I really appreciate your thoughts! Do you perhaps have any videos? I just purchased the midpipe and I'm seriously wondering what the sound is like. Is it more noticeable than stock?

 

Oh so what you're saying is that you have the GTHAUS midpipe on your RCF right now with a stock axelback?

 

Oh so what you're saying is that you have the GTHAUS midpipe on your RCF right now with a stock axelback?

 

Haha no the opposite. I currently have the GTHAUS axleback with stock midpipe (which I'm going to sell after the Invidia comes in).

 

haha I might be interested in taking that off of you come December then...

 

absolutely correct. I had the cat back system on my RC F. It was amazing. Complete beast. And it absolutely adds HP. It is pricey but worth it. Sadly I traded my RC F for a LC. Dealer told the the RC F sold in a week to a very happy buyer.

 

No way you should be sad about that trade-in—it's such an amazing machine. I'll most likely end up going the same route next year once the 2020s start getting punted off of leases. 2020 refresh of the LC had some important suspension upgrades I want to have

And yeah agreed there as well. Even just an axle-back. I think it was mentioned that the axle-back is the most restrictive part of the RCF's exhaust system. The GTHAUS axle-back I have on right now made a night-and-day difference. Neck-breaking punches. I haven't dyno'd it so I don't know the exact numbers, but I'd estimate ~15-20whp.

 

Oh, that's a nice trade that I have been thinkering for a while now. Can you help us and share your thoughts comparing RCF to LC500? Specifically in terms of handling, cornering, picking up speed? I am aware of the looks, and internal premium feels ...etc. I am at a moment of decision either upgrading RCF exhaust / wheels or holding for 2020 LC500 with active rear steering.

thanks!

CG

 

Possible to hear it? I've been trying to listen to different exhaust vids, from Invidia to ARK and GTHaus (the 2 latter I'm leaning towards).

 

sorry for the late reply I will take a video this weeked and loaded so you can hear it. IMO it sounds good when you punch it no drown on the highway, and where in Texas are you located

 

Focus is a bit different on the two cars. RCF is smaller/lighter (2 inches shorter/4 inches narrower and lighter by about ~ 400 lbs) and is tuned stiffer for the track. The Brembo brakes are stronger on the RCF. LC500 is a full-on luxury halo car like Aston Martin that leans more in the direction of GT.

 

I was one of those guys happy with my RC F, especially after the exhaust upgrade. Felt that the LC was essentially the same car, but slightly bigger and heavier. While it I thought it looked great, I did not really consider upgrading. But really like the look of the convertible. So when I saw one on the showroom I jumped on it.

first I would say that they are completely different cars. Totally subjective, but I felt that Lexus held back on the RC F. I put mine into sport every time I started it, just to get good throttle response. The exhaust made a big difference on throttle response and power delivery. in this area, the LC seems fine. More natural. The exhaust opens up above 3000 and it makes you want to rev it more.

Suspension: hands down the RC F. I had the TVD. Suspension was tighter on the RC F. But, that is on purpose because they are different cars. I would prefer the LC with tighter suspension, but clearly I a in the minority on that point. I will have lowering springs installed, so that should help.

Acceleration: I would say the RC F. Especially with that meisterschaft exhaust.

Brakes: the Brembo brakes on the RC F arc very strong. Personally I think the pads and rotors are weak. I replaced both of them. Brakes were incredible after that (I don’t mind a squeal here or there). The brakes on the LC are even bigger. I will replace the pads on them too soon. So I expect that to be a wash. Distance may be a bit longer because the LC is heavier but it should brake just as hard.

But honestly, I like driving the LC better. The way the stock exhaust is tuned makes you want to rev it every time. I feel that the car is well sorted and that Lexus put a lot of time into it.

I did not plan to or expect to buy one. I loved my RC F but I am happy I made the trade. It is an upgrade.



My RC F and LC at trade-in

 

Thanks for sharing. Very insightful. RCF Brembos have 6 pistons front and 4 pistons rear. I believe that is a difference in braking power on LC vs RCF.

 

LC has 6 Piston in front 4 piston in rear. 2 piece rotors. The also larger. Specs are out there somewhere online. They are really good brakes. I think that Lexus put soft pads on it to prevent noise. I would prefer a more aggressive pad personally. That is my only issue with them. But I think that is a Lexus issue. Too many owners complain about brake noise.

 

^^^^The Less dusty less performance oriented pads were introduced for the LC as a TSB in 2018. These were intended for owners who did not appreciate the more aggressive nature of the stock pads and who complained about the dust and noise of the OEM pads. Unfortunately they have become the stock pads on the 2021 and later LC in the Base and Touring iterations. The Sport and the DHP both soldier on with the original Hi-Po pads. Apparently a lot of LC owners don't know how to properly bed-in brake pads.

I have the Hi-Po pads and find them very effective. In my previous ISF I had Ferodo on the front and PMs on the back. I have no intention of changing the pads on my LC, they are as good as any street oriented Hi-Po pad I have tried. The 6/4 pot brakes in the LC are very good IMHO.