High-Mile Lexus IS300 Goes Under the Knife
And it's a rare manual transmission-equipped first-gen IS.
Desirable Build
The first-generation Lexus IS has its fair share of fans these days, particularly among enthusiasts. The IS300 can be had on the cheap, and it makes for a great base for a build, especially when equipped with the somewhat rare manual transmission. That's precisely what YouTubers Throtl has managed to acquire, and it's also their latest project vehicle.
Photos: Nate Mariott for Throtl
Total Bargain
The folks at Throtl picked up this 186k-mile ride for a mere $7,000, which seems like a heck of a deal to us. Regardless, much of the world doesn't appreciate these cars as we do. Of course, in stock form, it isn't terribly fast, but its 3.0-liter 2JZ-GE inline-six powerplant does produce a respectable 215 horsepower and 218 pound-feet of torque, and it's virtually bulletproof.
Photos: Nate Mariott for Throtl
>>Join the conversation about this IS 300 right here in Club Lexus.
Needs Sorted
To kick off this build series, Throtl gives their latest acquisition a nice detail. It certainly isn't in perfect condition, not that we'd expect it to be with this kind of mileage, but the car has held up remarkably well regardless. Unfortunately, there are quite a few check engine lights illuminated, so there's some work to be done sorting all of that out.
Photos: Nate Mariott for Throtl
>>Join the conversation about this IS 300 right here in Club Lexus.
Mechanical Sorting
This IS300 is prime for an engine swap or a total rebuild, but Throtl is thus far keeping mum on those plans. It is planning on performing a limited-slip differential swap, and the transmission is slipping, so it needs some attention as well.
Photos: Nate Mariott for Throtl
>>Join the conversation about this IS 300 right here in Club Lexus.
Total Makeover
For now, the plan is to give this old IS300 a total makeover, including a full mechanical overhaul. Throtl also plans on adding lots of performance, giving it a visual makeover, and redoing the suspension and brakes, to boot.
Photos: Nate Mariott for Throtl
>>Join the conversation about this IS 300 right here in Club Lexus.
Stay Tuned
This project has certainly piqued our interest, and we'll be following along as the team breathes new life into the old BMW 3-Series fighter. You can (and should) do the same by checking out their YouTube channel here.
Photos: Nate Mariott for Throtl
>>Join the conversation about this IS 300 right here in Club Lexus.
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