Build a dream IS???
#31
Lexus Test Driver
Dream IS
My dream IS would start as an IS350 AWD. Lexus could start with the 3.5. lower the compression a bit to around 10:1, add two small turbochargers with 7psi boost. Upgrade to forged internals. Keep the dual VVTI and direct fuel injection. Stock HP would in the 350-375 range, with over 300 wheel HP to all 4 wheels. Keep the AWD system's rear wheel torque bias under dry conditions, perhaps add a race setting, like the EVO stuff. Put 13" brake rotors on it, 18x8" wheels - not into the boyracer gunmetal looking crap. Progressive springs, perhaps the Bilstein shocks. Keep the ride smooth. Perhaps a 1/2" drop. Perhaps most importantly - add the Lexus Direct Shift 8-speed automatic from the IS-F. Keep the aesthetics very simple. NO IS-F B.S. like stacked exhaust tips. The stock IS body is a thing of beauty. Keep it simple. Perhaps most importantly, make the 3.5 bullet proof, make it the next 2JZ legend. People will be modding this thing for the next 20 years.
#33
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (33)
INSANE... TOO much power, felt like it was gonna break loose, and on Wisconsin roads, jumping jacks!!!
With ya Mike... it ROCKED!! Wasn't the S5 (they sold the one I was to drive Wed night) but the A5 was unreal... harder I pushed, better she handled... with the stick, made up some of the HP loss. And if you can drive, losing 89HP off an S5 won't matter!!! Put the biggest smile on of all the cars I've tested!!!
Two S5s coming next month, wasn't buying til then anyway, so I may still get to drive.. otherwise A5 3.2 S-line LOADED is IT for me!!!
With ya Mike... it ROCKED!! Wasn't the S5 (they sold the one I was to drive Wed night) but the A5 was unreal... harder I pushed, better she handled... with the stick, made up some of the HP loss. And if you can drive, losing 89HP off an S5 won't matter!!! Put the biggest smile on of all the cars I've tested!!!
Two S5s coming next month, wasn't buying til then anyway, so I may still get to drive.. otherwise A5 3.2 S-line LOADED is IT for me!!!
you made a good choice
hope you can bring it to a meet. In a few years once I am done with the GS thats where I plan to go again. Happy with the GS but I want something more just as I did with the IS. I do need 4 doors so I would like to pick up the RS4 in the next year or two depending on this market. Wait for the S it will be worth the wait
#34
Lexus Test Driver
I suppose you'd need to bump hp to 350 to make up for the extra useless weight the AWD system would add though :P
#35
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
Useless to me is having 350hp+ and being able to use it only a fraction of the time. Rolling burnouts are fun, but from experience when the zit faced guy in the Scooby in the next lane pulls a car length and a half by 60, you begin to dream about having traction... Clobbering him 60-120 was only partial vindication.
My last car was 500 hp, and I still wouldn't have wanted AWD on it.
AWD (for racing) is awesome on rally cars that race on uneven and unpredictable surfaces... on the street or other paved surfaces it's a lot more often dead weight than it is useful though. The 2IS is already a heavy pig with 2WD.
And as you note, you do catch up to the overly heavy AWD car by 60.
The guy people remember is the one in front at the -end- of the race.
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