09 Isf - Suspension Specialist Sydney

[Sparky]

Hi everyone,

I am the very happy owner of a Graphite 09 ISF, and am loving the car to bits! Only issue is the brutal suspension. I work in real estate and am in my car most of the day, and need to soften the ride. Dont get me wrong, i love sports cars, and am used to hard suspension, but "bouncing" all the down the road over speed humps and irregularities isn't on.. give me firm, sure, but it also has to be compliant.

I always knew there was going to be an issue with the suspension, test drove '12 and MY10 cars, and they were much more compliant. Unfortunately the budget didn't allow for it. In the end I got the mint 09 with 65,000 km for around $48k, so it was an offer that I couldn't go past. I have a budget of around $1500 for some suspension work, and am looking for someone to do the work for me.

As far as i can see there is two options for me to go down which are:

• OEM '12-'14 (or maybe even '10 onwards) ISF suspension

Lexus of Chatswood have recommended this as a good option, though its expensive new. I would be looking for a low km second hand setup from a car which has upgraded. If anyone has some, holla at me.

• BC Coilovers

These are most likely going to push the budget installed, but from what ive read, getting the right springs and spring rates on this system make it pretty top notch and a huge difference to what im dealing with currently.

Is there any other suggestions? Any other path to travel?

And most importantly, who do you suggest to do the work on the car? Is there any specialists to balance and fit everything properly? Im from Perth and am clueless over here.. Lexus of Chatswood are obviously great, and have been extremely helpful, but i have a feeling they will be extremely expensive comparatively.

Many thanks,

James

[MR2QIK]

You can probably hit up GreenGlobal/Danny/ilv1004s to do the install on whichever suspension you source. You can have Road & Race in Rydalmere do the alignment afterwards.

Pretty much spot on as far as your options are concerned. I'm actually about change my low mileage 2011 suspension for BC coilovers. Not sure if I'll put them up for sale afterwards or leave them as a backup. I also have new Swift lowering springs for the OEM struts which I'm yet to decide what I'll do with.

[Sparky]

Well.. If you want to find a home for your old '11 OEM suspension :D let me know!!

[Sparky]

Well after careful research and talking to a LOT of suspension gurus, I've decided to stick with the stock springs and install some Bilstein B6 shocks. They are a top of the line number from Germany which cost around $1500-$1800 here, but I have found them online for $1000 landed to my door.

I will get Lexus Chatswood to do the install, can't go past their great service and most importantly the loan car, even though it may cost another $100 in labor. I am also 5 min down the road.

Will update once they arrive and are installed, most likely around a months time. From what I have researched it will eliminate all the choppiness and harshness in the ride, while maintaining stock ride height and therefore stock clearance. Should be exactly what I'm after. I can always throw a sway bar on if necessary.

[ISFBloke]

The solution is very simple: KW V3

I've been down the same path before and this was the only proper solution. I was thinking the Bilsteins too but nothing bests the KW however the B will be better than stock for sure.

[Sparky]

Yeah i agree it would be a great solution, but im not going to track the car, and i want to keep everything under $2k if possible. So the KW will be a bit of overkill and also a bit too expensive.

I dont suppose you have your 2011 springs you want to move on?

The solution is very simple: KW V3

[ISFBloke]

KW are the best for comfort on the street as well but yes they are a bit pricey. I did the upgrade on my previous car not the 2011. There is nothing to upgrade on the current suspension.

I am sure you will be happy with your setup though.

[@mans247]

I havent had the best experience with KW V3s to be honest. I have had the set replaced 3 times!!!! the rear of the car bottoms out. KW are looking into it but its been like this for over a year.

I took it to Lexus of Chatswood and they told me that every customer they have had with Kws has asked them to rip them out.

Wanna buy mine ? they are brand new haha. (I would nt do it to you im just kidding)

[Sparky]

I havent had the best experience with KW V3s to be honest. I have had the set replaced 3 times!!!! the rear of the car bottoms out. KW are looking into it but its been like this for over a year.

I took it to Lexus of Chatswood and they told me that every customer they have had with Kws has asked them to rip them out.

Wanna buy mine ? they are brand new haha. (I would nt do it to you im just kidding)

Haha, ill stay away from the KW V3's, but let me know if you need a home for the stock shocks and springs.

Thanks

[ISFBloke]

I've had no issues with mine after adjusting the ride height. I really liked them. Look at the US forums and that will tell you more we ever could here.

[Matthew]

Hi Sparky,

Thanks for your advice re the Bilstein B6 Shock Absorbers.

