Ultra White 2014 IS Build Looks Ultra Smooth

Different Strokes

Build threads are useful for a number of reasons. For owners of the vehicles, they're a great way to show off what you're doing to your ride. For others, it's a fantastic way to see how different parts look on a vehicle you might own or want to own. And this IS350 build thread from Club Lexus member Ciggy accomplishes all of those goals and more.

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

Moving Upmarket

Ciggy purchased his IS back in 2016 after years of driving boring cars. But that's what most of us are forced to do in our younger years. Once he was in a position to purchase and properly modify a Lexus, he sprung at the chance to move upmarket. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about ciggy's IS350 right here in the forum.

Subtle Excellence

The first upgrades were an F-Sport intake and axle-back exhaust, followed by the removal of those stupid dealer stickers and badges. The subtle yet effective changes continued with a blacked out roof and antenna. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about ciggy's IS350 right here in the forum.

Body Parts

Next, the IS went into the shop for a new Seibon diffuser. That necessitated an extension of the F-Sport exhaust tips, but that wasn't a problem. Ciggy then installed a Seibon carbon fiber spoiler to really start setting off the looks of the car. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about ciggy's IS350 right here in the forum.

Sitting Right

Next, it was time to get this Lexus sitting just right. That was easy enough to do thanks to a set of RSR coilovers, SPC rear control arms, and some Ichiba spacers to push the factory wheels out a little. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about ciggy's IS350 right here in the forum.

Staying the Course

On the inside, Ciggy commissioned a friend to hydro dip a bunch of plastic pieces in carbon fiber, which turned out great. After that, aside from some new fog lights and a carbon dip on the grille, not much changed for a while. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about ciggy's IS350 right here in the forum.

Winter Blues

Much of that was simply because Ciggy was driving and enjoying the fruits of his labor. But winter soon set in, and that required some temporary adjustments to the ride height, as well as new tires to cope with. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about ciggy's IS350 right here in the forum.

Thawing Out

Once everything thawed out, however, Ciggy came back with a vengeance. First, he installed a carbon fiber lip, Apexi B-pipe, and an RR tune. And then the biggie - a set of 19" Velgen VMB5 gunmetal wheels that really transformed the way this IS looks. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about ciggy's IS350 right here in the forum.

Slow Down

But that wasn't the end of this build by any means. In addition to some more carbon fiber interior pieces, Ciggy also installed an RR Racing big brake kit to help slow this sedan down in a hurry. 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about ciggy's IS350 right here in the forum.

Stay Tuned

Ciggy's beautiful IS has certainly come a long way over the years, and he isn't finished just yet. So be sure and head over here to catch up on the build so far, as well as stay tuned for future updates! 

Photos: Club Lexus Forums

>>Join the conversation about ciggy's IS350 right here in the forum.

For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair project, please visit our how-to section in the forum.