RichGS11

I use Powerstop Carbon Ceramics from RockAuto.com as a temporary measure and they're really good against OEM discs for dust and stopping power. Worth a pop for the casual driver.

I live in Cambs and picked my car up from Aberdeenshire. It was a lovely 9 hour bonding session coming home!

Depends on what you consider important but all three are much of the same. If I was to start again I'd look at VED as that's something that will always creep up, and any car before 2017 will be on a collision course with £1k a year in the not to distant future. If running costs are a concern that is. As for fuel, the F range is kind on fuel considering the engine capacity. Styling will always be a decider and the spindle grill is like marmite, and something that put me off of the newer vehicles. It's not my bag so I went with the ISF which was also kinder when it came to garage space. Perfect 4 door for my family and because I'm someone that likes to play with cars, a platform that has some pretty good support for modifications, mainly overseas. The only issue is the fact that all three models are pretty much the same performance wise, the ISF being the lightest out of the three, including the RCF track edition, which is still heavier than the first ever F car! There's no head and shoulders performer, unless you modify them, which is where I'm at now with my ISF. I thought about chopping it in for one of the other models, but everything else would be a lot slower than where I'm at now with the ISF and they can't really do anything better than what I have, bar a nicer interior which seems to have delamination issues with its carbon trim! This is fundamentally why the F range is so unappealing to anyone outside of it. Lexus just don't push the boat out or go all in, they play safe and all the cars have kept almost identical performance figures over the years, whilst the competition have moved on. I'd certainly look at the competition and see what's out there too. There's some good cars kicking around like the M8 competition, which for the price looks like an animal. Good luck with your hunt.

The issue with an import will always be the gamble on a car that's £20k and you haven't seen it in person or test driven it. Personally I've never fancied that but it works for some. I'm a little OCD so I have to see the car and drive it, feel it, hear it, before I part ways with money, purely because I know what I want when I'm looking to buy and you most certainly can find the right car here, but the key is waiting and being prepared to. If however you gamble and go for it, you can find some gems. Fortunately for the ISF, rust isn't that much of an issue due to the plastic trims underneath, there are few rust horror stories with this chassis and Lexus generally. The upside of an import is the tax, but again, the downside is the resale value and limited insurance options. Lots to consider but having both options is a good place to be.

Interesting as I'm also looking to part ways with mine in the next 6 to 12 months. I do feel that the government may make that very difficult with a potential tax hike (one of the reasons I think it's time to call it a day). Thanks for the spreadsheet. I feel pricing an ISF is a completely random affair. I have a 60k 2010 USB, which will make the sale a lot easier compared to some, but I feel for ease I'll be headed to a dealer to see what they'll price it up as, when the time comes.

Does it have a USB slot under the centre arm rest? I was always told that was a good sign as that came with the LSD upgrade in 2010. I would say it's 2010 or newer because it would be pretty pointless making some of those upgrades unless you somehow were super keen on it being a 2010. You'll know when you get it I'm sure.

I couldn't possibly say on that one I'm afraid. I'd check on parts websites to see if it's the same part number across the two models.

It's a relatively easy to replace. The only issues are exhaust and heatshield removal taking into account removal or disconnection of downstream O2 sensors. Once you're past the heatshield it's easy.

Very kind to mention me mate. Made me chuckle @FTBBCVoodoo 😂 Thank you!

Thanks man. Very kind of you to say 🙏🏽

Nice build and good to see the maintenance parts being addressed early on. Regarding the front plate conversion to JDM, the main issue you'll have is the large, square holes either side that the UK sized plate covers. The mounting bracket fits into them and when you remove the mounting bracket you'll see them. They'll need filling and painting.

Caught the sunrise on the way to work today. Thought I'd add them to the build thread.

My only issue with these aftermarket set ups. They look good, but I need 100% Lexus functionality and reliability. Shame it hasn't worked out.

You can repair the crushed pipe. Heat gun and an object round enough to reform the pipe and you're sorted. It's also oddly string too, so won't do it again unless you over tighten again.

I think it was 2012 onwards in the UK. As for Imports I've no idea, but Stateside it's was compulsory earlier.

TPMS isn't on all UK ISF's. It wasn't legally required until a certain year in the UK. My UK 2010 doesn't have them.

Yeah I'm keeping a keen eye on the updates and progress of the Elate set up. At this moment in time it is on the horizon, but I just wanted to make sure the cars that have it, run well! Time will tell. As for the group buy there was no official post. I reached out to a few people that contacted me, but no one committed. I'll talk to my contact at Nicromobeum and see what the deal is. I'll then make a proper post and put it up here.

Oh all mods come at a cost on these cars definitely. After having a GS300 and GS430 I can see why you'd say the breaks weren't enough from factory.

Looks lovely mate

Interesting upgrade for an IS3. How are they?

For a comparison I'm either 18kg or 20kg upfront (need to find the spec sheet). I wanted to eliminate as much roll as I could and with the weight of these cars, I thought even 16kg was too light (the weight on most ISF set ups).

So typically I didn't expect much to happen now going into the closing stages of the year for the car, but something did. I managed to get my car remote mapped by @Reflash.rd from Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reflash.rd?igsh=Zmp5a2txamw3azdq So these guys remote tune vehicles around the world and I've been watching their progress keenly. With my intention to supercharge the ISF and Elate MFG in Australia making a charger that suits my needs, it was Reflash.rd that got the car and charger working together when others failed. They also have the most powerful LC500 in the world at 601whp under their belts. My main goal after talking to them was for them to custom tune the ISF and to 'get to know it' as they'll be the people mapping it when the charger comes. I was assured that I'd get a lot out of their tune and more than what I'm currently seeing....they weren't wrong! So it started with a 05:30 wake up call, a charged laptop and connector and of course....coffee! After an hour of 'on and off' driving, the car was where we wanted it. Relfash.rd had run 5 different maps in the end, tweeking their initial base map which was aimed at the fuel I use (99ron) and my modifications. I have to say, the car felt so much more torquey down low and pulled hard to the limiter, but it's always been good at that so I enlisted the help of a friend who'd been passenger in the car after some fun a few days prior. His initial reactions were instant validation and amongst a few swear words, I worked out that it was indeed a lot quicker than before (something hard to judge when you drive it through the changes). Would I use Reflash.rd again, yes, yes I would. His knowledge about our cars and of tuning came across with an enthusiasm and joy from someone that loved what they did. He also gave me feedback on the car, being impressed with the engines strength and condition based on the data, and that with a E85 tune, the car could easily hit 11's on the quarter mile. So much so, that if I take that route he wants to sponsor me with a free E85 tune and mapping updates! Now with that said, unless by some large cash injection, you shan't be hearing from me or my build for a few months lol!

Hi Jeff, PM pending mate.

Tein get good reviews from ISF owners. It all depends on your wants and needs. All I would reccomend is getting the car corner weighted and balanced on coilovers or don't bother with them. It costs, but it's the best way to marry up the suspension with the car. Mine is a completely different animal. My spring rates aren't for everyone, I get that, but balancing the car appropriately has the same effect as mapping the engine after big modifications.

Congratulations