Where To Begin?!?!

Andy.thomas · January 6, 2003

Ok guys,

I'm after the expert advice of those of you that have started/finished moding your cars.

2003's new resolution no.3: Fix the IS up (Before I sell it to get me SC430 )

(no 1 and 2 are almost complete - new job starting Feb, Flat going on the market around March time to get a decent place!)

So what should I do to the car first? I'm open to offers - And Mark no need to punt for business, I've already decided she'll visiting the TDi Health Farm for a couple of 'Holidays'! :P

Cheers,

Andy

Zee007 · January 6, 2003

In my opinion Andy, it boils down to two categories:

- Engine Mods

- Styling Mods

So its either mods such as induction kit, exhaust, supercharger etc etc or body kit, smoked lights, spoilers etc.

Me personally - I like my car to look good first so did the kit. Then dropped it and exhaust.

Now supercharger........

Andy.thomas · January 6, 2003

Cheers Zee,

I think I agree with the looks first. I know the first thing is to get my wheels refurbed / replaced (still deciding).

I use my car an awful lot to visit customers (and take them out to lunch etc) so it's not going to have any "Wide Boy" looks, however looking at TDi's website and some of the pic's in the gallery I think the subtle mods like lip spoiler and mesh upgrades are a must.

I will be doing some engine mods, is it an idea to hit the suspension first to improve the stability / handling? Seems to make sense.

Also, people don't seem to talk so much about breaks. I knwo the IS's are superb - but do you guys recommend upgrading these to any extent before looking bhp increases?

GRiM · January 6, 2003

Andy,

If you're going for some looks improvements then check the spoilers available form your Lexus dealer first.

This will keep the costs down, and Chris Shipley should be able to offer you discount off the parts.

When it comes to modding, my advice would be to do as ZEE says, and do your suspension first. Dropping the car, lowers the centre of gravity, therefore improves handling and roadholding, and looks damn good too.

I don't think you need look at improving the brakes until you need the extra stopping power. But it's still a pretty cheap upgrade if you do.

Check on TDi's site for brake options. EBC pads and Turbo groove disks, should get you started if you do go for them.

Window tinting might be a bit too "Wide Boy" for you, as would adding the stainless steel exhaust trim, but both can help the car look the part.

Above all, it's all personal choice, and I suggest you also check out the main gallery for ideas.

Zee007 · January 6, 2003

I understand that you are after subtle mods - me too. TRD kit is a great option, and the grill and spoiler are musts...

Suspension - win/win - looks good and improves handling....

Exhaust - as above (win/win) - looks and performance....

Brakes - defo leave standard, some of the best standard brakes you will find....

:D

simonskippy · January 7, 2003

I understand that you are after subtle mods - me too. TRD kit is a great option, and the grill and spoiler are musts...
Suspension - win/win - looks good and improves handling....

Exhaust - as above (win/win) - looks and performance....

Brakes - defo leave standard, some of the best standard brakes you will find....

:D

Zee,

Sorry mate I have to disagree, if your really serious about getting more BHP out of the car then change the brakes. They are very very good on the standard car but when you start upping the BHP you really notice the difference with specialist brakes and pads on the car. I bought the car with the styling kit on as I wanted it to look right straight away, the window tints were done afterwards.

I started on the suspension and the handling of the car first as this seemed a more sensible place to start then went on to the engine. I would definitely reccomend the HKS Coilovers, suspension bushes, anti roll bars and the strut brace as a starting point, then how about some nice big wheels to fill those arches? Then head off for the supercharger, manifold, induction kit, stage 1 and 2 boost upgrade and nitrous for the really brave.

I also use the car for client visits etc which is why I opted for the coilovers as they are fully adjustable, I can stiffen / soften & raise and lower the ride height quite easily if necessary.

Cheers

Si

Zee007 · January 7, 2003

Zee,
Sorry mate I have to disagree, if your really serious about getting more BHP out of the car then change the brakes. They are very very good on the standard car but when you start upping the BHP you really notice the difference with specialist brakes and pads on the car.

Fair comment Si - but do you really think the brakes would require upgrading without a supercharger? I have minor BHP increases but don't think the brakes are a priority or a requirement.....