I am planning to track this car in summer. I am aware this car was not built for one, but I think with a few mods it can become a very reliable track car indeed.

Brake/ Brake pads are kind of a given obviously. If some of you can drop some good suggestions that would really help.

Suspension mods are a bit of a unknown at this point. Does the IS500 have a weak LCA bushing the same as the other 3IS?

The main differences between a RCF and IS500 is engine cooling I think. Is there any way to check if we already have a transmission oil cooler like Savageese showed us in his video?

If so, I think we will have the engine oil cooler missing. He also said that can be retrofitted easily. Is anyone planning to tackle this mod?

 

I would also swap the brake fluid out with something that can withstand track use, I recommend Castrol SRF.

 

Missing??

The external ATF cooler is NOT in the new car features or included on any production model IS 500 thus far..


Supposedly Lexus will eventually offer it as a dealer installed option.. Besides the cooler, you need lines, additional ATF fluid & level set procedure and even a recalibration for Radar cruise control sensors after the front bumper is removed and reinstalled..

All Lexus had to do was just include the damn thing..!!
(same layout design as the IS F)

As far as an engine oil cooler, it does not have that either, as found on the RC F / GS F.

Joe Z

 

^^ Do you recommend a drop-in air filter or keep the OEM?

 

I highly dislike oiled and foam filters..

The highest quality aftermarket I found was the Blitz Drop in dry filter..


Joe Z

 

Really depends on what type of lapping you do. If (for example) you're planning on going out for multiple 20-30 minute sessions at full effort, than that's going to be a bit of a different recco than if you're just going to have fun, rip a few laps here and there, then adequately cool the car down. Also depends on where you're located. If your track is in the desert vs somewhere in the northern states or in Southern Canada (are you from Ontario? TMP is a beast on brakes ...) it's a totally different ballgame. Nothing wrong with trying the car out stock first and see what needs to be done to suit your specific situation. Listen to the car and if you notice temps climbing, than you know to address engine/transmission cooling, etc. Boring advice, I know ... but sometimes a better approach than throwing the kitchen sink at a car that might not need much to have fun, safely. Also - tires probably make the most immediate impact to car on the racetrack, so maybe a set of track wheels with some RE-71R or A052 tires should be on your shortlist.

At the least, high temp brake fluid and some more aggressive pads are never bad ideas if you know you'll be driving the car hard regularly. Brake fluid is easy to get (Motul RBF600 is a good place to start) but pads might be an issue because the car is so new. Not sure if the calipers on the IS500 are the same as some other cars but I know trying to find good track worthy pads for my 2021 IS300 FSport has been a pain. They look to be the exact same caliper and pad part numbers as the previous gen, so that makes it easier.

Lastly, when it comes to pads - again, depends on what you want to do. Majority of people who just want to go rip a few laps now and then shop for dual-duty pads that are still compliant on the street. Pads like the Ferodo DS2500, Endless MX-72, Dixcel Z-Type and a few others will get you there and perform exceptionally well for casual lapping days (this is based on personal experience with previous cars, not the IS) but all of them are dusty and sometimes noisy on the street unless you regularly pump a bunch of heat into them. If you go with a milder compound then you risk overheating on track, and if you go more aggressive you'll have to switch out pads at the track. As much as there is marketing to convince you otherwise, a true zero noise, low dust, track and street pad doesn't really exist. There will always be a compromise somewhere. Up to you what you can tolerate.

 

But is it possible to install one from the RCF and GSF? Does the bracket have space for just one cooler or both the transmission and engine oil cooler can be installed?

 

Well it’s two completely different systems and design layouts integrated into the front bumper corners..



RC F / GS F

Joe Z

 

Check this out
https://www.rr-racing.com/RR-Racing-.../is5cool01.htm The Lexus IS500 oil temperature runs very high under track or aggressive canyon road conditions (same issue with IS-F). This is the first product of its kind for the IS500 that combines an improved transmission oil cooler and secondary added engine oil cooler. This product builds on similar successful and proven products we have been selling for the IS-F for years.

Running these coolers at the track will improve the reliability, durability, and longevity of your engine by reducing oil temperatures, thus ensuring that your oil maintains an adequate viscosity to protect vital engine parts like bearings and piston rings.

Engine Oil product specs:

• 25 row Setrab or Koyo oil cooler
• Mocal 185F thermostatic sandwich plate
• Genuine Mocal fittings
• Genuine Mocal 12AN swivel fittings for maximum flow with no pressure drop
• 12AN Stainless steel braided oil lines for maximum durability
• All required brackets and hardware for installation
• 15deg F reduction in oil temperature with Factory Oil cooler bypassed (yields ~5-8deg drop in coolant temps)
• 30+deg F reduction in oil temperature with Factory Oil cooler retained.

The RR Racing Transmission cooler is a much better and cheaper alternative to the optional transmission cooler that Lexus offers only in the JDM market for the IS500.

 

old post and members are aware and several have already installed these products.

 

I'm new lexus owner

 

i couldn't tell by your post count or join date. either way, welcome to the boards. it would behoove you to search history or other posts so you may get information to questions already asked and answered.

 

ok thank you

 

You can get an actual OEM transmission cooler that Lexus included in their pre-production models but later left off here: Trans Oil Cooler

 

I would get RR Racing oil and trans cooler package, the oem trans cooler in the press car still overheated when C/D did the lightning lap