E90 M3 -> engaging, truly a drivers car at the limit Lexus ISF -> reliable, lots of torque and better for a daily AMG… no comment, except for bragging rights about power
2011 Lexus ISF for me because it has all of the performance I need and you get the Rock solid Lexus reliability. I can't do the German stuff because of the poor reliability, high service costs and the pain of working on them. Lexus all the way.
@@musoui i beat many corvettes too love the look on their faces when we stop at the next light or when i slow down usually a shocked face with a thumbs up
My bf lets me drive his ISF and this guy is on point when he says that this car goes exactly where you want it to go. It hugs the road and is such a dependable consistent car. I love the sound and is an amazing vehicle to drive.
No, it is not the way the transmission shifts. It's bad RR racing tuning. Take it to Loi or anyone that knows what they're doing regarding the tuning and you'll see how the torque converter doesn't come loose upon shifting. Even bolt on ISFs do that when they have the RR racing tune but on a custom tune by alpha x or Loi for example, there's no slip at all...
RR Racing does NOT tune the transmission. And all Loi can due for the trans is keep the torque converter locked beyond the stock redline. Having said all that, we desperately need a solution to tune and beef up the AA80E
@@stevepietrzyk9639 Even though that's true, they CAN adjust the converter lock up. Hence why after Loi started posting videos of him locking it up, suddenly RR came with a "revision" to fix that issue. Look at prince boodoo's channel where he had his FBO ISF doing the same thing and then after certain time, it stopped doing it and it was because RR came up with a "revision" of the tune.
Loved my ISF, had an 08 and a 12, put 100k between them both, redlined every day, drag raced, autocrossed, took cross country, and nothing ever broke. Amazing daily with low cost of ownership, 2 mods and it runs 11's while still getting up to 29mpg. I avged 20 with 70% highway commute. Few minor suspension tweaks and it handles as well as an M3. I respect the others, but the AMG and M are weekend cars. The F is special in the low key Jekyll Hyde experience it offers.
@@andysnyder9349 full exhaust and good tires. A few people were running high 11’s with these just with headers and exhaust before any tune was available. With the tune now it’s easier, and with better diff and driveshaft mid 11’s are now possible, very difficult, but been done a few times now by 2 cars.
@@Thabed100 for me most it was the color combo, I wanted white on red. But the LSD and suspension is a game changer, car feels more planted and confident in wet and in corners. At autocross it was felt and my coilovers and sway bar helped. The headlights are nicer and pricier, the wheels are nicer and rarer, and little things like BT and nicer interior trim help too. Most 08’s are well modded by now, so it may be a moot point.
Glad to see Clayton’s ISF getting this type of spotlight, he put a lot of work into building it. Also had some great times with him and this car on road courses and the drag strip in my ISF.
I don't think they're underrated- I think people just don't know of their existence as the brand has a stigma for being old people cars. They don't market themselves well at all.
Exactly. The scripted stuff is what top gear did 20 years ago. You guys were on your own in this format. Stay original (and hire a new traffic analytics consultant, for god’s sake)
@@georgemcunty6383I get that you're not a fan of the scripted stuff with more B-roll, but the analysts they hired aren't wrong. Look at the majority of big car channels on UA-cam. Pretty much all of them do that, except for Doug. And his stuff is still scripted. He just doesn't do much B-roll. There's a reason Matt has over a million subscribers but not a lot of actual viewers anymore. And I don't say that to be mean. I love this channel and the podcast. Been watching/listening for years now. But we're definitely the minority. One takes with a GoPro used to be the way all car channels did their stuff a decade ago, but times have changed. If they want to bring in new viewers, offering a more scripted video with B-roll shots is the way to go. Sadly, for Matt and Zack, they have a tough choice in front of them. Either continue with the one takes that are costing them more to make than they're earning or put in more time and money for higher quality videos and hope that it brings in a lot of new viewers and helps earn more money. Not saying it will necessarily work, but one takes clearly aren't working either. They have to try something new if they don't want the UA-cam channel to be a money pit.
@@georgemcunty6383 Your final sentence is certainly valid. And I do agree that I think Matt would prefer to make one takes. He and Zack are just in a tough spot. It's clear that there isn't a huge audience for one takes, but it's also clear that Matt would prefer doing them. And as you say, there are other channels putting out much higher quality videos than The Smoking Tire. So they are certainly in a tough spot. Thankfully the podcast seems to be doing pretty well and I know WCCS is going quite well, so even if UA-cam doesn't make much money, at least they have other forms of income.
