kyo

Unless your IS250 have some extraordinary sentimental value to you, or you are building a dedicated race/track car, or you just want to have some serious bragging rights for owning a super stealth IS250 then it's NOT worth it. 

I had an 07 IS250, wanted the V8 swap, did all the homework with Danny, the cost just doesn't stack up. And you'll get burned even more on the re-sell value and insurance.

You are better off swap to a IS350 engine to get about 85% of a ISF performance if you are on a budget. Or just buy a IS-F to get the real deal. That's what I did and best decision ever.

Now, I'm looking to upgrade to a GS-F.

Nice health gains, but you really need a header to make the tune more worthwhile. Upwards to 275kw+ with PPE header, and noticeable power delivery increase in real driving.

See my post here for Dyno result: 

On ‎6‎/‎14‎/‎2018 at 1:20 PM, BLK ISF said:

Reminds me when i heard the infamous ticking noise (OEM gasket on headers).  Anyway good excuse to upgrade to PPE (power and sound).  Only bad thing with the valley leak is fixing it wont gain you better sound or performance 😞

Atleast there are only a few known issues with our cars.  Once fixed you shouldnt have any other major headaches unless you have OEM headers which might be the next thing to go.

Yeh, I wasn't expecting much issues with Lexus ownership, I guess it's just my recent bad lucks. Car already has PPE installed, makes great sound indeed but I'm having that issue with PPE header knocking steering shaft at certain turning angle. Apparently this issue is also common reported on the US forum with aftermarket headers. Getting Lexus (Chris) checking into this.

On ‎6‎/‎14‎/‎2018 at 2:51 PM, DO IT said:

Sorry to hear mate. Did Lexus pick up on the worn engine mounts at the service or did you notice some symptoms and told them about it?

I recently had my starter motor die on me (89k km) - car wasn't really driven much for the past 3 years prior to buying it so that may have contributed to it. Chatswood fixed it by removing one of the headers to replace the starter motor (should have gotten PPE headers installed then but needed the car back on road ASAP). Also had the water pump replaced around 75k km from the previous owner.

The worn engine mounts were picked up when I did the transmission flush at TNK auto, I didn't feel anything when driving before. Apparently you can tell under the hook, if you rev the engine and see if it has unusual rocking side to side then you might have a worn mount.

On ‎6‎/‎14‎/‎2018 at 4:40 PM, LTuned said:

Sorry to hear about the coolant leak & engine mounts.   My ISF was also in at Chatswood on Tuesday, getting her ready for Kulnura.  see you there.  what nice upgrades are you getting?

Hey John, saw your car there too. Took a photo for us. See you at Kulnura.

My car is still in Chatswood... 3 days now. Was meant to be a quick track day prep. Installing HKS SSM, Toms Diffuser, RR Catch can & the usual track pads, stainless brake line, racing rims, and running on MPS Cup 2.

Ok I'll start a new post, better not hijack this post :)

3 hours ago, BLK ISF said:

Sorry to hear the bad news.  I had a similar leak late last year but fortunately for me it was just the water pump.  It seems like with all ISF's its just a matter of time before we all experience this common issue 😞

Yeh, a bit disappointed mate, replaced worn engine mount during last service and now coolant leak costing big bucks. There goes my tax return.

Watchout guys if your F is getting to high KM.

MODs, can you move this post to the IS-F section?

Just reviving an old post. I got my car in Chatswood today for the upcoming Lexus Kulnura track day prep, car is getting a host of nice upgrades :)

Sadly Chris told me my MY11 @ 100,000KM has sign of coolant leak at the valley of the V. It's all dried up underneath the car without any dropping, so I could never noticed until the car is raised.

It will be quite a big and costly job estimate 8hrs to get it amended. I had to bite the bullet to get them fix it, especially when I'm about to take the F on track soon.

Anyone else has this issue yet?

It's a known issue for MY11 DRL headlights, many reports on the US Lexus forum:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-2nd-gen-2006-2013/579232-2011-headlamp-bubbling-defect.html 

Lexus knows this "defect" but only replace them if car is still under warranty. Check with your dealer, you be able to workout a deal with them

I think the MY12 DRL had this fixed. - I have a MY12 Driver Side Headlight if you want a replacement.

https://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/14075-06-13-2is-led-drl-headlight/

Awesome car for the price! Someone grab it!

