Stamatic

Hi guys

Long time no speak. I've had family commitments that I have had to attend to, in particular surgery. All is good now. 

I thought I would post a few pics of my latest mod to the isf. Spec D led tail lights. Only fitted today so haven't had a chance to see them at night. So far, I'm really happy. One problem tho, before I purchased them, I asked if the indicators were amber. They stated they were amber. Purchased thru ebay USA. I haven't left feedback yet. Sure enough, they are red!! Far out, yellow sticker coming soon. I'm in Perth. Not 100% sure on the rules and regs. Anyone know?

Lastly, does anyone know how to remove the rear red bumper reflectors. I would like to darken them slightly if possible, or if available, replace them? 

Cheers

Sam

On 8/11/2017 at 9:27 AM, Noodle Boy said:

I'm currently have a HPS intake tube, and like many have said, I went down this route as to avoid heat soak especially during the warmer months. Not the mention the silicon composition allows for easier manoeuvre of the intake box and access to throttle body as opposed to the stock plastic tubing. Could be a placebo effect, however I noticed that throttle response has improved with the inclusion of the tube.

As for exhaust, I currently have the PTS Joe Z cat back system which gives a really good tone without being obnoxious.

HPS sounds the go I think.

Funny you mentioned Joe Z. One of the staff at Lexus Of Perth asked me if I was going to install a Joe Z exhaust. I'm guess this is like the dux nuts of exhausts? Or the original that

a lot of people installed when it first came out?

On 8/11/2017 at 7:18 AM, Spec said:

Nice car; welcome another IS-F owner :) 

Thanks Spec. I love how it is so comfortable to drive. Drop the foot and it comes alive. I''m guessing an exhaust change will turn me into an 20 year old again :D

On 8/11/2017 at 4:51 AM, BLK ISF said:

Nice choice.  Cant go wrong with white.  I had a white WRX for over a decade, much easier to maintain than my current Black ISF.  Although black looks mean when clean :-)

On the US forums, there are plenty of threads about filters like Takeda, HPS, Typhoon etc.  K&N have some posts demonstrating x amount of HP gain with their cone type but others have shown that not to be the case.  Many have gone aftermarket to go back to OEM again.  Ive got a K&N but in the OEM box vs exposed.  Im sure its from a compliance issue too if pulled over having a fitler exposed.  As per previous suggestion, also got a HPS intake tube, didnt go metal.

Been running my Varex for well over a year now.  Great sound, good price and besides few hiccups with the electronics of the Varex, im overall happy with it.

To achieve that mid note intake sound we all love at an earlier stage, you can block the vacuum hose from the actuator.  Cheap and easy to do so you can remove it if you dont like.  Literally takes 10 seconds to do it.  If you do it, PEPs and other auto shops sell them.  Its a 1/8th size as i discovered after a few trips lol.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-f-2008-2014/383384-diy-stock-intake-mod.html

Ps Avoid big tacky stickers as they add weight to your car and will only slow it down haha

 

I've always liked white. I have to admit though, black does look the best, especially when the vehicle is clean.

You have given me more to think about regarding the air intake :)

Def sold on the Varex. Need to call Prestige Exhaust.

I had a quick read about the vacuum hose. I might give it a go. As you said, easy to change back. Thanks again for the info.

Gotta have the stickers and fluffy dice!!  NOT! :)

On 8/10/2017 at 7:37 PM, bazzle said:

well done , great looking car, I like white :)

Heres some sills for you

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/LEXUS-IS250-350-2006-2013BLACK-ILLUMINATED-DOORSILL-6791053081C0-67920-53081C0/332315404156?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D45736%26meid%3D365cc04ba2b5459988adb736d8235121%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D1%26sd%3D122633435930&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

 

 

Thanks Bazzle.

I forgot to mention I already purchased these sills. Fit perfect, OEM, but need to have them wired up :(

On 8/10/2017 at 4:09 PM, Howiefied said:

Grats on the pick up.  She's a beauty.

As for intakes that work, look up HPS silicone intake with Afe filter.  They're about $220ish plus $70 for filter.  There are other better looking ones such as the RR Racing Titanium group buy going on at clublexus that looks mint but it's obviously metal so will have heat soak.

Thanks Howiefied

Sounds like a plan. I will check out the HPS intake. You have a valid point :)

Hi guys

Finally received the F, about 2 weeks ago. Loving the comfort and that mid ranged note!

Fitted tint straight away. LED's internally. Ended up using Precision LED, 6K. Its actually really bright! LED's dim perfect.

Also fitted a F sports shift selector.

My next venture is exhaust, which I'm almost sold on a Xforce Varex.

Air intake? Can you guys recommend a good quality air intake, which works well and is aesthetically appealing? I don't mind spending a little

more.

Cheers

On 7/14/2017 at 0:03 PM, ilv1004s said:

in regards to LED sills

no isf dont come with LED sills

you need to get LED sills off a IS250/350 Sports luxury or from overseas

Thank you for confirming this. Looks like ebay here I come! 

12 hours ago, Noodle Boy said:

They all come standard with a standard Toyota alarm system from the factory, which normally utilises the horn and indicators. That said, Toyota used the standard horn noise which is high pitched and harsh as you would find in any Toyota vehicle, whilst the Lexus uses a more subtle horn tone, therefore I'd say it's more a siren in Lexus products. 

How it gets triggered, I don't know as luckily it has never been needed, however you can manually operate it via the key fob.

Fantastic. I totally forgot about that button on the controllers. Makes perfect sense. Thanks for reminding me. Cheers 

Hi guys

Just a quick question. The isf that im receiving from Sydney, December 2012 build, I know it would have an immobiliser, but would it come standard with some sort of alarm? 

If so, what type? Siren or triggering of horn? Any lights flashing? Glass break sensors or vibration sensors? 

If not, anyone fitted a aftermarket alarm they recommend or is there an OEM system available?

Cheers

1 hour ago, Howiefied said:

Nah what i meant was I think they already are led sills so you may not need to buy new sills, it's just missing the harness for power.

Ok cool. Strange as you said before. That wouldn't be hard to modify though. I will let you know how I go

4 hours ago, Howiefied said:

No mine doesn't light up Sam.  I understand there are LED's under the sills though and all it requires is a feed to the door switch (+positive wire), why they didn't hook it up from factory I have no idea.

When i had my IS 350 F Sport, which was from memory, January 12 build, was very easy to fit new sills. I'm hoping the ISF that I'll be receiving will be the same.  All I had to do was purchase new sills which had LED's fitted, remove existing sills, which levered off (no fixings) Once removed, there was a wiring loom, with female plug, just taped up sitting there. Simply plug in new sill and click back in. One of the easiest mods to do apart from changing the gear knob.

Nothing surprises me though. My 350 F Sport had auto folding mirrors standard, but a 120K + car, same year, even more recent, did not have this as standard. Go figure!!?

11 hours ago, Sparky said:

I put a kit in my ISF, and they are *BLEEP*. Here is a link:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/New-White-LED-Map-Light-Interior-Package-Kit-for-Lexus-IS250-IS350-11-14-x15pcs-/252722128520?hash=item3ad769a688:g:N58AAOSw5cNYbcVL

They flicker, they sent two wrong globes, and one of the globes strobes in and out sometimes. When i get around to it i may get the real deal from iJdmtoys.com..

Thanks Sparky. I think you answered my question about which brand to buy. iJdmtoys sounds the go. Cheers

Sorry, I also wanted to ask if anyone has changed the interior lights to LED on there ISF?

I did it when I had the IS 350 F Sport. I purchased a LED kit from ebay.

I emailed a ISF owner from Carsales who had a blue ISF. He advised me he purchased his LED's from Precision LED. I've done a quick google and I'm reading negative comments about the Precision LED's.

One particular comment about the Precision LED's is when the interior LED's dim, they flicker.

I've read iJdmtoys.com do good quality LED's.

Has anyone had experience regarding LED's for there ISF?

Cool white 8000K or Crystal White 6000K?

Hi guys

Update: ISF has been inspected. Report looks really good. Photo's great. Today I sent bank cheque to VIP who are handling secure hand over. If all goes well

vehicle will leave Sydney this Friday. Once the ISF arrives into Perth, I'll take some snaps and upload them.

Howiefied, I have a quick question for you as I remember your ISF is a similar vintage to the one I am purchasing. Does the two front door doorsill

lexus logo's light up when the door is opened?

I fitted OEM LED door sills to my last Lexus and it looked great.

Lastly, I emailed one of the members from this website yesterday, Michael, regarding purchasing the auto folding mirror kit. I found the original thread, but it was really

old. Does anyone still keep in contact with Michael? The email on the thread was - MichaelR@ashpoint.com.au - Maybe his email address has changed or shall I wait a few

more days?

2 hours ago, BLK ISF said:

Hmm 380km per tank.  Trust me, you'll be enjoying driving it too much to achieve that haha.  Ok seriously though, i have achieved about 380 but thats a few times when time has gotten the better of me and my fuel light has come on which i usually avoid by filling up with about 20% left.  I normally get about 350km give or take but as said, thats about 20% left.

Not meaning to sound blunt, but id say for many ISF owners, its great if you can get plenty of km's per tank but im not fussed if i dont.  Fuel economy wasnt high on my priority list for an ISF haha.

As for the km's the car has, that wouldnt bother me.  As others have mentioned, they are very reliable and less km's doesnt mean its any more reliable, pending the life its had.  As long as its been well cared for, serviced regularly, genuine or good quality aftermarket parts etc, then you'll be fine.  

With your average yearly km's, you'll bring the average down.  When you go to sell the car, the lower the kms the better but beyond that, drive it and enjoy it.  69k on an ISF is nothing.

When you get it theres several things you can do to it or just leave it stock.  There is things such as:

Exhuast

Tint

Filter / Air intake

Good set of tyres

Headers

Tune

Body parts such as front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser (Toms etc)

USRS (RR Racing steering bushes)

RR Racing oil/air seperator

Better brakes / rotors

Apexi throttle controller...........and plenty more

Your right. I took a 2010 blue isf for a test drive a while ago and loved it. I enjoyed it so much better than my Audi 2015 S3 sedan I previously had. The ISF is so well balanced, comfort and performance. The seats are so nice to sit in. I was shocked how comfortable the rear seats where. Like a lounge. Pity I won't be sitting in them much. 

To be honest, I had my older brother in my ear about fuel consumption. Typical accountant. I totally agree with you and I don't think it will bother me. I'm currently driving a work vehicle, a Holden rodeo 2005, petrol 4x4. That my friend, is like driving a boat. And fuel consumption, like 320km to the tank if I'm lucky, almost running on fumes. ABSOLUTE PIG

You have a point about the kms. I never thought of it in that way. Nice work. 

I've told myself, if I do land this ISF, I'll only do tint, exhaust and flat bottom steering wheel. Problem is, I think a lot of the fun is doing the mods and seeing / feeling / hearing the results! 

Thanks for your advise and ideas $$$ :) 

7 hours ago, Spec said:

I've got mine listed for sale - My11 though.

In Vic, so might save you on some of the transport costs - or drive down as well. 

http://au.lexusownersclub.com/forums/topic/13817-for-sale-lexus-2010-isf-my-2011/

Thanks Spec. I've seen your car on carsales and it's really nice. Problem is Ive got my heart set on white exterior, full black interior. My last 4 cars have been white. 

On 25/06/2017 at 11:11 AM, Howiefied said:

 

Hi Sam, the app is called Road Trip.  I add the data in after every fill and I use it to track all expenses such as registration, etc.

My ISF is stock apart from an X-Force cat back.  Purchased when it had around 48k, has not missed a beat at all.  If you check out the mileage threads on clublexus forums you'll see plenty of cars there well over 200,000kms with only general maintenance.  Being a lexus they are rock solid.  I'm on my third lexus now and every single one has been completely reliable.

 

 

Hi Howiefied

I think if I end up purchasing an ISF, my mods will be very similar to yours. Nice dark tint, exhaust, and possibly a flat bottom steering wheel.

I can't thank you guys enough. You have put my mind at ease.

Hi Howiefied

How good is the information you supplied?!?!! Is this an app? I'm guessing you had to add all the information in to track your consumption? 

Without breaking out the calculator, I think I was pretty close guessing 380km per tank with urban. I found a thread on this website after I messaged my question, with all different results, some good, some really bad. From memory, your ISF is fairly modified. Modified cars normally consume more fuel? What fuel do you run?

Lastly, I really appreciate the advise and help I have had from this forum. Every question  has been answered with clarity and sensibility and has put my mind at ease. Which now brings me to another question. In the back of my mind, the 69k on the clock is bugging me a little. I would love a 40-50k ISF, 2012+, white, one owner, non smoker etc. I have been looking for 6 months or so. The vehicle I have found ticks all boxes, but not the kms. A lot of the vehicles I looked at were 60k plus. Also, I've noticed a lot have been multiple owners. My next point is I would probably do around 8k a year. 

Am I over analysing things? 

Hi guys

Just a quick question. What sought of Km's do you get with your isf's? My driving is mainly urban so I would expect around 380km per tank?

Am I under estimating or over estimating? I appreciate the point about it depending on how you drive. 

10 hours ago, BLK ISF said:

Yep all under warranty.  The wiring part was an easy enough thing to happen, cutting out near the rear.  That was fixed easily.  The motor part was annoying but again, these things happen and fixed without issue and touch wood, been working great ever since.  Besides my time going back there, it was never an issue and they fixed/looked at the car n no problem.

That's a positive. Let's hope after all the help I've received from you guys the inspection comes back good. I'll keep everyone posted 😁

10 hours ago, Howiefied said:

Hey Sam, yep it has the side dip feature on reverse.

YAY! Thanks Howiefied

1 hour ago, BLK ISF said:

I actually have that exhaust, the XForce varex.  I leave for work early so wanted to keep the peace with the neighbours lol.  Initially i had some wiring issues so it kept blowing fuses (10 or 15amp) cant remember exact size.  After about the second visit back to the workshop, they traced the wiring, fixed the issue and that was March last yr.  So no big deal really.  4 months ago all of a sudden one motor on the passenger muffle wasnt responding.  Permanently open.  Again back to the workshop and without fuss, changed the motor and working great since.  Despite this im happy with it as i open/close it every morning when leaving the house and its quiet, a little quieter than stock as its more closed.  Then for the remainder of the day its open.

90db is the limit, it sounds loud but yet mine was about 92db.  My WRX was about 96db so surprised the ISF didnt record a higher number.  With the remote i can close it quick if i need it to be quiet and not attract attention.

I was fortunate and got it fitted at the Xforce head office here in Sydney.  I paid $1800 supplied/fitted.  They have the blue tooth module now so you have more control options and can do so via the phone but that costs more and for me, it was more gimmicks.  End of the day its open or closed, i dont need it 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% open etc lol.

It turns heads and sounds great, you wont be disappointed.  Contact Xforce direct, Daniel or Dean was helpful with me.  They'll advise whose a stockist/fitter where you are.

Awesome help! Thanks for the lead. I agree about the Bluetooth. Just another thing to go wrong. Very nice feature tho regarding the valve. I'll def look into it. The faults you had concerns me a bit but I'm guessing it was covered under warranty? 

On 6/22/2017 at 8:00 PM, Howiefied said:

It will require a little splicing for the auto fold mirror mod but the instructions are clear.

No hard drive music player.

Hi Howiefied, I have another question, sorry for breaking them! Does your ISF side mirrors dip when you put the vehicle into reverse? I remember my 2012 is350 f sport.  I really liked that feature. 

9 hours ago, BLK ISF said:

Hi Sam G, ive had my ISF for about 1.5 yrs now.  Prior to purchasing i got a similar report done indicating areas of concern for the paint, interior, engine, performance etc so yes its for peace of mind.  They looked at the paint thickness, possible damges/repairs/variances in paint to indicate prior repairs etc.

Seller didnt mind having to wait around for this to be done as he knew i was serious and would purchase pending the outcome of that report but i was fortunate to test drive it as well unlike yourself as its an interstate car.  Overall they are great cars though and well engineered.

As others mentioned, easy mod to do but you'll be surprised that its quite easy to just press the button for folded mirrors.  My previous car did this automatically with the alarm, i thought like you but 18 months later, its a piece cake and i dont forget, its just an automatic thing i do like releasing the handbrake when driving off.

The dont mind the audio quality from the ML system but yes its outdated in terms of features.  There are several options to retain the standard look with the double din but use products like Navtool which allows mirroring of the phone to the screen including google maps etc.  Also VLine GROM which allows Android Auto etc.  There has been a few recalls for cooling fan screws and airbag and on the inside of the drivers door pillar area you'll see the stamp if its done.

As for brakes i dont track the car so went with Slotted DBA's for replacements as many else have done.  Didnt want cross drilled again.  Also the OEM pads are horrible for brake dust so went with Project MU's specific for the ISF.  Again many have done this and they are great for street use and create a lot less brake dust which is a big thing.  No brake squeal either, well not yet but its been a while lol.  I got my pads for about $160 and the discs (front only at the time) for about $400 then there is labour to fit pending where you get this done so a little over 1k is possible.

Oil change, well yes its the same as other cars besides using about 9.5 to 10Lts but any qualifie mechanic can do this however a point to consider.  Everyone is different and for some people, having the car serviced always by Lexus will increase its potential to be sold in the future.  Im not fussed as long as the servicing is existent and the car is mechanically sound but some people will be turned off if its not serviced by Lexus, just saying.  Obviously servicing elsewhere will save you a fair bit of $ upfront.

Being the newer model unlike mine you get the LSD as well which is much better for traction.

Youve done your research so you already know what a car the ISF is but yes i can confirm its a great, reliable, performance luxury car.  Bit of a sleeper as the whole "F" thing confuses people.  People will think youre driving a 4 or 6 cyl as there is no badging such as 5.0 or V8 but those in the know will know from the bulging hood, quad stacked tips etc.  Get an exhaust to hear the great engine roar and you'll constantly be driving in manual mode to hear the downshift bleeps which never gets old lol.

Good luck with it.

Hi Blk ISF. Thanks for your detailed post. The detailed inspection is money well spent I feel.  The exhaust is the first thing I will be doing. I saw a 2011 ISF white for sale not long ago on carsales, with a X-force varex full stainless steel catback exhaust with remote on/off. The seller stated it was $2000 fitted and sounded amazing when valve opened. I actually like the sound of that idea. Thoughts?

I think my biggest problem will be finding people in Perth that I can trust to do work like this. Might have to drop a message in this forum if I end up with a ISF.