9:20 The only two-stage change on the ISF is the stock air box that opens up at 3,600 RPM. A plastic door opens up on the side of the air box. Sport mode does not change the exhaust
I've owned my daily driven IS-F since new in '08 - only mod has been the updated factory '10 LSD. Its not the fastest anymore, but its fun and reliable and you can pry it from my cold dead hands.
@@Norbiouscompared to its german competitors its quite tame in terms of performance and handling is abysmal on stock suspension components. But At least it sounds good.
@@josueramirez8300 yea. I wouldn’t expect much from lexus. I’d choose a m3/m4 over a isf for speed. But i choose isf for looks and sound. I wanna have both isf and f80 m3
Nice build , car sounds amazing . I'm not feeling that tacked on wing but hey not my car. ISF is definitely on my list I just don't want to pay 30k for a 100k mile 09 😅
That's a Lexus V8 'F' car for ya... they really do hold their value amazingly well, even before 'covid inflation'. There are people still tracking 200K-300K mile ISfs. If you dont want to pay 30K for a 100L mile car, like I don't either. Look at a RCF. More power from factory, and it's more like 40-45K for a 50K mile car.
@@BRAINFxck10vented hood is a must with these cars. I don't even see temps over 210° in 90° weather with my novel hood for my isf. Stock hood, I saw 220°+ often.
That is the TRD wing from Japan so I like it more for the fact someone bought one and put it on the car. There is an also a TRD titanium racing exhaust as well which sounds excellent with headers. The car is much better fit to purpose and is a fun representation and example of factory and aftermarket harmony. I like the fucking wing ok? 😂
This car is proof with simple upgrades a car can transform into its ultimate form , better suspension +brakes+ bolt on hp performance leads to perfect form and function, also like how the guy gives information on what parts went into build for other builders
Ever since mat amd zack spoke about why they are doing the ads in the middle of vid/pod rather than at start, i now try and stop myslef from FF thru them...
Nice video, the owner should definitely take a victory lap! Except for the slippy-like sound of the transmission in the upper RPMs, the car sounded amazing! 💪🏽😎 Thanks for posting!
@@iluvtorace4786 it's the transmission. Unfortunately they are at their limit at 650-700hp. It's still going to work because Toyota/Lexus but yea you're really pushing it at that power level
The IS 300 beat the 3 series in a Road and Track comparison. It was the first serious Japanese entry to battle the 3. RWD with an I-6. It wasn’t as fast but wasn’t slow. In addition tons of guys boosted them since it was a 2JZ. Most went turbo and some supercharged. So another person who doesn’t know about the cars he is dissing.
You didn't pay attention. Nobody is talking about base model cars like the 3 series. He was talking about factory performance vehicles (M, AMG, F etc..) which the IS300 IS NOT. So what he said is true. The IS300 is a great chassis to build off of, but it wasn't meant to compete with the big dogs like the F. It was meant to compete with regular base model cars. Facts. Even if you boost the IS300 they are limited to about 400hp becuase it had the vvti 2JZ-GE which has spaghetti noodle rods.
This guy did everything I have always wanted to do to my 2008 but I decided to hold off and finish paying it off so that I can sell it and upgrade it to a 2010 or higher model before I start spending big bucks to make it right like this guy has done. I like BMWs but they are way too unreliable for me to own one again. There are way too many people driving them as well and I want something a little bit more rare. You rarely see IS Fs on the road. I'm constantly getting people coming up to me to admire my 2008 and ask me questions about it when I'm at a gas station or doing errands. I was not expecting that much attention driving an IS F but there are apparently lots of people who really like it. I think you are getting the best of everything with this car except good gas mileage. LOL, But it's so worth it. I never owned a car that I enjoyed driving so much. The exhaust note on it, to me, is just absolute perfection and I personally like the way it looks more than the newer IS models. I bought one of those Grom units that upgrades the entertainment center to make it better than what even the newest IS 500 comes with and all you need to do is connect it to your stock system and it's made all the difference in the world. My only other gripe with my IS F is that I go through tires much quicker than I have on any other car I have ever owned. But that's not the car's fault as much as it is mine for showing off more than I should. IS Fs with Low miles are only going up in price now since they only made about 5k of them in the 6 years they were building them. I really want to get a hold of this guy because I have lots of questions I would love to ask him.
