This Lexus sedan can keep up with a Nissan 350Z.

305 hp / 262 lb-ft (7 psi boost)

Intercooler and oil line are not required.
This is a maintenance-free and cost effective engine mod.

PLP Powerdyne supercharger kit price: US$ 4,500

http://www.prolexperformance.com

http://www.powerdyne.com/tech.htm

 

A peaky, laggy, centrifugal SC? I don't know, the 350Z engine does have a broad power band, and should be able to make up for the very narrow peak power band of a centrifugal SC.

---jps

 

isn't the is300 engine similar to the supra engine? i'm not too sure about this, but I heard somewhere they were about the same engines...can anyone confirm this?

 

Yes the is300 engine is very similar to the mkiv supra engine. I think the only difference is the is300 has variable valve timing while the Supra TT engine did not. I've heard of is300 with the Supra TT engine swap...now that's an M3 eater.

 

__________ Length __ Curb Weight __ Base Price __ Comment
...............................(Base Model)

Lexus
IS 300 ____ 176.6 in ____ 3255 lb ____ US$ 30K ___ just right

Infiniti
G35 Sedan_ 186.5 in ____ 3336 lb ____ US$ 29K ___ too big & heavy

Infiniti
G35 Coupe_ 182.2 in ____ 3416 lb ____ US$ 32K ___ too big & heavy

BMW 330i __176.0 in ____ 3285 lb ____ US$ 35K ___ too expensive

Subaru
WRX STi _____ poor low-end torque, harsh ride, cheap interior, ugly

Mitsubishi
Lancer Evo ___ poor low-end torque, harsh ride, cheap interior, ugly


You can get a supercharged IS300 for the price of a BMW 330i.

http://www.clublexus.com

 

Powerdyne delivers substantial power increases over conventional centrifugal superchargers due to the unique Hyperdyne impeller. Featuring an exclusive curved-blade design that literally grabs air at low speeds, the Hyperdyne impeller generates low RPM boost levels that are unmatched by the competition. The airfoil shape and computer-matched scroll combination provides more pressure and flow at comparable RPMs than any other centrifugal supercharger on the market.

 

While it might do better than other Centrifugal SCs, it still suffers the same setbacks.

---jps

 

They both have the same engine code 2JZ. But supercharging seems so stupid. Why not turbo it. It may not be as nice as the 2JZ-GTE that comes with stronger internals but it's such a capable engine

 

Because an SC can be easily added for a modest performance increase. Alot of kits are easily reversible, and they normally do not require any more maintenance than the stock engine.

Meanwhile, a turbo that will outperform such an SC install will be much more expensive, require much more modification, require a little more maintence, will sometimes be less reliable and less drivable, and will normally require major changes in ECU, fuel delivery, and powertrain.

So, even if money is not an issue, the SC is normally a more reliable, drivable, and convenient upgrade. Depending on how you use the car, that extra horsepower isn't always worth the extra effort and trouble.

---jps

 

yeah i see your point. I'm always lookin for lots of power so naturally i jump to the turbo :D

 

Tuned IS300 - the elegant four door sportscar

http://www.l-tunedparts.com

http://www.lsportline.com

 

http://www.is300.net

http://www.is300forum.com

 

Recommended factory options:

- Vehicle Skid Control (VSC)
- TORSEN limited slip differential

Curb Weight:

3255 lb (manual) / 3285 lb (automatic)

How to reduce weight and improve weight distribution:

- do not order moonroof and power front seats
- do not install extra speakers
- do not upgrade to 18" wheels and tires

http://www.i-m-racing.com/lexusis300.html

- replace stock 17" wheels with lightweight 17" forged wheels
- replace stock exhaust with titanium exhaust
- replace stock hood with TRD carbon fiber hood
- replace stock front seats with TRD sports seats

 

IS300 Suspension Upgrade

The TRD Sportivo suspension kit is a cost effective way to improve handling and grip while retaining stock ride comfort.

Kit Price: US$ 1,400

 

If you have kids, consider this interior mod.

http://www.panasonic.com

 

ssssssssooo, you're getting the IS300 over the RX-8??

 

From what I have read, with the 2.5 liter engine and variable valve timing, the STI has gobs of power throughout the entire rev range, including low revs.

 

From what I've read, the turbos don't spool till after 3k but then you get a surge

I'm sure it's pretty fast either way

 

Isn't this where your everyday troll comes in and makes a comment about the 8's low-end? :D

If my speculations for a car next year weren't as frugal as I'm trying to make them - the 8 at $28k is as high as I see myself looking - the IS would be a serious contender...and should be with the competitors listed above in a $32-36k budget.

It'd be a close match in my mind - the G35s style and coupe nature (I imagine longer leg-room up front with the dimensions, and coupe fit, which I like) versus the slightly more comfortable nature of the Lex (resale value, service, reliability).

 

This whole thread made me laugh, especially the pics of the IS's.

Talk about 2 Riced 2 Ridiculous.

 

So, Supercharger, did you get banned over on those IS300 forums? Why else would you suddenly have all this spare time to come over here preaching to a choir of a different religion? :p

Regards,
Gordon

 

I think the lag was on the old EJ20 on the Euro and Japanese STi's, before Subaru started using variable timing, the newer turbo design, and bumped the displacement up for the NA market. A 2.5L engine itself should make up for a lot of that lag, without even taking the other advancements into consideration, I would think.

 

It truely depends on what you want out of the car. If you want a fast straight line car then I would opt for the STi or EVO. Both will have you running 11's for the price of the supercharger. If you want handling, again I would go with the STi or EVO. If you want a quick luxery car with bullet proof build quality then the supercharged is300, but a G35 with supercharger or TT would be pretty sweet too.

Ohhh and the USDM STi does not suffer from low end torque. It's able to spin all 4 tires with a clutch drop of 3500 rpms....that's some pretty good low end torque.

 

Supercharger just likes to provide us all with lots of info about various cars from time to time. He never comments or trolls. He never responds to comments (out of 247 posts I only see about 4 that respond to comments from others - I did a search). This is the 4th+ vehicle that he has posted huge amounts of stuff on. I cannot see any connection between them (the first was a modified RX-7 with a huge V8 dropped into it, others were VW Golf R32, Volvo S60-R, Chrylser Crossfire etc). Nobody know why he does this, or what car he has or want's to get (perhaps something with an SC).

 

Yup, Supercharger is still a mystery..