I kinda like the IS300

benjamin · Post by **benjamin** » August 19, 2005

I have been looking at is300's. My ex-girlfreind drove one and they are a really fun car.... rwd and such. How do you guys like them?

Post by **Sean @ NDF** » August 19, 2005

there alright, I've heard them referred to as the 'poor mans lexus'. But done right they are ok. I dont like them stock...

sfc · Post by **sfc** » August 19, 2005

Not worth the effort. Very heavy and slow. And the block is nowhere near what the supra block is, definitely won't hold up to much boost without a lot of work. On the other hand, a supra block drop in is a direct swap... but that's $$$$$$. Unless you're getting one fuck of a deal from a relative or something I wouldn't touch it.

Prok0 · Post by **Prok0** » August 19, 2005

The 2JZ-GE and 2JZ-GTE are the exact same bottom end, just the GTE has oil squirters, and the upper pan is tapped already for the turbo drain ( I believe the GE's are as well but the hole is then plugged, or simply needs to be tapped )

And as far as being heavy, I believe they actually way a little less then the MK4 supras.
Also, GTE bottom ends arent too expensive, a brand new shortblock is 2700$ List, 2275$ cost.
You could also buy a used GTE block and freshen it up a bit.. Considering they will hold upwards of 700rwhp rather reliably with a good tune, that is a bargain.

All in all I think the IS is a nice platform, lots of potential, but you have to realize its like a Supra, and with Supras, you gotta pay to play, if you want big power, it is going to cost a bit to attain it.

You can pick up a decent turbo kit for the IS 300 for anywhere from like 3500-7000$
Lots of people make them, Toyomoto, Boost Logic, Swift Racing Technology, etc.

A weak point though, when you start making more power, if its a 5spd, it will give out on you, and the automatics will also once you start going up more in power or really abusing them, but you can have the stock automatic built, or swap in the Getrag 6spd from the Supra...

And as far as just stock out of the box, my friend had an 01 or 02 E-shift IS300, everything stock and I drove it on a few occasions.
Super smooth, a real nice riding car, comfortable yet still felt sure footed and didnt roll too much going into turns..
Power was also not bad for a stock car, it was definatly peppy and could get you in and out of traffic easily...

benjamin · Post by **benjamin** » August 19, 2005

Well, I dont drag race, I touge. So what I need is a car that is gonna have solid handeling and some decent pickup, coupled with good stopping power.

I know awd is the best way, but I figure I got and awd at homeI can fuck with, and all my life to get another car.

Plus, for whoever said the lexus is300 is a poor mans lexus, I dont like any other lexus, cept the sc300 but its a coupe... and I dont buy cars for the tag.

sfc · Post by **sfc** » August 20, 2005

benjamin wrote:Well, I dont drag race, I touge. So what I need is a car that is gonna have solid handeling and some decent pickup, coupled with good stopping power.

I know awd is the best way, but I figure I got and awd at homeI can fuck with, and all my life to get another car.

Plus, for whoever said the lexus is300 is a poor mans lexus, I dont like any other lexus, cept the sc300 but its a coupe... and I dont buy cars for the tag.

If you touge one would think you'd want something light and nimble. Like I said, the IS300 is a pig, and saying "it's not bad compared to a supra" isn't saying much, it's still a 3200lbs+ car.

Post by **Sean @ NDF** » August 20, 2005

get an old nissan sentra

benjamin · Post by **benjamin** » August 20, 2005

Secret Squirrel · Post by **Secret Squirrel** » August 20, 2005

i will prolly buy one when i turn 18. My buddy had one with a bolt on turbo kit (i forget what brand) but damn, that fucker got up and whent....i like just how they look, i just need a good, comfortable daily driver

SS

benjamin · Post by **benjamin** » August 20, 2005

Same here, I still am about 50 50 on daily driver and project car, but I think the lexus is the second or third best sedan out there (I dont buy anything but japanese so forget bmw and audi all that) I like the concept of NA power too... Having driven one ( not fast) I found it to be pretty comfortable, the interior was sharp, especially the instrument cluster, I also think it has a sexy and agessive stance. It felt comfortable in winter for rwd too. I am just not sure.