GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Not just that, but variable adjustments will never be as accurate even if you get the **** to the same spot. There is a reason why whenever you work with something that has infinite variable control, you cannot assume the position it is at is exactly what it says.

Even though I don't worship damper *****, I wish Tokico used clickers instead.

flipside909

MSRP is $900. But a set can be had for a lot less. Check out some of the popular online retailers for pricing.

There are some pros and cons to monotube and twin tube. Twin tube is older tech but with monotube designs, they are more modern and allow higher higher pressures, which generally deliver harsher rides. Unfortunately the Monotube oem shock for the ISF is non adjustable so the ride is harsh. My experience runs from a series of setups on my previous cars. Tein, Tanabe, JIC, HKS and of course Tokico & Bilstein. I was thinking really hard to only have the shocks installed, but I was getting sick of the high tire gap of the stock springs. Pro kits are progressive wound. As far as spring rates, i'll have to get back to you on that.


Yeah i'm not too happy about that. I like having detents rather than guessing.

Specs between the regular IS 350 and IS F are not that far off. Since my car spends 99% of the time on the streets, the weight difference between the F is about 250 lbs. Sure it's a difference, but the shock dampening curve for the HTS was engineered to encompass a larger range.

The shocks are in stock at Tokico's main US distribution warehouse in Kentucky. You can use any aftermarket springs with these. You can even use the stock springs. Yes you can utilize the retailer mentioned in my write up.


Trust me, I was hesitant at first, but i'm pretty sure Tokico is not in a position to ruin their rep. They make majority of the OEM shocks for Lexus and Toyota. They even do the suspension for LFA. Their engineers know a thing or two about these cars. Of course Toyota has specific specs for Tokico to build but their aftermarket shocks are very reputable. I've had these shocks on my car for about 7 months now. I've driven them hard a few times. I had it set on full stiff at one time just to try out and I was able to drift out the rear pretty easy. These shocks are designed to run with lowering springs in mind so the added weight and force on these shocks were already considered before putting these shocks on my ISF.


Not to take away from BC, one can opt to buy a budget coilover but i'm more about reputation and long term longevity. Not to say that BC is a bad company, but brand reputation is important for me when it comes to selecting replacement parts for my Lexus. Tokicos history is pretty extensive as BC is a fairly new company from Taiwan. I'm a firm believer that you gotta pay to play.

Honestly I did consider going with coilovers as options for my ISF, but the main reason why I didn't go with them was the fact that I drive a lot of miles. Coilovers are not really a practical option for me as they need to be rebuilt regularly to perform properly. Height adjustment really isn't an issue for me because of all the coilover setups i've owned, i've only adjusted the height once. I've left the same height (after a few adjustments of course) until I pulled them off the car. Of course everyone's needs different but coilovers are overkill for a regular street car. But at the same time 416 hp is also.

True, there are specific suspension setups for specific needs. Most people here are not hardcore racers. And if there are competition racers here, chances are they have a purpose built track car for that. I'm just sharing an option here for those looking for flexibility. You can certainly adjust the settings from a street setup to track. The HTS is Tokico's newest premium offering. The dampening rates encompass a pretty wide range. Taka Ueno runs the HTS Dampers on his AE86 Corolla which he also drifts. This is his suspension of choice. Which Tokicos did you run on your AE86?

IS350atWOT

iTrader: (1)

I'm not sure I would have anyone but the dealer install them. My dealer (Parker Lexus of Little Rock) quoted 720$ labor plus a 99$ alignment to install these shocks. I'm still contemplating having it done. I miss the smoother ride of my IS350.

flipside909

Yeah your best bet would be to find a qualified mechanic to install these. Lexus will charge more because they charge their hours by "book time" per shock and labor rates in the range of $100/hr to $150/hr.

IS350atWOT

iTrader: (1)

How hard is it to make adjustments to the shocks? (do you crawl under the car; need special tools; etc.)

flipside909

The fronts are easy. You pop off the engine covers and twist the **** at the top of the shock tower.

The rears you will need to pull back on the inner quarter trim to access the rear shocks. You can modify the inner trim by cutting a circle or slit to access the top of the shocks.

flipside909

Okay so clarification from Tokico states that the HTS dampers are MONOTUBE design, just like the stock IS F shocks. Correction to be made on my article.

MONOTUBE!

FIGS

iTrader: (11)

that is more like it ^^

UCrazyKid

OK, now that is a big difference.

UCrazyKid

Or, get these for the rear: http://www.good-win-racing.com/mazda...60-1144NC.html
then you only need to make a small incision in the trim to pass through the adjuster one time.

flipside909

It's funny you mention this because Tokico gave me a set of those extenders to install for the rears. I haven't put them on yet but hope to do so when I have some free time.

IS350atWOT

iTrader: (1)

I wonder if you set these shocks to their stiffest setting, would you have faster lap times at the track?

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Probably not. Using compression damping to substitute for inadequate spring rate isn't very effective. Unnecessarily stiff suspensions are usually much slower than overly soft suspensions. You might not like how the soft one feels, but odds are it will be faster and easier to drive fast.

HyperMKIV

iTrader: (1)

actually... it kind of depends on a few things...
the track conditions, the driver's style... to name a few...

i mean, if the track is SUPER smooth then it may work well...

flipside909

That's very true.

It's all about maximum tire patch contact to the ground. Having the most super stiff suspension doesn't mean best handling/fastest track times. Traction/grip is key.