Awesome Turbo 1st Gen IS 300 Build Threads You Need to See

1. Pholicious 600hp IS 300 Build

Lexus designed the IS to take on the best sports sedans in the world, many of them from Germany, and to do that they started with their excellent 2JZ straight six motor. With just 217 horsepower it was not able to match the top spec BMW or Mercedes in stock form, but that straight six motor has a large and powerful aftermarket backing it from its time in the Supra, and it is built to survive massive power levels. If you want an IS 300 that makes as much power as a BMW M3 it is really just a matter of ordering the right turbo kit, and getting it properly tuned.

Pholicious only just started on the Club Lexus forum, but he started with a bang when he dropped the build thread for his 600hp turbo 2004 IS 300 right here. This isn't just a slapped together turbo set up, but the whole car has been crafted with some of the best parts available. He also has some tasty wheels, sticky tires, coilovers, and an aftermarket body kit. All in all, a fast car that looks even better than stock, yet still maintains most of its Lexus class. You can see more on his Instagram feed.

>>Join the conversation about First gen Turbo IS 300 builds right here in Club Lexus forum.

2. iCon86 Daily Driven Track Setup

Is it cheating that iCon86's car actually started life as an IS 200, before the turbo 2JZ swap? Who cares, because the car he has built is better than anything Lexus rolled out of the factory at the time. Not only does this car look awesome, but iCon86 daily drives it, and does track events on the weekends in it! According to the story on Because Race Car, he is putting 420 hp to the wheel, and they are pretty sweet looking wheels at that. You can read his build thread here.

>>Join the conversation about First gen Turbo IS 300 builds right here in Club Lexus forum.

3. Antis IS 300 Aristo VVTI Build

You wouldn't think to look at it sitting still, but this IS 300 sleeper is rated at 700 hp from its turbo charged Supra six. It is also sitting on coilovers and has had the suspension improved and tuned, but since it isn't slammed on super low profile wheels you might not give it a second look. But, when Antis puts his foot down this car demands attention. Just watch it take off in this video.

>>Join the conversation about First gen Turbo IS 300 builds right here in Club Lexus forum.

4. Wyzdum RHD IS 300 Build

At this point, an IS 300 with a turbo kit isn't all that unique, so Wyzdum decided to go full JDM Altezza, including a switch to right-hand drive. When he started this build thread, the 2001 IS 300 was already turbo equipped and had other mods as well. If you want to see just how much work is involved with moving the steering wheel to the wrong side, check this out.

>>Join the conversation about First gen Turbo IS 300 builds right here in Club Lexus forum.

5. Turbotez 666hp/ar5/frankenstein IS 300

Admittedly, this is a lousy picture, but it is the best of the bunch if you want to see how the car looks with the new monster fender flares. Turbotez has an ambitious goal for his awesome modded IS 300 - 666hp and a really evil look to go with his IS. It has been a couple of months since the last update, but you can check out what there is so far here, and maybe pester him for more.

>>Join the conversation about First gen Turbo IS 300 builds right here in Club Lexus forum.

6. mephammid Black onyx NA-T IS 300 Build

Perhaps the opposite of Turbotez's build is this clean subtle build with awesome pictures from mephammid. Yes, it is turbocharged and slammed on big wide wheels, but it is all so nicely integrated you might not notice if it weren't for the painted white rims. He has only just started the thread this spring, so you can look forward to much more of that stellar photography in the future.

>>Join the conversation about First gen Turbo IS 300 builds right here in Club Lexus forum.