I have been checking out all of these build threads since buying my Matador Red 2009 ISF back in September of 2013 (25K miles on it) and as I have started to make my "Build" decisions I decided to give back to CL as I have learned so much from others...hope u enjoy the ride along with me and I look forward to the discussions ahead:

First let's start with some basic pictures of the car before any mods...not great quality as I was not sure I was going to do something like this for a while:

Parked at work:


Getting some dinner and hanging with a fellow ISF owner (his car is sweet with many mods):


Matador at his first car show (yes I named my car Matador):

 

Very first mod to Matador...personalized tag = MYISF

Right next to wife's ISC F Sport = MYISC.

 

Next Matador "real" mod - Install Sikky headers. BTW this was done by Lexus of Tampa Bay and they did an outstanding job...I have had zero issues with rattles, etc...I went and saw some of the install happening and their mechanic was all over it...making sure everything was perfect. They also took most of these pictures for me...and based on all the research I did leading up to the install what they charged me was very reasonable...Great Job! Lexus of Tampa Bay

Before Installation:


Stock headers:


During installation:


Installed:

 

And then the Joe Z Exhaust installed on Matador...again all this was done by Lexus of Tampa Bay and it sounds and performs AWESOME!!! Not your usual Lexus sound! The whole dealership came out to hear it when I picked it up...it still gets ton of attention whenever I go there...u know they r use to cars that virtually have no sound like a Luxury car should...LOL

Joe Z exhaust before install




Stock exhaust removed:


Joe Z Exhaust installed:

 

Great mods, nice to see somebody repping the matador red

 

Thanks man...trying to do the Matador color justice...

Next mod is painted engine cover...thinking of going with an all "Black" scheme on the car...just two colors Matador Red and Black...no chrome pieces???

 

Nice build, coming along nicely.

try and load up some sound clips of the exhaust and headers if you can.

 

Thanks and will try to do that soon...it actually turned out to be louder than I anticpated but it does sound strong...especially when u put your foot in it..

Also like I said I am planning to go with a "Black Out" scheme and need to find someone around here to powdercoat my exhaust tips "gloss black" like yours...they look really good...

 

Next two Matador mods:

Joe Z Intake / AFE filter

Painted engine cover

 

Off to a good start keep up the good work lolz, holla at me if u need some pointer or 2 about the build to your design and style Born in Santa Ana Cali ? living in South Florida ? lolz do i need to say more lolz

 

Thanks man I might take u up on that.

I have owned a Corvette, Supra Turbo and 350Z with a bunch of Nismo mods...plus a bunch of different sport bikes over the years...I guess once a Californian...always a Californian...well at least now u know why I am so into my ISF. LOL

Next mod coming soon...see avatar.

 

Okay...next mod completed...it was time for a new pair of shoes...actually went thorugh a whole process of trying the non-staggered route and once I decided not to go that way I went with Vossen CV3...I love these wheels due to the concave look, the great fitment on the ISF and the 5 spokes makes it sooooooooooo much easier to prep the car for shows etc...

Also big kudos to Wheel Tec (Jon, Jean and Carlos) here in Tampa for guiding me through the process and their customer service is "Off the charts".

My setup is as follows:

Front: 20x9 +38 (Michelin PSS 245/30/20)

Rear: 20x10.5 +45 (Michelin PSS 285/25/20)

First pic installed


Love this angle


Love the rear wheels


Mean rear stance now

 

Very cool. I have a matador ISF as well and was thinking of going with those wheels in that finish or the TSW Nurburgring mesh style. Looks great buddy.

 

Thanks man. Matador's Unite!!! LOL It is just such a perfect fit I'm not even planning to drop it with this setup.

BUT I have read your post about tracking your car and will tell u that u would not want to go with my setup if u plan to track with those wheels and tires (maybe 19 inch CV3)...not much sidewall (see pic below) especially on the rear tires but it looks great. I am keeping my stock wheels and will probably put some wider tires on them to use if I ever do a track day.

 

Next Mod coming soon...full TOM's kit. Matador heading to Lexus of Tampa Bay's body shop on Monday to start the process of the following:

Paint front bumper
Powder coat exhaust tips black
3M front grille surround and window molding
Install TOM's kit
Install Black Pearl Emblems

I cannot wait as this has been in work for quite a while and hopefully will be done by the end of next week...

TOM's kit patiently waiting to be installed...