Rotrex Supercharged IS350 Rests on Air
It's easy to dismiss this Lexus IS350 as just another bagged and stanced sedan, but there's way more to the story than that.
Truly Rare
Rare is obviously a subjective word. But we can say, without a shadow of a doubt, that this particular Lexus IS350, featured over at Lower Standards, is rare. Not because of production numbers, mind you, but one particular upgrade that lies under the hood.
Photos: Woodrow Adams
One of Three
That particular piece of equipment is a Rotrex supercharger, which makes this particular IS350 one of just three in the entire world equipped with that particular part. Apparently, the car's owner, Stew Smith, knows this because his machinist is the one behind the kit's adaptation to the model.
Photos: Woodrow Adams
>>Join the conversation about this Rotrex Supercharged IS350 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Many Limitations
The 2nd-gen IS is notoriously difficult to add some boost to, which is the main reason you don't see more of them. But this particular car gained an impressive 100 wheel horsepower despite its many limitations, which includes an ECU that's reportedly uncrackable.
Photos: Woodrow Adams
>>Join the conversation about this Rotrex Supercharged IS350 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Balls to the Walls
According to the owner, we can thank one man and his fabrication skills for pulling off this difficult feat. "Justin Walls out at Balls to the Walls Hardcore Fabrication in Grove City, OH has been extremely instrumental to the build," Smith explained.
"He’s taken many random days of his time to modify and machine countless custom bits, either from scratch or through modification of an existing aftermarket part."
Photos: Woodrow Adams
>>Join the conversation about this Rotrex Supercharged IS350 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
Direct Line
Of course, that fancy rare blower is only one piece of the puzzle that makes this IS so cool. Smith also added an Airlift Autopilot V2 air suspension and some serious stance to his ride. To the point where he worked directly with Forgeline Motorsports to develop the wheels, you see before you.
Photos: Woodrow Adams
>>Join the conversation about this Rotrex Supercharged IS350 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
To the Extreme
"Dave Schardt, the owner over at Forgeline is the coolest dude on the planet," Smith told Lower Standards. "He personally measured out my wheel specs and didn’t bat an eyelid when I asked him to make those 40-50mm more aggressive than what he had dialed up. I’ll never forget when every employee of the family-owned and operated business was standing around watching my car come down off of the lift. Their eyes were wide, strained on the stretched tires and 8 degrees of negative camber. I think they were betting on if I’d get home in one piece!"
Photos: Woodrow Adams
>>Join the conversation about this Rotrex Supercharged IS350 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
D.I.Y.
Despite those extreme specs, this IS is certainly no garage queen. In fact, Smith uses it as his daily driver. He's also done approximately 90% of the work on the car himself, at home, in his own garage. This, despite the fact that he has no prior experience working on cars.
Photos: Woodrow Adams
>>Join the conversation about this Rotrex Supercharged IS350 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
One-of-One
So if you were looking for a little bit of inspiration for your own project, this IS is a great start. We all aspire to make our own rides unique, but Smith has truly built something that he can say is a one-of-one. And cars don't get any more unique than that!
Photos: Woodrow Adams
>>Join the conversation about this Rotrex Supercharged IS350 right here in the Club Lexus Forum!
For help with the service of your car, check out the how-to section of ClubLexus.com