* Dynamometer Model: SP Engineering Mustang Dynamometer
* Nitrous Tuning By: Eric Cheney Of Impulse Engineering
2009 Lexus IS F
Pros
Lexus launched the IS F in North America in early '08 as a performance sedan, targeting the BMW M3 and Audi RS4. Its 5.0-liter V-8 engine delivers a factory-rated 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb-ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. Capable of zero to 60 mph acceleration in less than 4.6 seconds and a top speed of over 185 mph, the IS F delivers power and luxury rolled into one package.
Cons
A robust curb weight of 3,780 pounds makes the IS F one of the heaviest performance sedans to-date in the Lexus lineup.
Notes
An oil change, Shell V-Power fill-up, and routine maintenance were performed on the IS F prior to our dyno sessions, as we knew the car had seen plenty of road racing a few months back at the annual Super Lap Battle finals at Buttonwillow Raceway.
Pros
The K&N intake system replaces the restrictive factory intake with a high flowing, mandrel-bent, aluminum tube to maximize the horsepower potential of our V-8-powered Lexus. We liked the fact that K&N includes a powder-coated heat shield to ward off hot air from entering the intake.
Cons
The included instructions offered minimal information about rerouting vacuum lines when installing the new K&N intake system. After taking a few minutes to analyze the provided schematics, we were able to correctly plug the sensors and re-route the lines.
Parts
Filter, intake, heat shield, inlet hoses, mounting hardware, instructions, stickers
Tools
10-, 12-, and 14mm sockets, 10-, 12-, and 14mm open-end wrenches, ratchet, extension, screwdriver, panel popper
Installation Time
45 minutes
Notes
The high-flow K&N intake was exactly what the 5.0L engine was craving, as the dyno posted a gain of 12.9 hp and 4.2 lb-ft of torque over our baseline numbers. The largest gains were recorded at 3,000 rpm, where the IS F posted an improvement of 15 hp and 25 lb-ft of torque.
Pros
The Fujitsubo Ti exhaust offers a cleaner, more simplistic look with its dual 117mm single-tip setup, in comparison to the factory quad-tip design. The lightweight Ti canister and 70mm stainless-steel piping provide increased exhaust flow for added power.