Hi bud, just sharing my personal experience when I sold my is250 last year, the market for our 2IS is very competitive, a car can have thousands spent on mods but hardly getting the value back when selling. Those know me knows how much I spent on my old car, had a lots of low ballers, and many enthusiasts are holding out their cash for a facelifted IS350. So I end up parting the car and sold it near stock at a much much lower price.

Just my 2c, good luck on selling nevertheless.

I have PPE header, and replaced engine mount late last year, car was at 100,000KM, one of the side was deteriorating. Luckily identified by TNK when performing transmission flush. Open the hood, give it a few hard rev, you can see the engine rocking more than usual, and check underneath the hood for any sign of hitting up.

Was looking at the RR mount but worried about extra vibration & noise so I went with the OEM mounts instead as I use my F as a daily. You are right that sub-frame needs to be dropped, almost like a half header job. So I also STRONGLY recommend to replace the mount when installing header.

I was also told that after installing the new engine mount, one part of the PPE header may rub against the steering column when in reverse at certain angle? This is due to new mount tighten up the gap to the header. And once the mount settles/sags, it should go away. Otherwise the header needs to be modified to address this. For those in Sydney want more info on this issue, contact TNK Automotive.

16 hours ago, Vaku said:

kyo, with the stock mid it sounds almost as quiet as the OEM axleback section.

the mid pipe is essential (sound wise) IMO anyway! I struggled to find the JDM mid pipe so I gave up on the project.

 

Thanks man for the clip, Danny shown me once before on his phone. Was that with stock header too?

I've also saw a YouTube clip with Novel header + SSM, it sounds really good.

But I couldn't find any clip with PPE + HKS or FIGS Mid + SSM, which is the setup I'm going for. Maybe the PPE header will add a different flavour to the SSM sound.

On ‎14‎/‎02‎/‎2018 at 8:02 PM, OzzyISF said:

I’ve finally got my car booked in next Friday at autowerks with sonny after the headers went on in January. Very interested to see how it preforms after the tune . 

Mate, what intake & exhaust you running?

On ‎24‎/‎02‎/‎2018 at 12:40 PM, koop21 said:

HKS (JDM) Mid Pipe

Given the limited quantity, availability and exposure I'll add my 2c about this ultra rare mid-pipe offering from HKS.

HKS offered two variants:

• Japan - You read more about here
  • Part number: 33005-AT004
  • one piece
  • catalytic converter  change to a 150c psi from 600c psi
  • Resonator increased to control sound level to mimic stock sound
• America - Here is a detailed review of both the mid pip and the axle back.
  • Part number: 33004-BT001
  • two piece
  • both mid catalytic converter have been removed
  • Resonator smaller

The clear differences can be seen here. It should also be noted that the JDM needed to comply to JASMA standards hence why the catalytic converter remain so naturally this would mean the USDM version should produce more HP performance.

Nice write-up mate, you beat me to it, mine HKS SSM is still in a container from Japan. And I've been looking for a used HKS mid-pipe for months. Rare piece indeed.

I thought the US mid-pipe was designed & made by HKS USA and got discontinued after they shutdown HKS USA.

And I never know there was ever a JDM HKS mid-pipe. Also discontinued now?

Consider the two HKS are all discontinued, the third and only aftermarket option left is FIGS custom mid-pipe, read here. Danny of Lexmania should able to order one at a reasonable price.

I'm getting my HKS SSM installed at Chatswood hopefully in early march and see how I like it first with stock midpipe, then will consider the FIGS option.

You going to the South Coast cruise? Love to do a comparison video, but yet again I have PPE header, so may sound different to yours.

On ‎22‎/‎02‎/‎2018 at 11:37 PM, rakddon said:

any update to mods kyo?

Yeh mate, got all the parts lined up for this year 2018.

Body Armour 9H Ceramic Coating - Done, will post review after first wash.

HKS SSM Exhaust - In a container from Japan, due to arrive early March.

Intake - Still contemplating which one to get.

MCA Red Coilovers - On order, due to arrive early March.