I had the rears installed a few weeks ago as I had one leaking.

Given they were $650 (from Germany inc. delivery) + $350 for the install, I just wanted to try them out before committing to the fronts. They also worked well on the track today!

I just ordered the fronts for $560 from Germany including delivery. Once they arrive I will also get Lexus of Chatswood to fit them.

I know it has been a few years since you posted about these, but I thought it useful to update your thread as there will obviously be more ISF owners looking to replace their shock absorbers as the we continue to put more kilometres on them.

Thanks again for your recommendation!

Regards,

Matthew

[LTuned]

Good news.   How was the track day, & where did you go?

[Matthew]

Hi John, 

I had my first track day yesterday at SMSP ... Driving Solutions put another one on in March ... 20min rotating sessions / groups were quiet ... probably due to the short notice and yesterday’s weather forecast ... but 4 of the 6 session were dry.

I haven’t booked it yet ... and two track days in a week would be a bit of a stretch, but are you attending the F Track Day this Thursday at SMSP?

Trust you are well and have a great day!

Matthew

 

[LTuned]

Track days are fun, & I do enjoy SMSP. first track day, isn't turn 1 scary, & fun.    keep having fun in your ISF.

[Sparky]

Hi Matthew

Thanks for the reminder on this! I have had the Bilstein B6's in the front and rear now for about 2 years, and only have positive things to say really. Within this thread:

They are great shocks, and in combination with the USRS package they drive very well indeed.. 

[Matthew]

Hi,

I have now had the front Bilstein B6 shock absorbers fitted.

After driving it on the same roads to and from work for the past week, you can definitely notice a difference in the compliance with it smoothing out most of the low speed bumps, which were notably more pronounced with the stock (Tokico) shock absorbers 

I used the same German supplier and he was able to do a better deal second time around. I ended up paying $550 including the delivery, which was $100 less than the rears, even though they come in a dedicated left & right front shock absorber. Fitting was $450 this time though!

Matthew

 

 

[Babalouie]

Do you feel as if it's as firm in the corners, for body roll?

[Matthew]

Hi,

Haven’t tested that side of things yet ... certainly initial impressions are that it is just as firm and certainly no body roll at street speeds.

This is the only change I have made to my car for the next track day ... so it will be interesting to see if they make any difference to lap times.

Matthew

[2bling]

Who the hell is charging you $450 just to fit, these shocks back or front are easier than a commodore 

[Matthew]

Sorry for the delayed response ... it was the same Lexus Service Centre that fitted the rears for $330!

I must say I was a little taken back when they confirmed the cost!

I change my own pads, rotors, brake fluid and oil ... but felt if I made a mistake with those springs and they weren’t properly secured when I removed them I would definitely live (hopefully) to regret it!

I have limited mechanical knowledge, so after reading up on it, thought it the more prudent option!

[Matthew]

On 4/17/2018 at 5:11 PM, Babalouie said:

Do you feel as if it's as firm in the corners, for body roll?

Hi Babalouie,

Sorry forgot to answer this question after the track day.

I personally can’t detect any difference in body roll ... my initial track times were the same as where I left off from my last track day at SMSP GP circuit ... I did end up going quicker by day’s end, but that was more a reflection of me getting more familiar with my ISF.

On a related matter I noticed in one of your posts that you changed to the AD08R tyres .... I have read how good these are at the track, but as you appear to use these for your street driving as well, I was hoping to get some feedback as to how they compare to street tyre on the street re noise and ride?

Thanks,

Matthew

[Babalouie]

On 6/21/2018 at 8:24 PM, Matthew said:

Hi Babalouie,

Sorry forgot to answer this question after the track day.

I personally can’t detect any difference in body roll ... my initial track times were the same as where I left off from my last track day at SMSP GP circuit ... I did end up going quicker by day’s end, but that was more a reflection of me getting more familiar with my ISF.

On a related matter I noticed in one of your posts that you changed to the AD08R tyres .... I have read how good these are at the track, but as you appear to use these for your street driving as well, I was hoping to get some feedback as to how they compare to street tyre on the street re noise and ride?

Thanks,

Matthew

Hi mate!

I reckon they're no different to Michelin PSS for noise, certainly not rumbly and humming like a proper motorsport tyre.  Ride they're actually a little softer than PSS, but perhaps that's because I went to a wider 245/275 combo, which has baggier sidewalls.  Just the same, on the track they seemed to like a 31psi hot pressure (so more like 23psi cold)  

Main downside is wet grip, which is only so-so.

[2bling]

Anyone running Michelin Pilot sport 4S ??