I guess we need to find a place who's willing to do GB for a light flywheel......

 

I'm in the process of ordering a 2009 IS250 manual, and thinking about the F-sport clutch and short throw shift kit. After reading this thread, I'm thinking a lightweight flywheel might be just what the doctor ordered, especially while they're down there installing the clutch anywho.

Any ideas on who makes lightweight flywheels for this car?

 

Ha, I just saw this thread. I'm pushing almost to 70K on the miles and I'm doing ok. The shifts are not the smoothest like Honda's but driving at a leisurely pace works fine. I try hard accelerations and I find that the shifts are smoother at higher RPMs (around 5500). I have short shifter kit that I recommend to anyone who has a MT. It smooths out the shifts a bit, especially in the lower gears. I don't have the F-Sport clutch, but if I ever wear out this one I will get it.

The transmission doesn't like to be hurried. I sit in neutral on flat surfaces and occasionally sit on the clutch if there's a slight incline (I know it's not good but I just have this thing against using the brakes). I never ride my clutch while moving. One thing I noticed is that anything less than 1500 RPM while moving from a stop in first gear will cause shuddering unless moving extremely slowly.

 

Whomever told you your warranty covers the clutch?

Anways... I have an f sport clutch... it does not fix the shudder. If anything it makes the car more difficult to drive as it grips the flywheel "faster" , which can induce a shudder frenzy.

It seems I either have to now take off slower, ride the clutch longer, or rev-higher and let the clutch out faster, causing some minor wheel spin. None of which are ideal.

Not to say the f sport clutch is bad. Just saying the engineering in the manual transmission is shoddy and below what should be Lexus standards. I still love my car though.

 

9k and still running strong. Occasional "jar of marbles" sound and slightly tough to go from 1st to 2nd. I still love the car but it does lack power.

 

Man i just got my 2008 IS 250 I didn't realize people were having problems with the manual. I have 165 miles on it and I thought i notice a noise during first gear. Its slight so I thought it was normal, I also had a similar noise when I use to drive a 350z but that was real loud.

 

I think a light flywheel should fix the problem....but who's whiiling to make one for the IS ?????

 

49,000 miles still running strong without any problems.. =)

 

I am at 21K miles without any problems. I'm thinking of getting the quick shifter. for those of you who have it, is it worth the money? also how much did you pay for labor to install them at the dealer or at the mechanic?

 

Mine is brand new. I want to install the quick shifter. I see the part on-line for about $219 plus taxes of about $18. Anyone know of a less expensive source?
A mechanic at a local Lexus dealership has a 250 and he installed the quick shifter about a year ago and loves it. I understand that it doesn't do anything for performance, just a matter of improved feel.
The mechanic says that when he gets in a customer's manual 250 it feels "mushy" by comparison.
Jack

PS - It's beginning to sound like the cheesy tranny wants to be 'double-clutched'.

 

For those thinking of going to a different (non Toyota) flywheel, I would think that they would not warranty tranny problems after this modification . . .

 

yes, yes, and yes...it's worth every penny

sewell was having a GB for $180 a while ago....

I had it done with my mechanic friend.

 

For those looking at the quick shifter, just remember that Lexus dealerships (at least the two in my area, Magnussen's and Stevens Creek) are offering F-Sport parts at cost + 10%. Now's the best time to get them! George @ Lexus of Stevens Creek is a pleasure to work with.

Also, I wanted to point out something that helped my shifting to be smoother from 1st to 2nd. I found that when I was shifting, I was pulling a little to the left when I was moving into 2nd. This would cause the shifter to get caught at the notch that goes to R. Pulling straight down instead of slightly biased to the left helps make a smoother transition. Just thought I'd throw that out there.