With more power, an entire change under the chassis was also needed. Ray replaced the stock suspension with a set of Tein Flex coilovers with EDFC, TRD sway bars, and suspension braces. The next logical step after the stout suspension change was to swap the wheels with something more befitting. He purchased some 18-inch Work Meisters and Yokohama rubbers to complete the entire look. The three-piece wheels are perfect for the car, properly letting passersby know that this IS300 is special.
"For every modification I added, one thing would go right and three will go wrong," Ray said, "But it was all worth it because I didn't plan to mod it as much as I have. It was also a way for me to spend some bonding time with my oldest son, who helped with the project."
If we take anything away from Ray's experiences as the everyman tuner, it's that 2JZs are the engines to tune, Vin Diesel may have single-handedly spawned a whole generation of tuners, modifying cars can be a family thing, and if you're going to build an IS300, it's okay to follow in the footsteps of Ray Ramirez.
Behind The Build
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Name.
Ray Ramirez
Age.
35
Hometown.
Originally From Nyc, Currently Living In Orlando, FL
Occupation.
Internal Auditor
Hobbies.
Cars and hanging with the family
Build time.
Eight Years And Counting
Feedback.
baadhabit@msn.com
Quote.
"My goal was to make a fast, clean, JDM ride. Something that stood out."
Lexus IS300
Output 454 hp
Engine 2JZGE; Cometic head gasket; ARP head studs; custom three-inch exhaust, mandrel-bend intercooler pipes, fuel rail; HKS carbon Ti muffler, exhaust cam gear, DLI ignition; Greddy timing belt; Garrett T67 turbocharger; Tial 50mm blow-off valve, 44mm wastegate; Blitz SBC-iD; Boost Logic turbo blanket; Koyo radiator; B&M oil cooler; AEM EMS; NGK spark plugs; 720cc fuel injectors; Bosch fuel pressure regulator; dual Walbro in-tank fuel pumps; TRD oil cap; ARC radiator cap, radiator panel
Drivetrain Turbo East valve body, third-gear sprag upgrade, modified torque converter; B&M transmission cooler
Suspension Tein Flex coilovers, EDFC; TRD sway bars, suspension braces
Wheels/Tires Work Meister S1 three-piece wheels (18x8.5 front, 18x9.5 rear); Yokohama AVS ES100 tires
Brakes Hawk pads; Earl's stainless steel braided lines; Motul fluid
Exterior Vertex front bumper; Wald side skirts; Rod Millen wing; JDM Altezza headlights; custom-painted fog lights and taillights; VIS carbon-fiber grille
Interior Bride XAX front seats; custom carbon-fiber dash kit; JDM Altezza shift knob
Electronics Defi gauges; Auto Meter gauges; AEM UEGO wideband; Blitz SBC ID electronic boost controller; Kenwood NAV/DVD head unit; Alpine speakers
Gratitude Family, friends, and everyone who helped me along the way!