Wald Diffuser - Going to Japan in early April Easter with the family, will try to find one while I'm there and ship it back. And see what I can find from Up Garage :D

Wheels - Running my track use 19" RAYS Volk G27 with Michelin Cup 2 at the moment, looking to get some more aggressive offset 20" for the street. I know ride quality gona be a shocker pairing this with the coilovers and lowered but awesome stance baby!

5 hours ago, Vintage Grumble said:

My names Thomas, i'm from Whakatane NZ,

Kia Ora!

And welcome to the F Club Thomas!

Whakatane is a beautiful place mate, I worked on a forestry project in Gisborne for 2yrs, often travelled to Whakatane and Hicks Bay.

You guys are spoiled for choices, so many imports on the road.

Yeh, let's see ya car.

2 hours ago, avpharm said:

If you guys know anyone selling I'm after a 2010 plus and have a budget of $40,000 might be pushing my luck there but happy to look at older cars.

 

Hi Andy, you'll enjoy the sweet v8 in the IS-F, very different to your previous JDM cars. It's a heavy car but loaded with comfort lux and intoxicating power above 3600RPM

I suggest you push your budget to $50K and look for a low KM MY11+ with LSD.

MY11 Black ISF, already marked as Going on FB

Nice

3 hours ago, LTuned said:

The Blades are designed like a fan, to draw air out from the brakes.  when you put them on backwards, it forces air back into the wheel well, resulting in hotter brakes.   

Here are a couple of Lexus pictures of the ISF.     Have a look on the net yourself.

Good luck with the sale, & enjoy your new ride.

Yep, not all ISF owners know this, I've seen at least two ISF parked on roadside with the wheels on wrong direction.

Sometime this is caused by tyre shop not knowing better and mixed up the wheels when replacing tyres.

4 hours ago, rysith said:

Thanks mate, the Novel JoeZ combination sounds amazing - more exotic than your typical V8 :)

Nice mods! Would love to hear it in person. But good luck on selling, I would've bought it if you were selling it 6 month ago.

Let me know if you want to part out the WALD rear diffuser :P

Andrew, is this headlight you selling loaded or stripped?

I happen to have a spare brand new MY12 Driver Side DRL headlight (stripped version, no ballast/bulb/bracket etc), but I think the DRL on MY12 has a different colour to your MY11. Otherwise, it would be a good match with yours to sell as a pair.

Thanks Alex for organizing the meet, sorry I couldn't stay for the cruise. Sounds like you guys had a great run afterwards.

Great to meet all the boys too. Will definitely join the next track day once all my mods are installed.

Here is some quick snap shots of the meetup.

On ‎3‎/‎12‎/‎2017 at 10:44 PM, 18ADF said:

Ppe, custom mid and hks ssm at full noise

730D658F-7949-4AF1-B3B5-1CDF5E69068E.mp4

Sounds good to me, that's same setup I'm going for.

How much would a custom midpipe for this application cost?

There is a US shop selling a new (old stock) HKS midpipe for $945 USD, too much for me.

https://www.theboombopshop.com/HKS-SSM-IS-F-08-10-p/33004-bt001.htm

Import Monster just told me the SSM has arrived their office in Japan, but the next container shipment to Australia will be in Jan next year :(

2 hours ago, BCHLER said:

When: 10am Sunday 3rd December 2017

Where: Slough business park, Holker Street, Silverwater 

Sweet!! I'm in mate. I often take my family to the nearby Blaxland Riverside Park for BBQ, funny the jail is just right next door.

MY11 ISF

Hope my new HKS exhaust can arrive before that.

William

PS. Need to spread the words on social media, can someone put a post our Facebook and Twitter?

Yup, I placed an ordered for one via Import Monster, the cheapest I can find but still cost a lot for an axle back.

Boys, we need to have an ISF meet-up to compare our mods and sounds.

Where is our friend Danny? Let's organize a EOY Lexus meetup.

Just now, Vaku said:

HKS SSM with stock mid will only disappoint you.. its ... quieter then stock imo..

 

Even with PPE header? I understand the stock midpipe will restrict the flow.

Interim Setup: PPE + Stock Midpipe + HKS SSM (I heard this setup in person at Chatswood Lexus, pretty good)

Future Setup: PPE + HKS Midpipe / Custom Mid + HKS SSM.

Item No longer Available, lol