Building a Killer Lexus IS350 F Sport
Club Lexus member proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to build a unique Lexus IS350 F Sport.
Sure, everyone wants to make their ride stand out from the thousands of others on the road. That’s what drives us enthusiasts to install aftermarket parts, paint things, and replace stock bits with performance stuff. But it all costs, well, money. So what’s a budget-minded builder to do? Well, for starters, they don’t let financial restraints get in their way. At least Club Lexus member Saneddie sure didn’t while building his killer Lexus IS350 F Sport, anyway.
Looking at the finished product, it’s hard to believe that this build was done on a modest budget. But the OP made some smart decisions on his way from taking his stock Lexus IS350 from stock to stunning. It all started with a simple (and cheap!) Plasti-Dip job on the stock F Sport wheels that made an instant visual impact.
And then, a subtle upgrade in the form of yellow overlays for the daytime running lights.
Next, the chrome grille was muted with more black Plasti-Dip. The OP added a splash of color to the inside, however, in the form of blue and red footwell lighting. And after spraying the front corner bumper vents and bottom lip of the bumper in gloss black, it was time to upgrade the stock wheels and tires. So a set of 19-inch brushed titanium Stance SF01s were ordered. In the meantime, the OP installed a Replica AIM front lip before changing his mind and redoing the bumper bits in carbon fiber.
Next, a Tsudo catless mid-pipe went on for a better sound. Shortly thereafter, the friendly local package delivery guy dropped off those new wheels. To which a set of Hankook Ventus V12 Evo2 tires were mounted — 235/35/19 up front and 265/30/19 out back. Needless to say, these simple changes made a huge visual impact on the once normal Lexus IS 350.
Next, the OP turned his attention to the interior. He started by wrapping center console parts in silver carbon fiber, which accents the red leather nicely. Back on the outside, tint was applied to the taillights, and a carbon fiber rear spoiler went on. Then, a set of upgraded brake pads, VIP style window visors, carbon fiber roof spoiler, and exhaust tips.
The subtle yet effective mods continued with new Winjet fog lights and carbon fiber side mirror covers. And finally, some Swift springs to bring it all down over the killer rolling stock. Next on the list was a Takeda intake, but the build didn’t end there. In fact, the OP is still changing things around and constantly fine tuning his ride. You can keep up with the evolution here. If you’re looking for some budget-minded inspiration for your own build, it’s chock full of it!
