IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

Handling & road feel -- 2IS vs 3-series, G35/37, 1IS

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Old 11-24-08, 08:57 AM
  #16  
IS-SV
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Originally Posted by FiveOhNine
Same here. My '07's steering is crap. If I could improve it without swapping out the entire suspension system, I would.
Isn't the power steering electric?
Old 11-24-08, 09:49 AM
  #17  
nabbun
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i'm not sure about everyone else but I'm not talking so much about steering feel as much as increased handling.

the steering feel on my 07 awd is nice.

it could be better tho.

and it definitely be better if it really wants to beat the 3 series
Old 11-24-08, 09:53 AM
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FiveOhNine
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Originally Posted by IS-SV
Isn't the power steering electric?
Yep, all electric. An upgraded power steering ECU would help a lot, but no one seems to be working on one.
Old 11-24-08, 10:08 AM
  #19  
Feirax
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Originally Posted by FiveOhNine
Yep, all electric. An upgraded power steering ECU would help a lot, but no one seems to be working on one.
I've test driven various IS models, 250, 250AWD, 350 for the 07/08 model years and the steering felt better on "my" 07 350, where as the others felt over-boosted. I was going to ask the dealer if something is wrong with my car but wouldn't want them to -fix- it. I did notice the other cars were wearing michelin pilots. Anyone else experienced something similar? There is some feedback from the front wheels on the IS but it's muted pretty well, honda accords feel way better. I've driven the G/335/A4 back to back with the IS but can't remember specifics of the steering. The lexus handles better than the now previous gen...A4.
Old 11-24-08, 10:36 AM
  #20  
Copper_Hed
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I love my 07 IS 250, factory 18's.
Sticks to the ground like magic. Up and down mountain passes with no drama. 45 mph no brake turns around corners in the city for giggles. Absolutely no complaints from me.
Old 11-24-08, 11:10 AM
  #21  
IS-SV
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Originally Posted by Feirax
I've test driven various IS models, 250, 250AWD, 350 for the 07/08 model years and the steering felt better on "my" 07 350, where as the others felt over-boosted. I was going to ask the dealer if something is wrong with my car but wouldn't want them to -fix- it. I did notice the other cars were wearing michelin pilots. Anyone else experienced something similar? There is some feedback from the front wheels on the IS but it's muted pretty well, honda accords feel way better. I've driven the G/335/A4 back to back with the IS but can't remember specifics of the steering. The lexus handles better than the now previous gen...A4.
17's or 18's on your IS350?
Old 11-24-08, 11:34 AM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by IS-SV650
17's or 18's on your IS350?
Stock 18s
Old 11-25-08, 10:09 AM
  #23  
shinbrianj
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I used to have a 3 series with sports suspension and I miss it a lot, my sister had a modded g35 coupe and it was nice but I still like the 3 series handling a lot better. I would rate the 2IS the worst of the bunch, but on the point on luxury its #1.
Old 11-28-08, 06:06 AM
  #24  
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OK, so now let me ask this... You think it would be better to do aftermarket front/rear sway bars and stiffer springs rather than an X/Sport package?

I don't like being locked into the 3-colors on a 2IS250 x-pkg anyway.
Old 11-28-08, 06:36 AM
  #25  
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get urself the RWD IS 250 and get coilovers. problemo solved.

also, Rear Sway Bar is Mandatory. I swear by it.
Old 11-28-08, 09:07 AM
  #26  
Kurtz
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Originally Posted by knox_sport
OK, so now let me ask this... You think it would be better to do aftermarket front/rear sway bars and stiffer springs rather than an X/Sport package?

I don't like being locked into the 3-colors on a 2IS250 x-pkg anyway.
Sport package lets you pick any color you want, plus get the nice lux features. If your major concern is performance you should be buying a 350 anyway :P

The sport package shocks are linear, most of the aftermarket ones are progressive... Linear > progressive for performance if you wanna drive at the bleeding edge.

Perfect setup IMHO is stock sport suspension with the F-sport sways added

Adjustable coilovers (the stock setup is already coilovers after all, just not adjustable) are great, but most people don't ever adjust them, and half the ones that do have no idea what they're doing when they do adjust them, they just assume lower automatically means better and that's not true.
Old 11-28-08, 03:32 PM
  #27  
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Originally Posted by Kurtz
Sport package lets you pick any color you want, plus get the nice lux features. If your major concern is performance you should be buying a 350 anyway :P

The sport package shocks are linear, most of the aftermarket ones are progressive... Linear > progressive for performance if you wanna drive at the bleeding edge.

Perfect setup IMHO is stock sport suspension with the F-sport sways added

Adjustable coilovers (the stock setup is already coilovers after all, just not adjustable) are great, but most people don't ever adjust them, and half the ones that do have no idea what they're doing when they do adjust them, they just assume lower automatically means better and that's not true.
I agree, I'm in no rush to change my Sport suspension as delivered in my IS350. I might consider 19's later. Maybe I should start a thread "show me your 19's on your IS with stock Sport suspension"
Old 12-01-08, 01:19 AM
  #28  
crazybuggy
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i would imagine bimmers havin great handling, thass whot theyre known for
Old 12-01-08, 01:38 PM
  #29  
shadow191
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I really can't rate it on a scale, but having driven an '06 G35 sedan on Z springs, I'd say it feels better than my IS350. The steering is more responsive and the car rolls less. The reduced body rolll is likely because of the springs, but the steering feel is just better. I would also say that the 1IS is more responsive. I have an '06 and the steering just feels a little light and the body rolls a bit. We'll see if that changes once I lower it. In terms of handling, it keeps up with the G35, but just doesn't feel as precise doing it. I do have 20's on the car, but that didn't affect the body roll or steering, it felt this way with stock 18"s.

This sounds funny, but what I really miss is my old '97 Maxima. Don't laugh. I had 19x9 wheels with 255 tires on it. On top of that, I had coilovers, sway bars, strut bars, upgraded bushings, etc. With an aftermarket Momo steering wheel, the responsiveness of that setup was crazy. The big tires actually made the steering heavier and the smaller diameter steering wheel was great. Of course it was only great on smooth roads as anything rough would just be punishing and the suspension was so stiff that the car would get sketchy. Plus I had a big turbo so it was unpredictable in corners; nothing like hitting full boost halfway through a turn. But if I could just get near the responsiveness in that car with the 2IS, I'd be happy.

Originally Posted by knox_sport
Looking for some opinions here...

This scale I've come up with may be a bad one, but humor me please.

[ -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 ]

If a standard tuned 2IS is a 0
And a standard Camry is a -3

Where do you think the following cars fall on the scale as far as:
* Tightness of handling
* Steering feel/feedback

1.) 2IS with Sport/X-pkg
2.) 3-series (325/335)
3.) G35/G37
4.) 1IS

Explanations welcome. Thanks!
Old 12-03-08, 05:45 AM
  #30  
panda327
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is it true.. that the f-sport sway bars doesn't work on the 09 IS?
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