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Lexus IS: Body Modifications

Body modifications enhance the look of the Lexus IS tremendously. Here are some of the most popular body modifications for the Lexus.

By James Karuga - November 17, 2014

This article applies to the Lexus IS (2005-2013).

If the current look of your Lexus IS lacks desirable visual appeal, there are various body modifications that can improve its look. These modifications cover the side, rear, front, exhaust, and the grille. This guide explores each modification option listed, the do-it-yourself versus professional costs of modifying, and the skill level needed for each. Modifications on the skirt, front/rear lip, exhaust tips, and grille are minor modifications and don’t require local authorities approval, as they don’t interfere with the Lexus IS' safety. However, if you suspect the Lexus IS' safety can be interfered with by a certain modification, consult the local motoring authority for advice.

Skirts

Figure 1. An Aerosport skirt.

DIY Cost – $160-$730 (Skirt cost price)
Professional Cost – over $1,000
Skill Level – Easy

The skirt is the lower part of the body on the vehicle's side. The modifications with ground effect kits make the vehicle seem closer to the ground and add a speedy feel to it. With a Phillips screwdriver, socket, and a wrench, you can remove your Lexus IS default skirt and install a new one. This means you only incur the cost of acquiring new skirts, whose price ranges from $160 to $730. If the new skirt installation is done at a garage with labor included, the price can be over $1,000. However, with right tools and adequate information, skirt installation is fairly simple and you can do it yourself. Besides the visual appeal, side skirts reduce drag and can help you get an extra 0.2 miles per gallon.

Exhaust Tips

Figure 2. Exhaust tips on an IS.

DIY Cost – $150 (Tip cost price)
Professional Cost – $250 (Labor and tips cost)
Skill Level – Easy

Many Lexus IS owners prefer stainless aftermarket exhaust tips from Sewell parts or Carid. These tip modifications deliver different sounds and aerate the cylinders better than stocks. Good aftermarket exhausts add 3 to 12 extra engine horsepower according to many Lexus owners and experts. Most tips cost less than $150 and installing them is quite simple. However, when exhaust tips are fixed at a garage, it may cost at most $100 since it’s a cut and weld job. Since it's not as complex as replacing an entire exhaust system, it's better to learn how to replace tips and do it yourself if you have equipment. Still, there are tips you slip on your default exhaust tip and you are good to go. Prying out the stock tip is a twist and pull job, but a WD-40 spray makes the process much easier.

Front Lip/Rear Lip

Figure 3. IS with front lip mod.

DIY Cost – $100-$150
Professional Cost – $1,000
Skill Level – Moderate

Front lips are mounted on the front of the vehicle below the bumper or in its place. They serve to reduce amounts of air flowing under the car. That front lip benefits the car by reducing drag, which enables the vehicle to travel at higher speeds, since the air is forced to the Lexus IS' side or top. Installing front and rear lips requires a dremel, power drill, sandpaper, sockets, wrenches, and flathead and Phillips screwdrivers. Both tasks are arduous for a novice and require a moderate skill level. But doing it yourself for front and rear lips costs from $100 to $150. However, if both are modified at a garage, the cost can be over $1,000.

Grilles

Figure 4. IS with a modified grille.

DIY Cost - Grille cost
Professional Cost - $100 or less in labor
Skill Level - Easy

The grille assembly protects the engine and radiator from debris like road and allows air to flow in and cool the engine. If well maintained, the grill remains visually appealing to the eyes, making the Lexus IS look sportier. Depending on the type, grills can cost from $3 at CARid to $1,500. Fixing an upgrade grille modification on your Lexus IS front assembly is simple. The basic tools required are a rubber mallet and a flathead screwdriver. If done at a garage, replacing a grille can cost around $100 or less in labor. However, most Lexus IS owners prefer to do it themselves.

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