Lexus IS/GS: Exhaust System Reviews
Luxury is the Lexus' strength, but a upgraded exhaust will give you comfortable coupe a bit more bite.
This article applies to the Lexus IS 250 and IS 350 and the GS (2004-2013)
Exhaust systems can really compliment the throttle response and performance of any vehicle. A good performance exhaust system will allow spent fuel to expel from the combustion chambers more efficiently. This frees up torque and horsepower from the engine. As an added bonus, there is a significant change to the exhaust note, giving it a more aggressive tone. Below are some of the more popular exhaust options in the Club Lexus community. By their nature, aftermarket exhausts won't add a noticeable amount of power by themselves. Cat back exhausts make other engine upgrades more effective by freeing up exhaust flow. Axle-back exhausts are less performance-oriented, but they'll make your Lexus sound as mean as anything else on the road.
Exhaust Systems
 |
Tanabe Medalion Touring |
HKS Hi-Power |
LMS |
Megan Racing |
Borla |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $690 | $750 | $1,200 | $950 | $1,199 |
| Noise Level | Moderate | Loud | Moderate/Loud | Moderate | Loud |
| Type | Axle back | Axle back | Cat back | Cat back | Cat back |
| Warranty | 1 year | Extended 4 year | None | 1 year | Manufacturer |
Best Quality: Tanabe Medalion Touring
Best Value: Megan Racing
Tanabe
Price - $690
Noise Level - Moderate
Type - Axle back
Warranty - 1 year from purchase date
Forum members elect this exhaust as the best combination for a perfect fit and great sound. There are also mentions of this exhaust system attributing to significant performance gains on the track. They're easily the most popular exhaust system for the second generation of Lexus IS 250. Recommended if you want a no hassle, affordable exhaust system.
HKS Hi-Power
Price - $750
Noise Level - Loudest of the 6 available options
Type - Axle back
Warranty - Extended 4 year
The HKS Hi-Power exhaust is likely the loudest of different exhaust systems reviewed here. Drivers in the Lexus community report no real gains over stock. If owners are looking for something subtle but with a mild increase in power, this is not recommended. Recommended if you want a considerably louder Lexus.
LMS
Price - $1,200
Noise Level - Moderate/Loud
Type - Cat back
Warranty - None
Luxury Motorworks (LMS) exhausts are well regarded for their added horsepower and torque. The fit is good, but requires some modification and tweaking to align the exit pipes. The setup is not SMOG legal in some states due to the rear catalytic converters being removed. Finding a place to purchase this exhaust might be a little difficult as well, considering that LMS' storefront web page is no longer up. Still, you should be able to get it if you contact them directly or buy it from someone on the forums. Recommended if you want and exhaust with real performance gains and great sound.
Megan Racing
Price - $950
Noise Level - Moderate
Type - Cat back
Warranty - 1 year
The exhaust tone of the Megan Racing system is moderate with a nice "growl" at idle. The fitment is good with no reported need to modify anything for alignment. For the price, it compares well to other cat back systems. You should feel an extra bump in power from this unit as well. Recommended if you want a great sounding cat back exhaust at a low price.
Borla
Price - $1,199
Noise Level - Loud
Type - Cat back
Warranty - Manufacturer
Borla's cat back exhaust for the IS 250 and IS 350 are not well-liked due to fitment issues. Many complain that the piping hangs far too low. They sound very similar to Magnaflow's exhaust system. They are lighter than the stock exhaust, however. Borla typically has good exhaust systems, but their offering for the Lexus IS is lacking. Recommended if you don't mind scraping your exhaust over speed bumps.
Related Discussions
- Club Lexus: Official Exhaust Thread - ClubLexus.com
- LMS Exhaust Review - ClubLexus.com
- Megan Exhaust Horsepower Gains - ClubLexus.com
- Video: Lexus IS 350: Megan Exhaust - ClubLexus.com
