Hey guys,

I went to take the IS for a test drive a couple weekends ago (I'm on the list for a 2002 5-speed!) and the dealer was telling me about a turbo kit that TRD offers for $3000 that puts the IS at over 300hp without voiding the warranty. Does anyone else have any information on this at all? This is the direction I want to go with my IS, so if I can do it and keep the warranty I will.

 

well yes we have all heard RUMORS about it, but unfortunately there is no SC in Production from our good friends at TRD YEt..... it wil be some time until that happends.

The 300 hp number they give you is respectable but those are numbers at the motor most likely, not at the wheels.
there are a few of us who are waiting and werkin on Forced Induction setups on our cars as we speak, and a few lucky ones who have it done already.

The power numbers vary from 330 RWHP(rear wheel horse power) to well over 600rwhp plus nitrous.

 

I am also considering a 5speed IS, have you done much research on turbo vs. supercharger? I've not heard of a TRD turbo kit but I talked to a Toyota specialist dealer who said there is a TRD supercharger kit under development with an expected completion in the Fall. The horsepower #'s seem to be higher for turbo kits, I've seen one company with a 500hp kit for the IS. I've heard that SRT's supercharger kits are rated at 85, 135, and 185hp gains. I'd sure love a 350hp, warranteed IS300 either way. Good luck, let us know how you make out.

Dave

 

The gains for the SRT supercharger will somewhere in that area, except for stage 4, stage 4 can be as extreme as you want it.... I am using a stage 4 kit and going to be makin 500 rwhp.

 

I haven't done much research on turbocharging an IS yet. I came over from the Honda tuning scene, after trying to make a '94 Accord fast. Planned an H23A powerplant from a Prelude, overbored .20 with 8.5CR pistons, A custom-built Turbonetics T4 turbo that I designed myself, running 15psi street, 22psi track. Aiming for close to 400hp and low 13's at the 1/4 mile track. Unfortunately, I sucked water into the cold air intake and hydrolocked the engine, throwing a rod through the block. Dead car. So I'm replacing the engine and trading it for an IS300.

I chose turbo over super for various reasons; superchargers for the 4bangers didn't make the power that turbos did, and it was relatively unadjustable.

I'm researching what's available right now, and if TRD produces one, then I'm definitely going on board. Turbo w/o voiding warranty is a nice deal.

 

TRD will not be makin a turbo, SC maybe but not a turbo for our cars..

 

You sure? I called Steve Ganz at Carson Toyota and asked about it... one of his coworkers asked him then called me back, saying that Steve would be finding something out for sure in the next couple weeks, and he'll get back to me.

 

I am sure TRD won't be doing a turbo for the IS . If anything it will be a super charger . Look at what they got out so far for camry's and old landcruiser . A s/c , not turbo.

Last time i talked to Steve he said S/C as well . Never even heard of the word turbo in our conversations.

 

I had spoken with TRD a few months ago right after we purchased our IS, the response then was that TRD was testing a supercharger kit similar to the ones used on the V6 Camry's and Toyota pickups. They had then indicated that it should be ready for market by the end of summer.

Last week I contacted them by phone again, and the feeling there was that it would not be available until 2002 some time. The tech that I spoke with said that they had a working prototype, and that it was undergoing testing. I would assume that means that they are ******* the heck out of an inline 6 engine somewhere, trying to destroy it by any means that your average idiot could dream up.

I believe that from a manufacturer's standpoint, there is much more to consider when making these types of items available than what is necessary for the aftermarket tuner. They are testing emissions, longevity, etc., assuming that the person that buys it is _not_ always going to remember to use 92 octane+, and that they _won't_ be changing their oil every 3000 miles, and so on.

The other TRD superchargers work well, and there are ways of increasing the power that they will put out, and they don't get you odd looks and such if you are leasing the vehicle. I'm betting that this latest version will be just as sweet, and am willing to wait a few more months so that I can enjoy the warranty protection (plus I live in Minnesota, so we'll be encased in ice in a few weeks .

Dealer

PS I have heard rumors of a TRD turbo kit as well... for the Toyota MR Spyder. Makes sense as well. Look inside the engine bay of one and there is tons of room behind the engine (the back end of the car) for a turbo, but nil on the pulley side of the engine...

 

I can state for a FACT that TRD will not make a turbo for the IS 300. They will be making a SC for it and right now the hpower they are making with the prototype is 286 at the wheel. The release date is not determined yet but will be mid 2002. If anyone would like to take a look at one that has the prototype in it right now it is in Pikes Peak at the lexus show up there. Just look for the pace car.!!

 

286hp at the wheel is pretty strong, 350hp+ at the engine. Do you know any specifics like boost, intercooler?

Thanks.