I really missed my ISF, is this worth the $15k in just engine mods? I suppose if you’re an ISF fan the answer is “yes”. Then another $8-9k for suspension and breaks. It’s defiantly unique and checks all the boxes. You’re in close to all in $65k with a good used ISF. My emotions are so back and fourth. I also had a RCF. I love Lexus cars. Had the IS 300, and IS 350, so IS cars are ones I gravitate toward, and that’s not including almost the whole Lexus line up one time or another. I think I’ve been spoiled by my b58 powered cars. The value isn’t there for me, but if I could get an ISF just like this one that’s been dialed in and reliable for $50k, I’d be so tempted.
i think i saw a car like this on facebook a while ago ( maybe this is the car) selling for 50k but im not sure if it was this one. it had the SCISF sticker plate on it too
I owned one didn’t listen to any input before, or after ownership to be quite honest, checked it out myself maintained it enjoy the hell out of it never let me down quickest thing I ever seen come out of Japan, naturally aspirated ass, whooping sedan hats off to the Lexus, ISF, and the people that had a lot to do with it coming to life
I own an RCF and I’d gladly buy an ISF over the Germans. ISF stock still take on modern V8s and there’s plenty of videos on YT to prove it. JLS Systems have probably on of the greatest in existence with Loi tuning. RR SC is cool but Elate/Harrop is finally building a blower for these engines.
'really early'. S2000 and NSX had EPS and everyone loved the feel, especially the NSX, it was dialed in by Senna himself.. yet everyone else seemed to fail at EPS and hardly anyone is aware that two of the best handling sport cars use EPS lol. This thing sounds amazing, you cannot beat a lexus for a daily/luxo/fast car.
I have not (yet) seen this car in the valley. Nice! I'm in a 2008 (43,008 original miles). Just replaced all the door panels (factory defects). Need to find some proper wheels...
My dude…you don’t need to rev the engine EVERY SINGLE time you wanna check your oil. Just check it ONCE when it’s revving and get the oil level perfect. Then immediately check the oil level after turning it off. Just remember where that oil level is and keep it there from now on. That’s literally all you have to do.
Watched the whole episode, and the entire time, I was focused on the upside down passenger seat seat belt pad! ( Which fortunately disappeared at one point!)
Him claiming Lexus having electronic power steering in 08 was really early… Honda had it on the S2000 in ‘99, the Civic Si in ‘02, and Toyota with the Prius in ‘04.
Grrrr.. drowning in my desire to have another ISF just like the 2011 one I used to have. I should've held onto it with all my will, because this thing really gets under your skin... One day I was going 250km/h and it just felt so easy and safe I unconsciously grabbed my phone to film it. I didn't but you get the idea. Oh what a memory and what a car. The want is going through the roof.
Hadn't watched any videos in a while since I'm so far behind on the podcast (been listening to that religiously as I'm trying to catch up haha). Compared to the previous format from a few years ago, I can say this format seems a lot more refreshing to the point where I'll start watching UA-cam more and more. Hopefully views reflect that and leave as good of an impression on others.
Very cool car. Definitely the dream of making the IS exciting. The importance (and complication) of the oil check is funny; an appropriate requirement for an otherwise bulletproof sport sedan.
If Zach ever makes it to Australia I'll throw him the keys to my frankinstein Volvo 242, with a supercharged Lexus LS 400 engine and transmission, it's my ultimate sleeper, other than the deep black colour & Simmons wheels, it's so quiet even when you nail it, Rj in Oz
The GS 400 was the fastest automatic sedan in 1998. The only thing faster was the manual 540 and then M5/E55/XJR a couple of years later. It was a ten best winner multiple times. It was not a 3 series competitor. Do better.
GS460 is barely slower than the current IS500 xD AND the GS is de-tuned, there is easy 50-60hp in tune with stock everything, plus rev limiter. They are basically same platform (slightly longer so they are easier drifters). They are such a slept on car while all the knuckle draggers in my country go for Nissan junk that breaks often. The lexus (GS460 especially) out-classes them in every way and it costs less in every metric (except plug change time and oil volume). Lol.
CLAYTONS 2012 supercharged ISF, Glad its making an appeareance here. the 2012 ISF had a bunch of upgardes stock that by then fixed the suspension and steering feedback/lsd diffential vs the first 08-09 versions.
Not RRs fault necessarily, the engine simply wasn’t designed for boost in mind. That and when people throw boost at 10+ yr old used cars they should never expect the NA ISF reliability. Peeps with boosted Fs will even tell you to start saving up for forged pistons/block work because it’s only a matter of time when; not if, it blows.
I remember running with clayton and alot of other guys from the socal lexus community to the las vegas meet. Super fun cruise. I sold my 2016 gsf Still regret that sale Full ppe el headers and exhaust Made 485whp 403 lb/ft. Bought 2021 charger redeye it was worlds faster than the gsf but it didnt have the character the gsf had.
