[Falkon45]

So, I've noticed something seemingly unusual with this car. Let me know if any of your cars do the same thing.

Typically, doing full throttle pulls, the engine seems to struggle a bit, then I get into about 6K rpm, and the damn thing acts like Vtec just kicked in, and it screams and pulls hard. Now, IIRC, this shouldn't be that way. The VVTL-i acts like that, but I thought VVT-i was constant throughout the powerband, and there shouldn't be a distinct jump in power. For you NA guys, is your car doing the same thing that my car is doing?

 

[AlwaysBroken]

Engine is stock right? While VVTI is pretty much constant, there’s another system in the intake. It’s a flapper that changes the effective runner length. It’s called ACIS or some crap. While my experience wasn’t as extreme as vtec seems to be (no first hand experience on vtec so 🤷), it did pick up once at 5k+. Not quite the 6k rpm you’re experiencing but it’s probably the same system working.

It’s suppose to actuate at WOT at 4700rpm or so. You could manually force it open/closed with vacuum caps and zip ties to test if this is what you’re feeling if necessary.

 

[ill_mannered]

Yep that’s it. My VTEC kicks in at 4800ish rpm and screams all the way to 9400rpms.

It’s pretty much laying waste to any hellcats.

 

[Falkon45]

Engine is stock right? While VVTI is pretty much constant, there’s another system in the intake. It’s a flapper that changes the effective runner length. It’s called ACIS or some crap. While my experience wasn’t as extreme as vtec seems to be (no first hand experience on vtec so 🤷), it did pick up once at 5k+. Not quite the 6k rpm you’re experiencing but it’s probably the same system working.

It’s suppose to actuate at WOT at 4700rpm or so. You could manually force it open/closed with vacuum caps and zip ties to test if this is what you’re feeling if necessary.

Ahhh, so it basically has what used to be the TVIS system, like on the 4age? Ok, I didn't know that. I don't remember it on my Non-vvti engine, but it's been forever since I took it apart.

And yeah, the engine is basically stock outside of header and intake.

I can honestly say, I don't like it. Makes me think something is wrong with the engine. Lol.

 

[ill_mannered]

Yea I don’t like it either. Just give me a normal intake and throttle body.

 

[Falkon45]

So, I'm gonna take a chance, and take the car to Dallas for a few days, after I get off work. Visiting a friend of mine up there. If anyone is in the area, and come laugh at my car, let me know. I'll try and schedule something. lol.

 

[Falkon45]

Well, I decided to not go to Dallas. Heading back to Savannah, because I'm afraid something is gonna happen with the car in Dallas, and I'm gonna be stuck there for my entire time off. Got stuff to do with the kiddo when I'm home, so I don't want to have to explain to him why I'm not home for two weeks, and he won't be able to see me for a month.

I've also decided to ditch the VVTi engine when I go for the swap. Already looking up wire harnesses. I'm going to use my AEM V2, just to save costs. I have it... Might as well use it. This does give me a chance to do a nice rebuild on the VVTi engine for later use. I still have 3 more CD001s sitting around, and I still have my Cressida waiting on an engine. I already have the 2j to MX7X engine mounts. I pretty much have everything for the swap except a wire harness. AND, I get to continue to use the intake and header that are already on the engine! lol.

So yeah. That's the plan for now. I have to dig around and see if I actually got my replacement intercooler from when my Cressida was broken into while at my friend's shop. That'll go into the IS for now.

 

[ill_mannered]

Quick question. What size wheels are your fronts? Are they 18” if so would 17” wheels fit over those brakes?

Did you have to run a caliper adapter to run those calipers?

 

[Falkon45]

Quick question. What size wheels are your fronts? Are they 18” if so would 17” wheels fit over those brakes?

Did you have to run a caliper adapter to run those calipers?

18x9.5 +35. I have about a 1/4" clearance for the calipers with these wheels. 17s will NOT fit with the F-sport calipers, unfortunately. I tried to fit my 17s, but they just hit the caliper.

I used the PHI350 kit to do the BBK.

