2015 GS350 F-Sport Nebula Grey Pearl / Cabernet Simple Build
02-04-19, 10:20 AM
#16
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Car looks great. Did you paint the grills matte black, is the Plastidip matte black? I sprayed my grills, SK a primer that was pretty much matte black and liked the look but my car is black and thought it would probably look better gloss black, grey and matte black is a really nice combo though.
Does it ride/handle any different with the spacers? Are you going to do anything with the AWD ride height or leave it?
Does it ride/handle any different with the spacers? Are you going to do anything with the AWD ride height or leave it?
I have not noticed any difference in the ride quality with the spacers, but I imagine the handling at the limits would be a better overall due to the wider track (I haven't pushed it yet since installing). The only negative I have noticed with the spacers is that there is a tiny bit of rubbing at full lock on the steering. That might go away with 15mm on the front - not sure, but I like the way 20mm looks too much to switch.
I would like to do something with the ride height eventually - but not too much as I need some decent ground clearance for the Colorado snow. Note that it looks a bit higher in this picture as I had just dropped it off the jack - it rides a bit lower than that. About a half an inch of drop would be nice, though, but I am concerned about affecting ride comfort, as I really don't want to lose that. I haven't researched spring options yet, but I'm going to start digging into that to see what the AWD options are and if there are any with a mild drop in height that maintain ride quality. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear about your experience.
Last edited by Selahvie; 02-04-19 at 10:23 AM.
02-04-19, 11:48 AM
#17
Lexus Fanatic
Thanks! The grill is Matte black, and I will leave it that way. For Plastidip, you can get a glossifier to use as a final coat, and it's still easily removable, but I do like the matte look with Grey.
I have not noticed any difference in the ride quality with the spacers, but I imagine the handling at the limits would be a better overall due to the wider track (I haven't pushed it yet since installing). The only negative I have noticed with the spacers is that there is a tiny bit of rubbing at full lock on the steering. That might go away with 15mm on the front - not sure, but I like the way 20mm looks too much to switch.
I would like to do something with the ride height eventually - but not too much as I need some decent ground clearance for the Colorado snow. Note that it looks a bit higher in this picture as I had just dropped it off the jack - it rides a bit lower than that. About a half an inch of drop would be nice, though, but I am concerned about affecting ride comfort, as I really don't want to lose that. I haven't researched spring options yet, but I'm going to start digging into that to see what the AWD options are and if there are any with a mild drop in height that maintain ride quality. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear about your experience.
I have not noticed any difference in the ride quality with the spacers, but I imagine the handling at the limits would be a better overall due to the wider track (I haven't pushed it yet since installing). The only negative I have noticed with the spacers is that there is a tiny bit of rubbing at full lock on the steering. That might go away with 15mm on the front - not sure, but I like the way 20mm looks too much to switch.
I would like to do something with the ride height eventually - but not too much as I need some decent ground clearance for the Colorado snow. Note that it looks a bit higher in this picture as I had just dropped it off the jack - it rides a bit lower than that. About a half an inch of drop would be nice, though, but I am concerned about affecting ride comfort, as I really don't want to lose that. I haven't researched spring options yet, but I'm going to start digging into that to see what the AWD options are and if there are any with a mild drop in height that maintain ride quality. If anyone has any suggestions, I would love to hear about your experience.
02-04-19, 12:38 PM
#18
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I had not seen it done specifically, but since the GS already has a composite A/V input built in to the center console, I just used what I knew was available on the market to convert HDMI (AppleTV's output) to composite (the GS's input). The only unknown to me before trying this was whether Airplay would work correctly with the AppleTV connected to the phone's hotspot, but it works just as I hoped it would. So yes - You can play videos wirelessly from the phone to the nav screen through its A/V input with this setup. Depending on the app, you can use either Airplay (preferable when it's supported) or by mirroring your phone screen. I'm hoping to take and post a real-world video to demonstrate how this works in practical application for those who are wondering about the functionality.
02-04-19, 12:49 PM
#19
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I have a AWD too, wish it was just a half inch lower or at RWD height because at some angles the high stance just ruins the look for me but I don't want to mess with lowering it because of cost and fears of ride quality/reliability of suspension parts afterward, I would only do a very mild drop, maybe just switch out RWD pieces if I ever do it but it has variable shocks so that presents some challenges with options.
02-10-19, 08:26 PM
#21
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
Minor update.... I didn’t have time this weekend to do some of my other planned mods, but I did have just enough time to do the easiest, cheapest, and quickest mod ever... the red vinyl overlay for the amber tails. It literally took about 30 seconds each side and looks great. Less than 10 bucks and really cleans up the back end.
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GTGS350F (01-25-20)
02-12-19, 11:39 AM
#22
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I just hardwired my radar detector... got the mount and mirror tap cable from Amazon. I tapped into the rain sensor as others have done... about a 15 minute job since you have to remove the overhead console to get to the harness. Inexpensive and definitely worth it!
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GTGS350F (01-25-20)
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GTGS350F (09-28-19)
03-03-19, 09:34 AM
#25
If you're interested in upgrading your infotainment, Check out GROM VL2. It is superior to all mirroring solutions IMO.
03-13-19, 05:50 PM
#27
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
03-13-19, 05:53 PM
#28
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I’ve seen that and it does look cool, but I’m very happy with my setup. It works great and for a fraction of the price of the GROM unit. Plus, the Apple integration between my phone and the AppleTV is flawless.
03-17-19, 07:28 PM
#30
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
I was finally able to paint my front calipers... the rears will have to wait for another weekend. You definitely want to have plenty of time set aside to do this and not rush the process. I’m happy with how they turned out.