LSX/LTX > all other V8s- my C5 Z06 w/ only port injection (120 lb Bosch units) w/ A&A blower, dual nozzle meth injection, 1-3/4” ARH headers w/ catless X pipe & corsa extreme axleback, lunati forged crank/rods, BTR stage 2 blower cam, custom cut diamond blower pistons, made 718whp on a stingy mustang dyno. I do imagine this guys losing through the drivetrain than a C5Z w/ manual trans would tho. I do like the shifter swap in this tho- it’s a pretty sick setup tho. I don’t like the sound of throwing the belt that easily tho.
The factory ISF setup uses the rear brakes and wheel speed sensors to limit wheel slip mimicking an LSD without the chatter and maintenance of an LSD. I would love to see the difference between the two. Factory setup is consistently predictable and transitions to "comfort" well.
Which would you rather have and why: A 2011 Lexus ISF, a 2012 C63AMG, or an E90 M3?
E90M3
ISF
e63 AMG
Lexus ISF, Fun and reliable
E90 M3 -> engaging, truly a drivers car at the limit
Lexus ISF -> reliable, lots of torque and better for a daily
AMG… no comment, except for bragging rights about power
2011 Lexus ISF for me because it has all of the performance I need and you get the Rock solid Lexus reliability. I can't do the German stuff because of the poor reliability, high service costs and the pain of working on them. Lexus all the way.
E90m3 6-sp for me.
ive owned my ISF for 13 years now and it still puts a smile on my face 182,000 miles and still strong
@@musoui i beat many corvettes too love the look on their faces when we stop at the next light or when i slow down usually a shocked face with a thumbs up
My bf lets me drive his ISF and this guy is on point when he says that this car goes exactly where you want it to go. It hugs the road and is such a dependable consistent car. I love the sound and is an amazing vehicle to drive.
Love my 09 is250 but within the year i hope to keep that car and buy an isf
@@niagarafallsnewyork3659 I’m looking at a 09 is f rn it’s only got 61k miles
No, it is not the way the transmission shifts. It's bad RR racing tuning. Take it to Loi or anyone that knows what they're doing regarding the tuning and you'll see how the torque converter doesn't come loose upon shifting. Even bolt on ISFs do that when they have the RR racing tune but on a custom tune by alpha x or Loi for example, there's no slip at all...
RR Racing does NOT tune the transmission. And all Loi can due for the trans is keep the torque converter locked beyond the stock redline. Having said all that, we desperately need a solution to tune and beef up the AA80E
@@stevepietrzyk9639 Even though that's true, they CAN adjust the converter lock up. Hence why after Loi started posting videos of him locking it up, suddenly RR came with a "revision" to fix that issue. Look at prince boodoo's channel where he had his FBO ISF doing the same thing and then after certain time, it stopped doing it and it was because RR came up with a "revision" of the tune.
This guy doesn’t sound very mechanically smart, just has a lot of money to throw at shops.
Old format with new school editing and content quality! Let’s hope these get the views they deserve
ZITH! is the Lexus isf
Loved my ISF, had an 08 and a 12, put 100k between them both, redlined every day, drag raced, autocrossed, took cross country, and nothing ever broke. Amazing daily with low cost of ownership, 2 mods and it runs 11's while still getting up to 29mpg. I avged 20 with 70% highway commute. Few minor suspension tweaks and it handles as well as an M3. I respect the others, but the AMG and M are weekend cars. The F is special in the low key Jekyll Hyde experience it offers.
What 2 mods will make them run 11s? Headers n tune?
@@andysnyder9349 full exhaust and good tires. A few people were running high 11’s with these just with headers and exhaust before any tune was available. With the tune now it’s easier, and with better diff and driveshaft mid 11’s are now possible, very difficult, but been done a few times now by 2 cars.
Noticeable difference between the 08 and 12?
@@Thabed100 for me most it was the color combo, I wanted white on red. But the LSD and suspension is a game changer, car feels more planted and confident in wet and in corners. At autocross it was felt and my coilovers and sway bar helped. The headlights are nicer and pricier, the wheels are nicer and rarer, and little things like BT and nicer interior trim help too. Most 08’s are well modded by now, so it may be a moot point.
Lol
You're exaggerating more than just a little bit
Glad to see Clayton’s ISF getting this type of spotlight, he put a lot of work into building it. Also had some great times with him and this car on road courses and the drag strip in my ISF.
That isf is a legend in the F community
Lexus V8's are so underrated.
I don't think they're underrated- I think people just don't know of their existence as the brand has a stigma for being old people cars. They don't market themselves well at all.
Nice to see the old formats again! More please! Looking forward to Matt and Zack in the car together again! (not saying the scripted stuff is bad).
