Parts for the IS have been coming in at a regular clip in an effort to get it to stand apart from the crowd...and for a bit more performance. I already had the Magnaflow on, so this weekend I did some work on the intake side of things and put a K&N Series 69 Typhoon on. I chose the Typhoon because of the inclusion of a heat shield. It's a nice set-up, with the stock engine beauty covers forming the lid of the head shield. Minimal engine heat should get into the filter area, and it also retains the stock cold air intake snorkle thing. Nice. Install time was about 1.5 hours smoking a cigar (NUB 464T Conneticut wrapper), going really slow. I also put in new plugs (I'm taking the Autolite XP Plug Challenge), some new Garax 6000K D4S HID bulbs (the old ones were getting a bit dim and flickering at times) some new ion yellow 3100K fog lights and some full synthetic throughout. I've got carbon fiber bits here and new wheels on the way. I guess everyone will have to wait for pictures after a do a photoshoot with Bob!
Sorry...no dyno sheet. The printer was broken. Sigh. At any rate, the IS makes great power and surprised! 280 RWHP and a touch over 250TQ. Assuming only a 15% drivetrain loss through the auto (kinda doubtful it would be that low) we're talking about somewhere in the area of 330HP. Not bad at all!! Just to verify, I looked at other IS350 dyno plots, and they make 270-275 with similar mods, so I'm right where I'm supposed to be.
The intake sounds AMAZING. It's really pretty loud under WFO. But loud in a very, very good way. VERY sporty sounding. Cruising normally, there is no extra sound over stock. So overall I'm very pleased.
Garax lights despite the 6000K, seems as bright as the stockers, and only a slight touch more blue to the colour. Still not as blue as BMW HIDs IMO.
Autolite XP Plugs (iridium tipped) seem to be working fine. The stock Lexus plugs have 3 straps on them which surprised me. I'll monitor MPG closely to see if there is any negative affect. If there is, Autolite will buy the plugs back.
Here's some pics (not of my car though) of the intake:
