Spartan 01

Nice looking car! The drop, mixed with the 18" is perfect! After much deliberating, I've decided to mod my 220d. I've found some 18" that I like (Dare DR X2 gunmetal), I'll tint the rear windows, smoke the rear headlights, will probably paint the brake callipers red, intend to get a tuning chip for the engine and, possibly, a custom dual exit exhaust. Additionally, I'm looking to lower it as well..is it really as simple as just buying a set of new springs (eg Eibach pro) and getting them fitted..?!

Hmmm, it's an interesting one..I've recently enquired about a new dual exit exhaust (don't like twins) from a company called Longlife (custom built exhausts). Now, as part of their marketing, of course they offered the normal ECU remap and suggested quite a good price. In the knowledge that I've never heard of anyone being able to remap the Toyota/Lexus ECU, due to encryption, I immediately challenged this. Their response was that, instead of a normal plug and play remap, they'd have to remove the ECU and send it to a specialist company that they use and remap it there. So, this is either 1) total bulls**t and they've no idea what they're talking about; or 2) actually they did manage to start remapping (probably a little while ago) but, as a result of the IS220d now being an old and discontinued model, it never hit the headlines. Again, a similar promise of 38bhp was suggested.

Hi, the ECU cannot be remapped. It's a Toyota engine and has sort of special encryption thing (I'm sure that someone here can offer more insight lol) I tried looking and researching for the best part of 6 months. Can't be done! Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

Well, mine doesn't have metal scuff plates at all..just black plastic. It was a standard SE model that's had the multimedia pack added. Hence why some little bits like that are missing. I'll get in touch with my local dealership and see what can be done. They're a nice touch though! Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

Awesome, thank you..I'll definitely check those out. I love the eyelids on the lights! I presume that they're a stick on job? Ha ha, well I'm forced to admit that it is a mean looking car! You've done a good job. Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

Annoyingly mine don't. Probably to do with the different specs. Mine being an '07 plate as well hopefully means that it has the connectors though! Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

I don't suppose anyone has tried some illuminated scuff plates? Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

Wow, there's a lot more to this than I originally thought! Nonetheless, it'll look good when it's done and is definitely worth it! Thanks very much for the advice! The grille looks great, I thought that your headlights looked different. I really like them..they have an air of the LS460 about them. Where did you get the grill and headlight eyelids from? Thanks for all of your help guys! Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

Indeed, it'll never hide the archaic sound of mechanics under the bonnet..but I believe that it gives quite a raspy aggressive sound from the rear. Depends on what you're after though. Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

I'm 27, owned a Lexus IS200 since 21 and then switched to an IS220d, had that for four years. Considering a few mods to it as, being honest, was considering moving to something more radical like a 350z or even a 4.2 V8 Audi S5. But, as testament to what Lexus does best, unless I'm looking at spending some serious money, there is no car out that can match the Lex for it's kit and it's refinement! So, begins the long journey of engine mods (limited for the 220d I know) and aesthetic mods! Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

Hi PilgrimIS, Thanks for the input, your car looks mean! You've got a different grill at the front form the looks of it? What spec was your IS originally, it looks like a different body kit That's interesting, as I was considering spacers. However, you're suggesting that with the right alloy wheels it is possible to give the same look/impression as spacers would give? I'm assuming that as a result your tyres are massively wide too? Thanks! Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

Thanks for the info! You've made a mighty good looking car. The new alloys are very nice, I may try and hunt down a pair of second hands too. Alloys seem so expensive when new! Yeah, agreed. The led's are a smart piece of kit, but I'm not sure they're worth the money realistically. Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

Hi Levi5387, Thanks for the info, I'll definitely give one of those boxes a go in the new year. Absolutely, it would seem that a new air filter could go hand in hand with the box. I believe that K&N do one for around £50. The Lex has so much torque already, I can imagine that with a box and a few other fitments it becomes a bit of a monster! I will consider an exhaust, but it is an awful lot of money to go custom! The rest will be aesthetic mods I think, not a bad looking car at standard, but always room . Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

Oh she is a real beauty! Looks awesome, do you mind if I ask how much the alloys set you back? Very, very nice job! I like the idea of the front fogs, adds a little something. Have you upgraded the headlights at all (I've seen a lot of talk about that). Did you get the smoked rears done by someone, or DIY? Thanks for info, really appreciate your time! Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC

Very old thread I know, but some input is needed. Keep in mind that when you talk to these companies, they have very little if any actual insurance expertise. They know what an excess is and that increasing it can bring your price down, etc... But, in reality, their training will have been orientated around using the system and a certain level of customer service (believe it or not). They've probably had 2 weeks of training and then straight on the phones, nor do they get paid much. As a result, and quite frankly, they couldn't care less about how heated you get. It just adds to the 'I don't get paid enough to have to deal with this T**t' attitude. Additionally, they probably don't know why your price has gone up..computer says no! That's it. It'll be down to the technical underwriting team (who are never customer facing) to be able to explain to the person that you're talking to why the price has gone up. Unless you really push for an answer and know a thing or two about insurance, then you'll never find out. In truth, there may have been a good reason for the increase, believe me, there are literally hundreds of aspects to an additional driver that an insurance company will look at. However, the admin fees are a joke and are getting worse and worse! I used to be a personal lines insurance broker. A real one, not a call centre agent. I worked in a branch and needed specific qualifications to do my job and be able to underwrite policies. If you have any questions then PM me. Just for the record, 1st Central are awful! Sent from my iPhone using Lexus OC