Exactly. The scripted stuff is what top gear did 20 years ago. You guys were on your own in this format. Stay original (and hire a new traffic analytics consultant, for god’s sake)
@georgemcunty6383 it's been out of my algorithm for a year. I totally forgot about this channel, it was a gem
@@georgemcunty6383I get that you're not a fan of the scripted stuff with more B-roll, but the analysts they hired aren't wrong. Look at the majority of big car channels on UA-cam. Pretty much all of them do that, except for Doug. And his stuff is still scripted. He just doesn't do much B-roll.
There's a reason Matt has over a million subscribers but not a lot of actual viewers anymore. And I don't say that to be mean. I love this channel and the podcast. Been watching/listening for years now. But we're definitely the minority. One takes with a GoPro used to be the way all car channels did their stuff a decade ago, but times have changed.
If they want to bring in new viewers, offering a more scripted video with B-roll shots is the way to go. Sadly, for Matt and Zack, they have a tough choice in front of them. Either continue with the one takes that are costing them more to make than they're earning or put in more time and money for higher quality videos and hope that it brings in a lot of new viewers and helps earn more money. Not saying it will necessarily work, but one takes clearly aren't working either. They have to try something new if they don't want the UA-cam channel to be a money pit.
@@georgemcunty6383 Your final sentence is certainly valid. And I do agree that I think Matt would prefer to make one takes.
He and Zack are just in a tough spot. It's clear that there isn't a huge audience for one takes, but it's also clear that Matt would prefer doing them. And as you say, there are other channels putting out much higher quality videos than The Smoking Tire. So they are certainly in a tough spot.
Thankfully the podcast seems to be doing pretty well and I know WCCS is going quite well, so even if UA-cam doesn't make much money, at least they have other forms of income.
Beautiful car too
Clayton put in so much time and money into this F. I am stoked to see it on Smoking Tire!!
This is THE video I’ve been looking forward to for the longest
Bc ya got a Lexus lol
@@jakes.5143 Well yeah haha, I’m a massive Lexus fanboy and the ISF doesn’t get the love it deserves
Figs Engineering makes a TON of parts for Lexus and Toyota sedans. Their selection is top-notch and parts are racetrack proven.
The wing really kills its vibe im sad to say..
Yea the wing is straight dookie
Looks like the Pep Boys special.
Even the hood doesn’t match the car this ain’t a 90’s Civic smh
Y’all have no idea what you’re talking about
@@Sessions1 this isn’t the car you mod, plain fact.
9:20 The only two-stage change on the ISF is the stock air box that opens up at 3,600 RPM. A plastic door opens up on the side of the air box. Sport mode does not change the exhaust
Also doesn't change the suspension
I've owned my daily driven IS-F since new in '08 - only mod has been the updated factory '10 LSD. Its not the fastest anymore, but its fun and reliable and you can pry it from my cold dead hands.
@@musoui 73k miles now.
Happy to see the isf getting spotlight. Neglected by the industry.
So true
Bc it’s trash. I had one for a couple years and it sucked. I’ve had a c63 and now I have an e90 manual m3 and the ISF was the worst by miles.
@@jakes.5143 define “trash”.
@@Norbiouscompared to its german competitors its quite tame in terms of performance and handling is abysmal on stock suspension components. But At least it sounds good.
@@josueramirez8300 yea. I wouldn’t expect much from lexus. I’d choose a m3/m4 over a isf for speed. But i choose isf for looks and sound. I wanna have both isf and f80 m3
Normally not a huge fan of silver sedans but totally digging this one! Kudos to the owner, mods are purposeful and tastefully done.
Love this format. Engaging with the audience and showing what people actually drive. I hope it does well so we can see more.
Painful listening to the owner who really has no idea what he owns. Cool car, but it was 100% shop built. This guy hasnt touches a bolt
1000% correct. And he described some parts wrong on his own car. The previous owner should be getting all the credit .
I’m late to the party, but this is the comment I was looking for. He sounds pretty clueless. Like when he mentioned adaptive suspension… nope!
Finally the correct review on this car.. the previous review a few years ago of the ISF by Matt was “meh” and that car was not properly done.
A Lexus IS F video? Hold on, let me put on my headphones.
Love to see the One Takes. Keep them coming Zack!
The ISF is the most under appreciated sport sedan.
Nice build , car sounds amazing . I'm not feeling that tacked on wing but hey not my car. ISF is definitely on my list I just don't want to pay 30k for a 100k mile 09 😅
That's a Lexus V8 'F' car for ya... they really do hold their value amazingly well, even before 'covid inflation'. There are people still tracking 200K-300K mile ISfs. If you dont want to pay 30K for a 100L mile car, like I don't either. Look at a RCF. More power from factory, and it's more like 40-45K for a 50K mile car.
