the full potential of it.

 

Nothing but good things to say about D3 Performance. Super responsive, product met expectations.

However, I am selling my car and now I am selling my D3 Performance tuner. Dinesh said I can sell it and whoever buys it can use it and pay a $200 license fee to tune their car. Feel free to DM me for a deal.

 

Congrats on the new car!

 

Will you notice a difference if the car is entirely stock?