Hi everyone! I'm a new member of Club Lexus, and I'm excited to be a part of this community.
I own a 2018 IS 300 F-Sport, with the 2.0 turbocharged engine. I'm considering either the Apexi or Racechip GTS. I was wondering if anyone has experience with either and any tips on tuning these vehicles.

 

Welcome to the Family!

I can't comment on "RaceChip" as I have never heard of them until now. This is a "tune" though and should add more power. As much power as they claim? I highly doubt it.

Now the APexi Throttle controller. This unit does not add any power whatsoever. It is not a tune. It simply modulates the throttle pedal input. Like on a certain setting, you press your pedal half way down, but the Apexi converts your 50% throttle to 75% throttle, or on the highest setting (red) all it is doing is basically going full throttle as soon as you hit the pedal, which you could do yourself by flooring it quickly. This unit gives the 'feel' of more power because it is just pressing the pedal harder/further than you are with your foot usually. Some people think it's gimmick and worthless, some people like the pedal being more sensitive or being able to adjust it. Just know it's not adding power, just pedal sensitivity.

 

Hard pass on the Racechip...it's the best example of modern day snake-oil you'll find out there.

^^Agreed with above that the Apexi unit improves throttle response, but adds no power.
Think of what the complete opposite of ECO mode (in terms of pedal response) would look like and the Apexi controller is that.

 

For turbo cars, it seems to actually do something...


With an NA V6 like in the IS, not sure what it might do. However, since OP has a turbo, it might be worth investigating.

Here's another related post on it - https://www.clublexus.com/forums/per...ml#post9482766

So we have some opinions from within the community.

 

I have a 350 so I don't have any experience with the turbo models. But there are plenty of threads around with people that have tried the known tuning options from Berger Motorsport, D3 performance, OVTune, etc.

I am also skeptical about racechips. A throttle controller is like putting a piece of 2x4 on your gas pedal. It doesn't make any difference in power, it just gives more throttle relative to your input.

 

It's important to note, "Race Chip" is the brand name and not necessarily equivalent to the product being discussed.

But true, they are two different things. A tuning box or chip will give actual power gain. Throttle controllers are only changing throttle input.

 

I understand that. I am just saying there are a lot of options and some huge threads covering all of them. The racechip option is just another piggyback tune similar to many others available, but know their claims are outright unrealistic. By tricking the ECU with signal manipulation, there can be some gains. But there are real world numbers posted of many of these with real reviews on this site.

 

Isn't racechip no better than a BMS box? Similar products just one is over priced.

 

I had a BMS JB1 on my MK7 Golf GTI and the thing was phenomenal. Was installed on the car when it was brand new and I used it every day, including over 20 track days and 4 heavy winters until 82,000KMs when I sold it to get my IS. Highest recommendation from me. However, turbo cars are incredibly easy to tune with a piggyback. You increase boost in a linear way according to gear and throttle position while keeping all the OEM safety sensors in place and it's generally all good. NA cars, not so much. Way more going on, and way less of a power ceiling to deal with. Diminishing returns hit quickly until you start replacing physical parts.