Lexicon72's Build Blog
#31
Moderator
How often do people mention your wing when they see you buzzing around Chicago?
#32
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I'm in Cincinnati, not too far from you. I'm 50/50 on the wing. Some angles it looks really good and at other angles not so much. It was an impulse buy for the track. Installed over the winter so not tested yet. But I'm hoping the wing and OS Giken diff (going in soon) will help with corner traction.
#33
Moderator
They will both make a big difference.
The following users liked this post:
lobuxracer (04-03-21)
#34
Tech Info Resource
iTrader: (2)
You might want to reconsider your spring rates with this combination.
#35
Moderator
#36
Tech Info Resource
iTrader: (2)
#37
Intermediate
Thread Starter
I'm actually running 16/12 since that was like 4 year ago. I do have some sag a buddy of mine noticed during some test roll races today in Mexico.
Last edited by lexicon72; 04-03-21 at 04:52 PM.
#39
Intermediate
Thread Starter
May 2021 - OS Giken differential install
She's baaaaaack! Finally got the OS Giken diff installed after just sitting on it all winter (Thanks Matt at SpeedFreakUSA!). I was not about to tackle the job myself so off it went to my independent mechanic who has done most of my mods. He was unsure about the fitment, but after showing him several threads and feedback that it was pretty straightforward, he went for it. It took longer than expected since the Lexus parts dept screwed up (twice!) the order for the axle seals (even though the old ones were fine). There was also a delay as we tried to find new exhaust gaskets for the Joe Z pipes (thanks to those who posted Vibrant 1457 2.5" gaskets which worked perfectly.) He was able to leave the suspension components alone so no re-alignment was necessary. I also swapped in the Figs / Superpro poly bushings at the same time.
Only had the car back 2 days but zero noise or whine and the car seems to be more rear happy as both wheels want to grip. I really like it. First real test won't be until June when I hit Mid Ohio (I'll get a small taste for a parade lap at Mid Ohio this weekend during the IMSA event - but I may let my son drive)
Picked up a set of titanium shims from RR Racing since my OEM ones were a little sketchy, Stay tuned!
She's baaaaaack! Finally got the OS Giken diff installed after just sitting on it all winter (Thanks Matt at SpeedFreakUSA!). I was not about to tackle the job myself so off it went to my independent mechanic who has done most of my mods. He was unsure about the fitment, but after showing him several threads and feedback that it was pretty straightforward, he went for it. It took longer than expected since the Lexus parts dept screwed up (twice!) the order for the axle seals (even though the old ones were fine). There was also a delay as we tried to find new exhaust gaskets for the Joe Z pipes (thanks to those who posted Vibrant 1457 2.5" gaskets which worked perfectly.) He was able to leave the suspension components alone so no re-alignment was necessary. I also swapped in the Figs / Superpro poly bushings at the same time.
Only had the car back 2 days but zero noise or whine and the car seems to be more rear happy as both wheels want to grip. I really like it. First real test won't be until June when I hit Mid Ohio (I'll get a small taste for a parade lap at Mid Ohio this weekend during the IMSA event - but I may let my son drive)
Picked up a set of titanium shims from RR Racing since my OEM ones were a little sketchy, Stay tuned!
Last edited by lexicon72; 11-10-21 at 09:09 PM.
The following 2 users liked this post by lexicon72:
BS ISF (05-10-21),
redspencer (05-12-21)
#40
She's baaaaaack! Finally got the OS Giken diff installed after just sitting on it all winter (Thanks Matt at SpeedFreakUSA!). I was not about to tackle the job myself so off it went to my independent mechanic who has done most of my mods. He was unsure about the fitment, but after showing him several threads and feedback that it was pretty straightforward, he went for it. It took longer than expected since the Lexus parts dept screwed up (twice!) the order for the axle seals (even though the old ones were fine). There was also a delay as we tried to find new exhaust gaskets for the Joe Z pipes (thanks to those who posted Vibrant 4157 2.5" gaskets which worked perfectly.) He was able to leave the suspension components alone so no re-alignment was necessary. I also swapped in the Figs / Superpro poly bushings at the same time.
Only had the car back 2 days but zero noise or whine and the car seems to be more rear happy as both wheels want to grip. I really like it. First real test won't be until June when I hit Mid Ohio (I'll get a small taste for a parade lap at Mid Ohio this weekend during the IMSA event - but I may let my son drive)
Picked up a set of titanium shims from RR Racing since my OEM ones were a little sketchy, Stay tuned!
Only had the car back 2 days but zero noise or whine and the car seems to be more rear happy as both wheels want to grip. I really like it. First real test won't be until June when I hit Mid Ohio (I'll get a small taste for a parade lap at Mid Ohio this weekend during the IMSA event - but I may let my son drive)
Picked up a set of titanium shims from RR Racing since my OEM ones were a little sketchy, Stay tuned!
https://vibrantperformance.com/catal...942159f2c50942
The following users liked this post:
lexicon72 (05-10-21)
#41
Tech Info Resource
iTrader: (2)
Believe me, you're going to love the way the diff works. It really makes a dramatic difference, far beyond what I anticipated.
#42
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Nice build, just to clarify, vibrant exhaust gaskets seems to be part # 1457
https://vibrantperformance.com/catal...942159f2c50942
https://vibrantperformance.com/catal...942159f2c50942
#44
Intermediate
Thread Starter
You aren't kidding! Just goofing around on the street and the rear end loves to slide even on 200tw tires. Never had that before. Now I see why drifter like this setup. I agree that I will have to re-learn the car's behavior on track. I can't wait.
Last edited by lexicon72; 06-03-21 at 01:56 PM.
#45
Intermediate
iTrader: (1)
@lexicon72 Regarding your comment above "The extra tire width on the front helps to reduce the natural understeer of the car."
Did you notice the extra tire width in front also helps with turn-in response and braking distance specifically?
I have not tracked the car yet, and in aggressive canyon driving I try to keep it conservative with (mostly) straight-line braking and smooth brake, turn-in, power-out transitions. With relatively new Michelin A/S3's in OEM sizes on OEM wheels, the front end squirms a bit on brake/turn-in the transitions, especially if I need to brake or adjust my line mid-corner while under lateral load. I probably would not have noticed on the OEM suspension, but with double the front spring it just seems like the front is under-tired. This is probably a "captain obvious" comment from someone new to RWD, but it seems like the OEM setup with 225mm Front section width was selected to wash out the front end near the limit. (I am more accustomed to FWD cars that are set up to retain front grip but are super soft in the rear so they just will not rotate under lateral load.) Interested to hear your impressions if you care to expand upon the "natural understeer" comment above.
Did you notice the extra tire width in front also helps with turn-in response and braking distance specifically?
I have not tracked the car yet, and in aggressive canyon driving I try to keep it conservative with (mostly) straight-line braking and smooth brake, turn-in, power-out transitions. With relatively new Michelin A/S3's in OEM sizes on OEM wheels, the front end squirms a bit on brake/turn-in the transitions, especially if I need to brake or adjust my line mid-corner while under lateral load. I probably would not have noticed on the OEM suspension, but with double the front spring it just seems like the front is under-tired. This is probably a "captain obvious" comment from someone new to RWD, but it seems like the OEM setup with 225mm Front section width was selected to wash out the front end near the limit. (I am more accustomed to FWD cars that are set up to retain front grip but are super soft in the rear so they just will not rotate under lateral load.) Interested to hear your impressions if you care to expand upon the "natural understeer" comment above.