The wing and the hood gotta go too much rice
You realize the owner tracks it?
@@BRAINFxck10vented hood is a must with these cars. I don't even see temps over 210° in 90° weather with my novel hood for my isf. Stock hood, I saw 220°+ often.
That is the TRD wing from Japan so I like it more for the fact someone bought one and put it on the car. There is an also a TRD titanium racing exhaust as well which sounds excellent with headers. The car is much better fit to purpose and is a fun representation and example of factory and aftermarket harmony. I like the fucking wing ok? 😂
Had a 2012 ISF and I went to the track with the previous owner, that car is sorted! Tastefully done and performs well
This car is proof with simple upgrades a car can transform into its ultimate form , better suspension +brakes+ bolt on hp performance leads to perfect form and function, also like how the guy gives information on what parts went into build for other builders
Yay! Your driving other people's cars again, I was really hoping these would come back!
Gotta love the RR Racing products, especially the supercharger
Thanks Matt for supporting mental health awareness. You are right. Many people cannot get help because they feel stuck.
Ok, I can get behind this kind of video. Something that’s not a rich guy garage trophy.
Reversed manual mode shifter can be easily modified to the correct direction by swapping the 12v wires to the opposite pin location. Ezpz
Swaps wires* *Danger to manifold*
Matt Farah really pulled himself together
Such a well done car. Perfect without being overdone. Really good taste
Seen this car at SoCal cars and coffee before. Cool to see a local ISF get some love.
Did bro just bark at 18:44? 😂💀
One of the best v8s ever built.
Ever since mat amd zack spoke about why they are doing the ads in the middle of vid/pod rather than at start, i now try and stop myslef from FF thru them...
Nice video, the owner should definitely take a victory lap! Except for the slippy-like sound of the transmission in the upper RPMs, the car sounded amazing! 💪🏽😎 Thanks for posting!
I wonder if it's rev hang from the supercharger and not the clutch slipping.
@@iluvtorace4786 Good point! I guess you'd get used to it after awhile.
Needs to put it in sport mode
@@iluvtorace4786 it's the transmission. Unfortunately they are at their limit at 650-700hp. It's still going to work because Toyota/Lexus but yea you're really pushing it at that power level
The IS 300 beat the 3 series in a Road and Track comparison. It was the first serious Japanese entry to battle the 3. RWD with an I-6. It wasn’t as fast but wasn’t slow. In addition tons of guys boosted them since it was a 2JZ. Most went turbo and some supercharged. So another person who doesn’t know about the cars he is dissing.
You didn't pay attention. Nobody is talking about base model cars like the 3 series. He was talking about factory performance vehicles (M, AMG, F etc..) which the IS300 IS NOT. So what he said is true. The IS300 is a great chassis to build off of, but it wasn't meant to compete with the big dogs like the F. It was meant to compete with regular base model cars. Facts.
Even if you boost the IS300 they are limited to about 400hp becuase it had the vvti 2JZ-GE which has spaghetti noodle rods.
3:73 diff this thing would take off
It came down to this or my C6 Corvette. I still love my Vette , but this is so cool too!
This guy did everything I have always wanted to do to my 2008 but I decided to hold off and finish paying it off so that I can sell it and upgrade it to a 2010 or higher model before I start spending big bucks to make it right like this guy has done. I like BMWs but they are way too unreliable for me to own one again. There are way too many people driving them as well and I want something a little bit more rare. You rarely see IS Fs on the road. I'm constantly getting people coming up to me to admire my 2008 and ask me questions about it when I'm at a gas station or doing errands. I was not expecting that much attention driving an IS F but there are apparently lots of people who really like it. I think you are getting the best of everything with this car except good gas mileage. LOL, But it's so worth it. I never owned a car that I enjoyed driving so much. The exhaust note on it, to me, is just absolute perfection and I personally like the way it looks more than the newer IS models. I bought one of those Grom units that upgrades the entertainment center to make it better than what even the newest IS 500 comes with and all you need to do is connect it to your stock system and it's made all the difference in the world. My only other gripe with my IS F is that I go through tires much quicker than I have on any other car I have ever owned. But that's not the car's fault as much as it is mine for showing off more than I should. IS Fs with Low miles are only going up in price now since they only made about 5k of them in the 6 years they were building them. I really want to get a hold of this guy because I have lots of questions I would love to ask him.
