Power Pages: 2001 Lexus IS 300

Intro
The IS 300 is Lexus' pitch to the youthful import tuner types who want the aura of the Lexus badge but a bit more style than the boxy luxo-barges that the maker regularly turns out. Positioned to compete with the 3-Series offerings from BMW and derived from the JDM Toyota Altezza, the IS 300 sports a $30,000 to $36,000 price tag which is affordable in Lexus-speak, and more excitement under the right foot. The car's edgy styling and blend of comfort and handling in its rear-drive configuration makes for an intoxicating mix, and the IS 300 has proven to be an up-and-comer in American tuning circles.

The Engine
Under the hood, the Lexus IS 300 flexes a 215-hp, 3.0-liter, inline six cylinder engine that employs continuously Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to optimize valve overlap throughout the engine's speed range (not just at one or two set speeds). VVT-i eliminates the traditional compromise between low-end torque and high-rpm horsepower, giving the IS 300 a broad, linear power curve. The IS 300 engine produces 218 lb-ft. of peak torque at 3,800 rpm. Gear selection is a point of contention, as 2001 models have only an e-shift automatic gearbox. In 2002 models, a five-speed manual will be offered. There are a number of bolt-on components ready and waiting and a few blower and turbocharger packages available right now. There are also some high-power forced-induction packages that have been waiting for the arrival of the five-speed, because of the automatic's reluctance to accept the power and the added complexity and expense to upgrade the automatic transmission.

Performance Components To enhance the breathing power of the 2JZ-GE, we called on GReddy Performance Products and Rod Millen Motorsports (RMM). Incoming air will be sped to the combustion chamber by a Rod Millen intake system. The RMM set-up uses the factory front air ducting, but replaces the air box with an open-element cotton gauze filter. This design takes the best of the stock, namely the cold-air induction angle, and adds less restriction with the RMM element. Rod Millen Motorsports places the mass air sensor in the same-as-stock location to ensure proper metering. A heat shield is incorporated into the design to reduce charge air temperatures by providing a barrier between the filter and under-hood heat.

On the post-combustion side, a GReddy Performance Products cat-back system is on call. The GReddy Evolution system features the Japan-style small muffler look, which consists of a circular "can" and slip-rolled end piece that leads to a big tip. Of course, the whole shooting match is polished stainless steel. The Evolution series delivers its sound suppression with a straight-through design and features an offset tip for added ground clearance. The ground clearance factor is a concern for any IS 300 owner. We have seen many O.E. systems flat bottomed with their lower edge going from circular to flat.

Dyno Testing
The first order of business was laying down some baseline numbers. At Dynamic Autosports the IS 300 made 174.3 hp on the company's Dynojet. After the proper cool-down, it was time to affix the GReddy Evolution system. The install went smoothly, as all the pieces fit like a glove. With the Evo system properly hung the rollers were once again spinning, and the Lexus put down 178.8 hp. Peak torque jumped from 170.5 lb-ft to 173.5.

Installing the Rod Millen intake was a bit more than a simple R&R, as the mass air sensor was part of the mix. However, the sensor easily mounted to the new intake pipe and the IS was good to go. Rollers spinning and ready to sample, the dyno was engaged and the Lexus generated 185.3 hp and 176.9 lb-ft of torque.

Conclusion
These simple bolt-ons netted 11 hp and 6.4 lb-ft of torque at the wheels, not bad for an afternoon's worth of wrenching and testing. On the road, the 11 extra ponies are more than merely detectable. They can be felt in earnest when the hammer is dropped. The Evo system's tone is pure adrenaline--hearty under full throttle but subdued at cruising speeds. With the emergence of the manual transmission IS 300, the future tuning prospects for this Lexus are brighter than ever.