Cable

Those wheels do look very good, though I'm guessing they're 20's? Yep agreed, the black intake does look much better. I think Bilstein dampers would be the way to go, every time I've used them I've been massively impressed. Perfect for our roads http://bilstein.suspensiondirect.co.uk/Lexus-IS_Xe2-IS_F.jsp The F-Sport rear anti roll bar would be a good mod. Does anybody know if the standard suspension allows for much, if any, geometry changes? I could really do with having a poke around, underneath one...

Much appreciated, thanks Stu A dual system can sometimes be found on 'V' engined cars, and occasionally on something like a straight six. It's basically having a separate exhaust system for each bank of the engine, so in effect two parallel exhausts systems; the idea being to give greater flow and more power. A JoeZ exhaust, for an ISF, is a good example and the C63 comes with one as standard. Due to the firing pattern on a cross plane cranked V8's (LRLLRLRR) a crossover pipe, 'H' pipe or a siamese are generally used more these days. This is where the two parallel exhaust systems meet (usually after the cats), so as to scavenge some of the opposite banks exhaust gas during the offbeat firing sequence. I hope this makes sense? Cheers Neil

Well done Stu, it sounds lovely. I would definitely consider taking it to them for the work. I'd be interested to know if they'd make a dual system, but with the same back boxes as yours, etc. Have the secondary cats been liberated? Again, thanks for the vids, they're very helpful. Any chance at getting a external clip of you pulling away gently? No immediate rush, would be good to know how much I'd annoy the neighbours :P Thanks Neil

Nope, deffo note a cheap game, modifying NA cars. As Peter said, you can and will get gains from breathing mods, but nothing like a turbo car. That said, in my experience, researching and buying the right bits do make difference. The Gruppe M intakes were probably the only kits to make a substantial gain on the Civic Type R; not cheap though at £600. Also when product manufacturers claim a '15bhp gain', it doesn't necessarily mean it's peak power. It could be a 15 bhp gain midway along the power band, which is actually more beneficial... Sorry Mikey, but this isn't the case, as mentioned in a previous thread, the car manufacturer isn't constantly battling to extract every last horsepower out of a car. Their criteria is to fit into a certain bracket, power wise, which they do not want to exceed. They also have to make massive compromises for noise and cost, so are more than happy to fit a restrictive exhaust or intake, so long as the required power is met.

*waits in anticipation

Sounds good, worst case I could come down in the Skyline. Nope, just track days; which I might add I haven't done one in a while. Was chasing a misfire for ages, and my wee sprog took up last summer. Hopefully should get a couple in this year, weather permitting. That must've been fun? Particularly the Time Attack... went to see it a couple of times. Some incredible bits of kit...

Ah yes, could be a bit of trek, particularly as I'd be driving my temporary car, which is an old 1.4 Civic :P Maybe a summer meet, North of London, could be arranged? Hopefully I'll have myself an ISF by then. It's my track prepped R32 GTST. I've finally got round to fitting a pair of Tomei cams, that I've had sitting around since last year. I'm just in the process of putting the few final bits back together.

Many thanks for the Invite Peter, I would love to join you, but things a tad hectic at the mo; I've got to put my Skyline back together, building work on the house starting shortly, meanwhile trying keeping wifey and my 9 month old appeased ;) Whereabouts is Bluewater anyway? Cheers Neil

At this time I think I'm going to hang on. I can live with chips and minor scuffs, like on the bumper etc, as I'm realistic about cars being used etc; I actually prefer that kind of condition over resprays, as the car seems more genuine to me. I don't like it if I don't know the reason behind the spray job, though it could be perfectly harmless... Anyway, thanks for your input guys, tis appreciated :) Cheers Neil

Okay chaps, I went and had a look at this yesterday. Nice clean car, that drove perfectly. We did however, under close scrutiny, notice that the bonnet had a minor repair and the roof had been resprayed; the finish was lovely, however, around the edges the lacquer was a little cracked. Now we either think it was done to cover a few paint chips, or maybe something like a pheasant had been clipped, hitting the bonnet and bouncing over the roof. Interior was overall clean, with a few very minor touch ups required. The drivers bolster had taken a bit of a beating, but nothing drastic. Right now, I'm pondering as to whether make an offer or not. Like I say, it's a lovely car with a few minor issues, but I'm not sure if I can live with those issues. I'm sure it would make someone very happy, as most wouldn't go over it with a fine tooth comb, but I know they're there now... Neil

That's pretty good. I got a 13 flat, and 106 terminal in my R33 GTR. Similar performance, as the GTR has the 4wd launch. Like you, if I'd have done a full bore launch then I might of shaved another couple of tenths off, but as I was selling it I really didn't want to destroy the clutch.

What terminal speed did you get?

Well after calling a few times, without answer, and leaving a message, I didn't get a call back until Sunday. Arranging a viewing later on in the week/weekend. I'll keep you posted

One other car that I had considered, very briefly, was the Maserati Quattroporte. Not bad money at all, and beautiful cars. The reliability isn't as bad you'd initially think, apparently... but the thing thing that made me wince was a combined MPG of 18!

I was initially looking for a C63, just for the epic engine alone, but as with a few of the previous posts, the ISF equals what the Germans have to offer but with Japanese reliability. Still... one day I intend the get myself the 6.2 AMG, maybe in a CLK Black :P Obviously the E92 M3 and E60 M5 are options, and though I try to see the appeal, I just can't see myself driving one. Not to mention I wouldn't trust any BMW engine that wasn't a straight 6 petrol... too many horror stories I had considered an Evo X, as they look quite nice and have silly performance, but I can't get past the dullest engine note known to man. The Impreza STi hatch was also another consideration, as it looks a bit more grown up, but I wanted something a little more mature. The Jag XFR has been mentioned a few times, but the XJ, particularly the SuperSport, is a much, much better looking car with similar performance and dynamics, and class the MB S-Class couldn't hope to match. And the LWB is absolutley beautiful; It's what I imagine Dracula would roll in.

When are you booked in for the work?

Yeah, it's a shame... I think it's only the ISS Forged and Greddy Titanium that replace the tips.

Ah, okay. I just remembered, I got a quote from a UK supplier for a Borla cat back; £1100 delivered. At the 11th hour I know, sorry... It may be of interest

Good plan. Are you going for a dual system, with a 'siamese', H pipe, or x-over?

Okay, cheers guys. Gonna try and take a look this weekend.

I've been keeping my eye on the prices since May and it would seem that they've actually gone up, for low milers at least. That part ex value is obscence though, I don't know how they have the audacity to offer that.

Looking forward to seeing how this goes, Stu, you brave guinea pig ;)

Just seen this come up for sale http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/lexus/is/lexus-is-f-5-0-v8-2008-08-plate/1978306 It's a long shot, but I'm hoping that somebody on here may have owned this particular vehicle? The reg number is not shown, but maybe recognised from the mileage and service history etc. Cheers in advance Neil

Emissions wouldn't be affected, only the noise. It's certainly a cheap and cheerful option to hear the glorious V8

Interesting http://isf.turbomirage.com/DIY_isf_muffler_delete.html