Look better with a lil duck bill spoiler. Not into that wing. I love the car tho and nice to hear theres some affordable parts on it
I really missed my ISF, is this worth the $15k in just engine mods? I suppose if you’re an ISF fan the answer is “yes”. Then another $8-9k for suspension and breaks. It’s defiantly unique and checks all the boxes. You’re in close to all in $65k with a good used ISF. My emotions are so back and fourth. I also had a RCF. I love Lexus cars. Had the IS 300, and IS 350, so IS cars are ones I gravitate toward, and that’s not including almost the whole Lexus line up one time or another. I think I’ve been spoiled by my b58 powered cars. The value isn’t there for me, but if I could get an ISF just like this one that’s been dialed in and reliable for $50k, I’d be so tempted.
i think i saw a car like this on facebook a while ago ( maybe this is the car) selling for 50k but im not sure if it was this one. it had the SCISF sticker plate on it too
@@rodneymacli-ing4074 interesting, the owner seemed really content. If I was in the market for a car, this car at $50k might be temping.
reliability and fast, was looking at rc350's but now got me going back to ISF for the better price after upgrading.
get an isf haha
Or get an rcf 😂
Good to see modified cars back on the show 🔥
Nice car, nice build.
I'd only wish for a 6 speed manual and I would be all in.
Can't out shift the .01 on the isf but it'll be good fun to drive a 6spd.
Great Video Zack! Seeing a car’s design issues addressed and then enjoyed was fun
I owned one didn’t listen to any input before, or after ownership to be quite honest, checked it out myself
maintained it enjoy the hell out of it never let me down quickest thing I ever seen come out of Japan, naturally aspirated ass, whooping sedan hats off to the Lexus, ISF, and the people that had a lot to do with it coming to life
Where are the "F" seat belt pads from? Those are really nice.
Did he bark randomly? 😂
Seeing this is from CA, how on earth did you get it to pass smog? Slip a hundo into the tester's pocket?
More like 600 lol The price went way up
@@amgone75dmYeup, last one cost me $550 lol
I own an RCF and I’d gladly buy an ISF over the Germans. ISF stock still take on modern V8s and there’s plenty of videos on YT to prove it. JLS Systems have probably on of the greatest in existence with Loi tuning. RR SC is cool but Elate/Harrop is finally building a blower for these engines.
Great car! With suspension mods definitely can be a nice club racer. Abd very reliable also!
'really early'. S2000 and NSX had EPS and everyone loved the feel, especially the NSX, it was dialed in by Senna himself.. yet everyone else seemed to fail at EPS and hardly anyone is aware that two of the best handling sport cars use EPS lol. This thing sounds amazing, you cannot beat a lexus for a daily/luxo/fast car.
I have not (yet) seen this car in the valley. Nice! I'm in a 2008 (43,008 original miles). Just replaced all the door panels (factory defects). Need to find some proper wheels...
Wow! This is the nicest sounding Lexus IS F I have ever heard.
IS F is a legend..
This
it's crazy how I have actually met steve and saw the isf in person when I bought the f sport intake from him couple years back
My dude…you don’t need to rev the engine EVERY SINGLE time you wanna check your oil. Just check it ONCE when it’s revving and get the oil level perfect. Then immediately check the oil level after turning it off. Just remember where that oil level is and keep it there from now on. That’s literally all you have to do.
Watched the whole episode, and the entire time, I was focused on the upside down passenger seat seat belt pad! ( Which fortunately disappeared at one point!)
That's awesome that you guys are making another F video! Love my RCF!
Him claiming Lexus having electronic power steering in 08 was really early… Honda had it on the S2000 in ‘99, the Civic Si in ‘02, and Toyota with the Prius in ‘04.
That might be one of the best sounding V8s I've ever heard. Wish I could get a ride in that thing
Grrrr.. drowning in my desire to have another ISF just like the 2011 one I used to have. I should've held onto it with all my will, because this thing really gets under your skin... One day I was going 250km/h and it just felt so easy and safe I unconsciously grabbed my phone to film it. I didn't but you get the idea.
Oh what a memory and what a car. The want is going through the roof.
Hadn't watched any videos in a while since I'm so far behind on the podcast (been listening to that religiously as I'm trying to catch up haha). Compared to the previous format from a few years ago, I can say this format seems a lot more refreshing to the point where I'll start watching UA-cam more and more. Hopefully views reflect that and leave as good of an impression on others.
Love to see more viewer modded cars like the old days! Always fun to see unique projects
I would definitely keep this build as sleeper as possible just to upset more modern cars or similar cars
Yay we're back! Except I really dislike the click-baity thumbnail. Hellcat swapped? NOPE
Very cool car. Definitely the dream of making the IS exciting. The importance (and complication) of the oil check is funny; an appropriate requirement for an otherwise bulletproof sport sedan.
