Sleekbrian's High School/College Build on a Budget
#18
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Damn ballin on a budget lol. My parents got me my IS during my first year of college so I can relate to you.
My car looked similar to yours at the beginning in regards to cheaper parts and liking way it the way it was. Now looking back I ask myself "How in the world did I think that looked good?" lol![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
Although I spent quite a bit of money on things that were not worthwhile, it helped me learn the concept of doing it once and doing it right, even though I learned the hard way![Frown](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
My car looked similar to yours at the beginning in regards to cheaper parts and liking way it the way it was. Now looking back I ask myself "How in the world did I think that looked good?" lol
![Stick Out Tongue](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/tongue.gif)
Although I spent quite a bit of money on things that were not worthwhile, it helped me learn the concept of doing it once and doing it right, even though I learned the hard way
![Frown](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/frown.gif)
Coming from another college kid. I feel your money pain. I want to do so much but its just not there. Living in PA roads SUCK! I bought my car so my parents cant really say anything about me modding it out, but they certainly dont support it. My pops is a mechanic so he appreciates cars just like I do, but he dosent understand the "new generation" mods, LED conversions, springs/ coils, wheels, front lip, etc. He's used to a simple engine swap maybe a new carburetor or some stiffer leaf-springs, old stuff. Keep on modding and have fun with it, its an expression and extension of your self, I'm sure you already know that. You IS has come a LONG way and it looks awesome, not over done at all.
I applaud you for making the best out of what you had. ![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
To be honest the car didnt look horrible with black wheels/front lip, but your most recent set up is definitely the best. Visiting Alpine New Jersey/NY in May NOW I understand why people from the tri-state area are always complaining about the roads. WTFFFFF.... those were the worst roads Ive ever seen. I would never touch my suspension if I lived up there so your brave. I thank for Florida roads every day now![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
You also helped me out a lot when I was deciding on my Carbon Fiber interior and I thank you for that again. Cant wait to see your new wheels man!
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
To be honest the car didnt look horrible with black wheels/front lip, but your most recent set up is definitely the best. Visiting Alpine New Jersey/NY in May NOW I understand why people from the tri-state area are always complaining about the roads. WTFFFFF.... those were the worst roads Ive ever seen. I would never touch my suspension if I lived up there so your brave. I thank for Florida roads every day now
![Big Grin](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/biggrin.gif)
You also helped me out a lot when I was deciding on my Carbon Fiber interior and I thank you for that again. Cant wait to see your new wheels man!
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#19
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Just recently received my new wheels. XXR 530 in hyper silver 18x8.75 +20 all around. Got them installed but don't have a good picture since my car is extremely dirty. I will get around to it soon. I've always been a fan of the LC818, but wanted them in 18's. These look pretty much identical. Very satisfied with the look of the wheel, especially for the price
Keep in mind this is a budget build.
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
![](http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad186/brians60592/20130329_205226_zpsaf2d5394.jpg)
#20
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The car is super dirty and the wheels look grey from brake dust, but here is how she sits today. Special thanks to PlacidBoi and projectdna for all the fitment help ![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
New front lip and side skirts on the way!
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
New front lip and side skirts on the way!
![](http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad186/brians60592/20130410_170349_zps7519359e.jpg)
Last edited by sleekbrian; 04-10-13 at 09:24 PM.
#24
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Right now I'm at 25 inches ground to fender. I really want to lower it a half inch more, but I'm not sure if I'm going to since the AWD versions have a problem with lowering under 25 inches. I don't know if i wanna risk messing up my CV boot ![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
Also I'm rubbing in the front on large dips, I'd rather not exacerbate the rubbing. I'll see how it all looks when I get my new front lip and side skirts.
Thanks! Your car was one of the reasons I choose the Myride front lip![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Haha yea, I honestly regret wasting my time and money on my other setups cause this one is my favorite and also the cheapest by far.
![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
Also I'm rubbing in the front on large dips, I'd rather not exacerbate the rubbing. I'll see how it all looks when I get my new front lip and side skirts.
Thanks! Your car was one of the reasons I choose the Myride front lip
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
Haha yea, I honestly regret wasting my time and money on my other setups cause this one is my favorite and also the cheapest by far.
#25
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yeah i hear yah, i have a awd as well, waiting for my coilovers to arrive. I believe the lowest you can go without any problems is 24.5? I picked up some 19s so hopefully that will kill a little bit of the fender gap when i lower it. Not sure if i missed it, but what tire size are you running?
Last edited by Stainless9; 04-11-13 at 07:40 AM.
#26
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yeah i hear yah, i have a awd as well, waiting for my coilovers to arrive. I believe the lowest you can go without any problems is 24.5? I picked up some 19s so hopefully that will kill a little bit of the fender gap when i lower it. Not sure if i missed it, but what tire size are you running?
#27
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Yea I searched all over the place, and I believe I saw 2 members riding at 24.5. The problem is one of them doesn't DD their car, so that might be why his CV boot is holding up. Also I know a local member who ran 24.5 and his started to leak, but didn't rip. I feel like we'd be okay at 24.5 but I'd rather not take the chance. Instead, in an attempt to "appear lower" I bought a more bulky front lip and side skirts. I'll upload pics when they're on the car.
I have a couple of questions for you. Did you do an alignment after the car was lowered? If so, would you mind posting how far off the specs were from factory after the drop? And if you haven't done an alignment yet, could you post a pic of the car from the rear so I can see how much natural negative camber I'll be dealing with? If you have time of course.
The car looks great as is, it'll look even better with the new lip and sides. I didn't see which sides you decided to go with. I'm gonna guess INGS?
#29
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That's what I did too. I don't want to risk the boot leaking any more than I have to, and it seems a lot of people have had good luck at 25" fender to ground.
I have a couple of questions for you. Did you do an alignment after the car was lowered? If so, would you mind posting how far off the specs were from factory after the drop? And if you haven't done an alignment yet, could you post a pic of the car from the rear so I can see how much natural negative camber I'll be dealing with? If you have time of course.
The car looks great as is, it'll look even better with the new lip and sides. I didn't see which sides you decided to go with. I'm gonna guess INGS?
I have a couple of questions for you. Did you do an alignment after the car was lowered? If so, would you mind posting how far off the specs were from factory after the drop? And if you haven't done an alignment yet, could you post a pic of the car from the rear so I can see how much natural negative camber I'll be dealing with? If you have time of course.
The car looks great as is, it'll look even better with the new lip and sides. I didn't see which sides you decided to go with. I'm gonna guess INGS?
In regards to the side skirts, I actually noticed the same seller was selling MyRide rep side skirts as well. Like the front lip, they label it "F Sport Style." So I went ahead and bought the MyRide rep front lip and side skirts. In my head it will flow nicely with my GFX rear
![Smilie](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/smile.gif)
All four corners are at 25" ground to fender.
#30
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Yeah I was thinking about going with those sides as well, since it seems very few people have them. Also the seller wasn't able to provide any actual pictures other than the one stock photo in the ad, so I've been holding back. Looking forward to seeing pics of everything installed!