Some More Parts to Improve the Car...

In my quest to improve my IS-F in the most efficient manner possible, I have been slowly collecting some parts over the past year or so which I thought would bring me the best bang for the buck. Because I haven't been as good at updating this blog as my GT-R blog, I'm going to simply lay out all of these parts.

First -  I decided to replace the OEM halogen fog lights with later year (2011-2014?) OEM LED fog lights - just plug and play...

Before

Much whiter!

And yes my car wasn't clean when I took this photo...

As for performance of LED vs halogen, hard to say really. They are mounted so low and act only to fill in the dark space under the headlights so I think the effect is more of a visual, than performance difference. Oh well, wasn't that expensive and it gives a more modern look...

I had also learned from Yamada-san at CREF (where I had the clear film installed) that when Toyota was developing the IS-F, they found that the large amount of power meant that the rear subframe would actually move and cause some instability, and that this was especially noticeable on a rain slick track. So, Spoon Sports developed the Rigid Collar kit for the ISF.

Just a few collars...

For anyone not familiar with the Rigid Collar concept, here is a video link that describes how they work.

Yes it sounds too good to be true, but yes they work and I will go into more detail in a future post about what they did for my car's handling. I had gotten them for my GT-R and was suitably impressed so the lack of internet feedback on their use on the IS-F didn't bother me.

I had also read on the ClubLexus forum how the Apex'i throttle controller made the car feel much more responsive (but not necessarily faster - but that's ok, I just want something more responsive!). So, I ordered one and the car-specific harness.

From: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-f-2008-2014/626697-apexi-throttle-control-installed-i-love-it-d-2.html

In a later post, I'll discuss this part - all I will say for now is, it really is worth getting!

Finally, some bling - I found something in my closet that I had ordered when I first ordered the car, but was not delivered in time for the dealer to install it, a dry carbon fiber rear license plate frame from LEMS.

Two photos from their website (as I was too lazy to unwrap it before handing it Ninomiya-san to install):

Side facing out

Body side

Here is the rear license plate before:

... and now afterwards! 

As you can see in Japan, there is this metal "cap" on the upper left bolt that has to be installed by special tooling (available only at the DMV). So Ninomiya-san had to make a quick trip in order to get it done... but I think the results are worth it!

Now I have to decide whether to splurge on a matching dry carbon fiber FRONT license plate frame and/or a rear trunk lip spoiler...but before that, one more piece of (possibly functional?) bling... stay tuned!

USRS by RR Racing!

So as I mentioned in a previous post, I took the opportunity while the car was at BeAmbitious to get something amazing installed.  Well, it got amazing reviews anyway.  After owning and driving my car for a bit over a year, and getting used to it, there are a few things that are annoying me and so I've decided, must go.

So what is this amazing p It's the crazily named "RR Racing Ultimate Steering Response System" or "USRS" for short, which actually is a properly engineered lower control arm bushing.  No doubt you've seen the photos from their website (the three that follow):

Also, they have a video which explains, and actually shows in split screen, the difference between the stock bushing and the USRS.

So putting aside all of this propaganda, as well as the numerous and overwhelmingly positive reviews on the Lexus forums - how was it for me?

Well, I immediately noticed that the steering was tight, and not as light. So the steering didn't feel as numb as before, although this translates into only slightly better road feel. But, I feel like the steering is much more accurate.

Also, I didn't realize this until I re-road the forum reviews, but yes braking stability has improved dramatically. Even at relatively low speeds, the car is stable, and the brakes feel more effective. So yes, this was definitely a good mod.

I just wish there was a way to improve the actual FEEL of the steering. And, as I learned from test driving a GS-F recently (see, previous post), I need to do something with the E-accelerator...

"New" Wheels (Part 3)

So I was really eager to pick the car up! And not just because of the "new" wheels...

So in addition to getting "clean new" wheels put onto the car, I decided to use this opportunity to resolve another issue, one that had been bothering me ever since I bought the car.

WHAT IS THIS BLANK SWITCH??

Why did Lexus do this? I mean, since this car was equipped with all of the options, should they not design cars to use up all available switch space?

So I found on eBay this "Rupse TPMS for Toyota."  I was naive in that I thought that all Toyota switches were standardized, but more on that later.

First, I had Ninomiya-san contact a tire fitter who took the tires off the wheels, and install the sensors.  He then hooked up the display unit in the car.

I'm happy to report that, for about $100, the electronics appear to work perfectly. Not only do I get fairly accurate tire pressure readings (off by 0.1 bar according to Ninomiya-san), but also the temperature in Celsius! Very cool.

The problem, as I alluded to above, and you can see in this photo, was that the display size is 34mm x 23.5mm. The blank switch, however, if 40mm x 22mm. So while it holds itself in place, there is a noticeable gap on top and bottom.

After some research it appears that these dimensions are the size for Honda switches. Figured it was too good to be true. But not all is lost. I've already figured out a way to, at very least, make this look better... I think.

In any case, and more importantly, the car looks fantastic now with the "new" wheels.

Amazing how NO curb rash improves the looks!