I've never heard of having to have someone rev my isF while checking the oil lol. Tripped me out when I heard that.
If Zach ever makes it to Australia I'll throw him the keys to my frankinstein Volvo 242, with a supercharged Lexus LS 400 engine and transmission, it's my ultimate sleeper, other than the deep black colour & Simmons wheels, it's so quiet even when you nail it, Rj in Oz
The GS 400 was the fastest automatic sedan in 1998. The only thing faster was the manual 540 and then M5/E55/XJR a couple of years later. It was a ten best winner multiple times. It was not a 3 series competitor. Do better.
GS460 is barely slower than the current IS500 xD AND the GS is de-tuned, there is easy 50-60hp in tune with stock everything, plus rev limiter. They are basically same platform (slightly longer so they are easier drifters). They are such a slept on car while all the knuckle draggers in my country go for Nissan junk that breaks often. The lexus (GS460 especially) out-classes them in every way and it costs less in every metric (except plug change time and oil volume). Lol.
CLAYTONS 2012 supercharged ISF, Glad its making an appeareance here. the 2012 ISF had a bunch of upgardes stock that by then fixed the suspension and steering feedback/lsd diffential vs the first 08-09 versions.
Im surprised this hasnt exploded yet like all the other SC ISFs built at RR
It has
Not RRs fault necessarily, the engine simply wasn’t designed for boost in mind. That and when people throw boost at 10+ yr old used cars they should never expect the NA ISF reliability. Peeps with boosted Fs will even tell you to start saving up for forged pistons/block work because it’s only a matter of time when; not if, it blows.
Doesn't it need turn signals on mirrors or near F-sport badge?
old one take format is the best!
Very cool!
One question. Why did you use the word "infamous" to describe some of the performances?
Love my isF. 173k miles and still going strong. Daily driven. Know people with 250k up to 420k miles
125k miles still goin strong
My 08 has 285k…. No major repairs to date
Been waiting on this video ever since I got my 2010🖤
Loved my ISF! One of the best cars I've ever owned (post refresh of course)
Me too I had mine for 10 years. Wish I kept it
onetakes are the best
There something wrong with that transmission. It shouldn’t shift like that. Needs TCU tune mabe.
If you put Ohlins and a supercharger on anything it'll be awesome.
Lip spoiler instead of the big wing, spacers, different exhaust tips and this thing would be so clean. But as long as the owner likes it who cares
11 years and never knew sport mode made the transmission grabbier..
Awesome build only thing I would change are the wheels and wing
These are so awesome! Good job zack!
Thats on factory transmission? On factory internals as well????
I have owned 2 is300s and loved them. Hoping one day I can pick up an ISF. That’s a sweet car the dudes got!
Same have 2 IS300 myself
can you please, please tell me where he got those seat belt covers with the F badge, I really need one for my isf as well. Please.
I remember running with clayton and alot of other guys from the socal lexus community to the las vegas meet. Super fun cruise. I sold my 2016 gsf
Still regret that sale
Full ppe el headers and exhaust
Made 485whp 403 lb/ft. Bought 2021 charger redeye it was worlds faster than the gsf but it didnt have the character the gsf had.
LSX/LTX > all other V8s- my C5 Z06 w/ only port injection (120 lb Bosch units) w/ A&A blower, dual nozzle meth injection, 1-3/4” ARH headers w/ catless X pipe & corsa extreme axleback, lunati forged crank/rods, BTR stage 2 blower cam, custom cut diamond blower pistons, made 718whp on a stingy mustang dyno. I do imagine this guys losing through the drivetrain than a C5Z w/ manual trans would tho. I do like the shifter swap in this tho- it’s a pretty sick setup tho. I don’t like the sound of throwing the belt that easily tho.
204k miles on my isf. Best daily out there
truly one of the best cars to come from Lexus
The ISF and the GSF are amazing cars, GSF even more of a sleeper 👌👌❤️
Ain't no way the 2000s IS300 with the 2JZ was only putting out hp in the 90s. Try 215-240 hp.
Hp from the 90's as in year.
Love these one takes.
I wish they would bring the GS-F back, but I know it’ll never happen. This V8 is music to my ears.
@TheSmokingTire i want to know what those sunglasses are!
The factory ISF setup uses the rear brakes and wheel speed sensors to limit wheel slip mimicking an LSD without the chatter and maintenance of an LSD. I would love to see the difference between the two. Factory setup is consistently predictable and transitions to "comfort" well.
They come with LSD’s in the newer model years