Nearly 700whp, 6-speed manual transmission, Flex Fuel enabled, a well featured stand-alone engine management system, with factory creature comforts retained: that all makes for one seriously fun street car, and that's exactly what Nick brought us his Black Onyx 2005 Lexus IS300 to get done!
Up first in the shop, we got busy performing the automatic to manual transmission conversion via a GR700 T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission setup from Grannas Racing featuring an adapter bellhousing from Quick Time Bellhousings, chromoly transmission mount, shifter relocation, electrical components, an adapter driveshaft from Driveshaft Shop, speed signal conversion from Grannas Racing, Grannas Racing spec RXT twin-disc clutch from McLeod Clutches, clutch master cylinder setup from Grannas Racing, manual transmission pedal conversion from Driftmotion, Inc., all topped off with brand new OEM Lexus interior trim pieces and components to complete the manual transmission conversion.
From there we moved on to fabricating a complete ethanol compatible fuel system featuring a twin 450lph fuel pump hanger from Powerhouse Racing, dual 485 in-tank fuel pumps from Walbro Fuel Pumps, ID1300x fuel injectors from Injector Dynamics, ID750 fuel filter from Injector Dynamics, and components from Radium Engineering, Aeromotive Fuel Systems, DeatschWerks, and Vibrant Performance.
Moving on to the engine setup, we converted the Aristo VVTi 2JZ-GTE's wasted spark setup to a non-VVTi coil-on-plug ignition utilizing OEM Toyota components, installed a drive-by-wire conversion system designed by Vlad featuring a VQ35DE throttle body, aluminum adapter, and drive-by-wire pedal assembly, custom fabricated a dual catch can setup utilizing components from Radium Engineering and Powerhouse Racing, custom fabricated a down-pipe utilizing components from Vibrant Performance connecting to an RS exhaust system from GReddy Performance Products - GPP, custom fabricated an exhaust heat shield, XTM oil filter relocation setup, billet valve covers, and upper radiator hose from Powerhouse Racing, with all newly fabricated exhaust components Cerakote coated, and the intake, throttle body adapter, intercooler piping, coolant neck, power steering reservoir, and battery box powder coated gloss black by Detective Coating.
Then, we installed and set up the Infinity 506 from AEM Performance Electronics with fail-safes, Flex Fuel conversion components, along with a 3.5" TFT gauge from BTI Gauges streaming vitals, and topped off with a momentary switch for rolling anti-lag and 2-step launch control. From there, John strapped her down to the rollers for Vlad to perform a custom Flex Fuel calibration. With the longevity of the stock VVTi 2JZ-GTE bottom end in mind, Vlad proceeded with the 93 octane calibration yielding a healthy 488.12whp & 473.55lbft at 20psi, and then with E85 in the tank, increased output to a safe but strong 686.14whp & 660.67lbft at 33psi! Overall, this was an absolutely incredible build that we are proud to have been a part of!