Even two Italians (Dino and Ennio) thought so:

Ennio was in town, helping Dino get his BNR34 ready for the annual GT-R Magazine meeting

In any case, I also had Ninomiya-san install ONE MORE ITEM. And this one is AMAZING. Check back for my report on that!

Airbag Repaired! And Ludicrous Shaken Estimate...

Well that was fast! Last weekend, took the car into the dealer, they gave me a new Prius to drive around for a while, went shopping, and then when I was done drove back to the dealer where they had the IS-F ready to go, new airbag module installed and the car washed and vacuumed!

Just like this one. Courtesy http://clicccar.com/2015/10/20/334187/

I actually had fun "driving" the Prius, it reminded me how quiet hybrids are, and how it feels like driving a washing machine.... but I digress.  The dealership itself WAS entertaining, however: As the bi-annual shaken is coming up in late September, they gave me an estimate for the work. I can see why these are money makers for dealerships (and why lots of people forgo paying this, and use the money on a new car).  What is required isn't so bad. It's what the dealership guilts/worries people into paying for, that is outrageous!

Here is what the estimate contained for my IS-F:

Fees Required by law (to be paid to the Japanese DMV)
Weight tax: 32,800 yen
Basic insurance: 27,840 yen
Revenue tax stamp: 1,100 yen
TOTAL: 61,740 yen.

What the dealer will charge for taking care of the above:
"24 month Periodic Inspection" - 32,616 yen
"Renewal Inspection" - 9,500 yen.
TOTAL: 42,116 yen.

So, at MINIMUM, I will end up paying: 61,740 + 42,116 = 103,856 yen.

Of course, the dealer is in business to make money. Thus, they recommend the "Lexus recommended periodic inspection parts replacement" which is the following.
1. Engine oil and filter exchange:
Labor: 7,236 yen
Oil filter: 1717 yen
Oil pan drain plug gasket: 86 yen
TOTAL: 9,039 yen (the oil is free as the car is a CPO car, still under warranty)

2. Brake line air removal;
Labor: 10,908 yen
Brake fluid replacement (1000 mL): 1814 yen
TOTAL: 12,722 yen

3. Front window wiper blade (R/L) exchange:
Labor: 1836 yen
RH wiper blade: 918 yen
LH wiper blade: 864 yen
TOTAL: 3618 yen

4. Interior Air filter exchange:
1836 yen (labor) + 2160 yen (new filter) = 3996 yen

5.  Engine key battery replacement - 864 yen (labor) plus 432 yen (battery) = 1296 yen

6. Engine steam cleaning: FREE!

Total for this "recommended" service is 30,671 yen.

The dealer also has provisions for "repairs pursuant to inspection results" - I am scared of this, I get the feeling I will end up paying for something here:
1. Brake cleaning: 1728 yen (part)
2. Headlight aiming 3672 yen (labor)
3. Parking brake adjustment: 12,744 yen (labor)
4. F/R side slip adjustment (wheel alignment): 5,670 yen (labor)
5. Engine coolant exchange:
Labor: 9,072 yen
Super Long Life Coolant: 2904 yen
Radiator drain washer: 205 yen
TOTAL: 35,995

The dealer also told me that it is a good idea to update the Navi software. Not sure why because the car seems to update the maps automatically, but maybe the software is better now? IF so this might be worth it.
Navigation software update: 16,200 yen (software) + 1620 yen (labor) = 17,820 yen

Of course, because this is a high performance engine, I should REALLY consider the following:

The NUTEC Engine Refresh Course (2501 cc and over): 4752 yen for two bottles of NUTEC's NC-901 plus 7668 yen labor (not sure why this is so expensive, probably some kind of engine flush - it's not sold commercially, you have to go to an authorized shop -so no DIY here...).

In addition, the NUTEC Sludge Remover and Fuel Boost - 2 bottles of NC-220 at 3500 yen (this is available commercially - maybe I'll try it myself one day)
TOTAL: 15,920 yen.

Finally, IF I go for the oil change, why not use a higher spec oil?
Engine oil - 9.3 liters for 34,652 yen.

All of this not legally required stuff, costs a TOTAL of 177,174 yen. Oh and plus another handling fee of 10,200 yen.  So a REAL TOTAL of 187,374 yen! (including tax!).

So, together with the legally mandated taxes of 61, 740 yen, I would end up paying a total amount of 249,114 yen!!!

RIDICULOUS!!

As I have a mod coming up that I am asking Ninomiya-san at BeAmbitious to take of, we took a look together and shared a laugh.  In the end, we  eliminated everything except for the legally required taxes and the Navigation software.

So I let the dealer know, and so I'll be back on the 18th to get the shaken done. Aoki-san said "no problem" but did ask for my understanding that, there might indeed be "repairs pursuant to inspection results."  Who knows what stuff they will say is "mandatory" and what extra I will end up paying. Oh well, it will be an experience.

Meanwhile, I dropped the car off at BeAmbitious in order to, once and for all, get rid of that stupid blank switch on the right side panel.

Does anyone else get as annoyed as me? Why Lexus did you leave a blank?