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Lexus 3IS: Aftermarket Exhaust Modifications

If you are looking for a way to make your third generation Lexus IS a bit more feisty, read on.

By Pizzaman711 - January 14, 2015

This article applies to the Lexus IS (2014-2015)

Changing the exhaust is the most effective way to change the sound of your new Lexus IS. Depending on the system, some horsepower and torque power gains will be small due to the lack of tuning support on these cars. When purchasing a new exhaust, the most important consideration is to listen to it first. Even if it has ugly exhaust tips, choose the one that sounds best to your ears. Tips can be changed, but it's a lot harder to alter the sound of something you don't like.

Performance Exhaust Comparison
F Sport Factory Exhaust
Magnaflow Axle Back
ARK Performance Exhaust
HKS Hi-Power
Invidia Mid-Pipe
Joe Z Exhaust
Price

$900-2,000

$1,300

$1,700

$700

$400

$1,600
Style

Axle back

Axle back

Cat back

Cat back

Mid-pipe

Cat back
Install Type

Modification needed

Bolt-on

Bolt-on

Bolt-on

Bolt-on

Bolt-on
Tip Style

Single

Single

Single

Single

N/A

Single

F Sport Factory Exhaust

Price - $900-2,000

Style - Axle back with single tips

Install Type - Modification needed

Due to its notable sound and its clean styling, this exhaust is a favorite pick. The sound is as close to a V8 as you can get with minimal drone inside the cabin. Since this exhaust comes on an F Sport trim Lexus, there might be used exhausts for a bit cheaper than a new one. Lexus IS models built before 2013 will have to be modified in order to accept an F Sport exhaust.

Featured Video: Lexus IS 350 F Sport Exhaust Under Full Acceleration

Magnaflow Axle Back

Price - $1,300

Style - Axle back with single tips

Install Type - Bolt-on

The Magnaflow axle back is very similar to the F Sport factory exhaust. The two look and sound very similar. The Magnaflow is the perfect substitute for those who want the F Sport sound and look, but in a bolt-on package. Install time is approximately 1-2 hours with the proper tools and work area to get under the car, so this is a good choice for the weekend warrior.

Featured Video: Lexus IS 250 F Sport Magnaflow Exhaust Rev

ARK Performance Exhaust

Price - $1,700

Style - Cat back with single tips

Install Type - Bolt-on

This exhaust is one of the loudest on our list, but it's also best sounding. The sound has the capability to set off your neighbors' car alarms on cold starts. Depending on where you live and how much you like your neighbors, the ARK system might be the right choice. This exhaust is "cat back," which means it replaces everything from the catalytic converter and back, allowing for the greatest power gain and the most noise change. Recommended for anyone looking for a loud, but good sounding system.

Featured Video: ARK Performance 2014 IS 350 Grip Exhaust

HKS Hi-Power

Price - $700

Style - Cat back with single tips

Install Type - Bolt-on

HKS makes the perfect kit for those on a budget, but still want to improve the sound of their car. The sound is louder and higher pitched than the Magnaflow or the ARK Performance kit. From a sound standpoint, it's about the same as the L-Tuned exhaust or a TRD axle back. The key difference is this one is readily available in the U.S. market.

Featured Video: Lexus IS 350 HKS Custom Exhaust

Invidia Mid-Pipe

Price - $400

Style - Mid-pipe

Install Type - Bolt-on

From the catalytic converter to the start of the axle back exhaust, the Invidia Mid-pipe kit replaces everything your cat back doesn't. This system can be used with your axle back kit to give it the finishing touch, or it can be used with your factory setup to drop some weight and help remove the restrictions. This will replace the factory x/h-pipe contraption, which will really open up the exhaust. The sound will be louder than factory, but not as much as you'd get when swapping mufflers as well.

Joe Z Exhaust

Price - $1,600

Style - Cat back with single tip

Install Type -Bolt-on

Similar to the ARK Performance kit, the Joe Z cat back will replace the majority of your exhaust system to give it the biggest performance gain and sound change. Like the ARK Performance, this kit has a very pleasing exhaust note, but it is toned down enough to avoid setting off car alarms every morning. The quality of this kit is amazing with beautiful bends and welds.

Featured Video: Aftermarket Exhaust Modifications for Lexus 3IS

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