Lexus IS350/ISF/GSF/RCF Front caliper mounting bracket kit 1st Gen IS – 350phi

 

[ill_mannered]

So you think with a 8.5 or 9” wheel I can leave the fenders alone without having to roll them?

 

[Falkon45]

Yes, but with a higher offset... if they clear the calipers. You can still run 17s with the normal IS350 calipers and rotors, though. I just decided to go big. You still get 13" rotors with the IS350 rotor and caliper combo.

I'm not using my leftover calipers (orange. Base IS350 calipers). You're more than welcome to purchase them if you want to give it a try. I was just gonna try and buy some cheap rotors to test fit, and verify 17's fit over them, and put them up for sale anyway.

 

[Falkon45]

Bit the bullet, and ordered the GTS IIs with rails. I've heard a few things about the corbeaus make you sit higher. Couldn't confirm this, as I can't find any reports of anyone actually putting these in their IS300. The sitting higher complaints come from fox body mustang and f body camaro guys. If that's the case, I'll figure something out.

Ordered them in the leather/micro fiber combo to mimic my interior. If they don't work out, into the PT cruiser they go... or I'll save them for the MKIII.

I didn't get the lumbar support or seat heaters, but I'll probably get them later if I want them. I didn't want the white stitching in the seat, but since there wasn't an option for different stitching, I'll just go with it.

 

[Falkon45]

Just got word my seats won't be available until April. I'm in no rush to get them, so I'm okay with waiting. I'm glad they called me to let me know. Top notch service right there.

 

[2jz_ben]

Just got word my seats won't be available until April. I'm in no rush to get them, so I'm okay with waiting. I'm glad they called me to let me know. Top notch service right there.

Hey! I see you're in the Savannah area! Me and several of my friends have IS300s and would love to connect! Always want to make more IS friends!

 

[Hodgdon Extreme]

I've heard a few things about the corbeaus make you sit higher.

Did you order the "shaved bottom" option?

 

[Falkon45]

Did you order the "shaved bottom" option?

I didn't. I'm wondering if I need to. I have time, because they don't have the leather/microfiber combo seats ready. You have any experience with them?

Hey! I see you're in the Savannah area! Me and several of my friends have IS300s and would love to connect! Always want to make more IS friends!

Yeah man. I'd love to meet. I'm thinking I've come across you before, when I was in my truck. I think you had R32 wheels on your car at the time. Either that, or I'm confusing you with another car.

 

[2jz_ben]

Yeah man. I'd love to meet. I'm thinking I've come across you before, when I was in my truck. I think you had R32 wheels on your car at the time. Either that, or I'm confusing you with another car.

yeah I had some 5 spokes and a black hood. Fortunately those days are no longer. HMU on instagram @ slowxe10

 

[Hodgdon Extreme]

I didn't. I'm wondering if I need to. I have time, because they don't have the leather/microfiber combo seats ready. You have any experience with them?

Unfortunately I don't, but I've shopped seats a bit and was considering the GTS2 also. If I ordered them, I'd personally get the shaved bottom to keep them as low in the car as possible.

 

[Falkon45]

yeah I had some 5 spokes and a black hood. Fortunately those days are no longer. HMU on instagram @ slowxe10

Will do, as soon as I get back on shore. Insta, for some reason, stopped working out here on the platform.

Unfortunately I don't, but I've shopped seats a bit and was considering the GTS2 also. If I ordered them, I'd personally get the shaved bottom to keep them as low in the car as possible.

I'm thinking about it also. From what I'm guessing, they just shave the bottom seat cushion down an inch. I was thinking about doing it, but wasn't sure if I needed to. I might just call and alter the order so I don't have to regret it later.

 

[Falkon45]

Ordered this about 2 days ago, and it showed up at my house today:

MagnaFlow Conv DF 01-05 Lexus IS300 3.0L Underbody - 24464

this completes the NA exhaust, and supposedly helps with the O2 woes. I'll confirm once I put that stupid light back in. Lol.

Also, even finding this at it's cheapest possible price, it's still more expensive than the headers and cat back combined. Lol. Can't wait to install everything and ditch the stock pipes under the car.