Just wanted to introduce myself, my name is Peleg. I currently drive an 04 WRX STi, but may have to get rid of it for a house.

I first saw the ISF at the SF AutoShow in 2007,it was love at first sight. I then got to drive it in Fontana International Raceway, here is car # 1 that I drove and a few other shots, it was a blast:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/peleg79/IMG_0422-1.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/peleg79/IMG_0399.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/peleg79/IMG_0408.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/peleg79/IMG_0411.jpg

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/peleg79/IMG_0423-1.jpg




I have another junker car that I drive, but if I do get rid of the STi, the ISF is the only car I would consider as a replacement.

As with any car I plan on buying, I always research it out for at least a year. I did so with the Nissan 350Z back in 2003, and ended up not buying it due to all the issues it had, and ended up with the STi.

Here is a picture of the current beast:

http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e14/peleg79/P4070106.jpg

Only 16K miles on it, it's a weekend toy.

The car is "fully loaded" compared to what it came with when it was stock. Well, it didn't even have a radio when it was stock. (All 2004 STi did not have a radio or floor mats)


Cobb Stage 2 package, custom tuned, 91 pump gas
APS 65 mm Cold air Intake
Some engine dress up pieces
StopTech stainless brake lines/Motul 600 RBF fluid
Lancer Evolution RECARO seats (yes, from an Evo 8)
Pioneer Avic F900BT, Boss 600 amplified sub, XM, NAV, DVD...the works...
Custom Valentine 1 Radar/Laser detector setup with kill switch
ATi gauge pod, 52 mm matching gauges boost & oil pressure
Custom shift boot, ebrake, center consule in leather and custom shift knob



In my free time, I like to detail cars.

Welcome to the site! Great looking subie you got there. The STI's are some of my favorite cars :cool: Feel free to chime in on any topics and ask any questions you might have about the F

Thank you! Yes, the STi is fun, especially when moded correctly. It just not as comfortable with the stock seats, and attracts a whole lot of attention from everyone.

Welcome! Maybe you should keep test driving an IS F til you finally decide to give in and take one home? :D

BTW. Did you do the Ultimate half day session or the regular free day sessions of the Lexus Performance Driving Academy?

Welcome to the site. Feel free to ask any questions you have about the F. Everyone is very helpful and friendly on this site.

Thanks for the detail guide on the other thread. Definitely some good info!

Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS-F

Peleg, welcome to the world of the IS-F! You should be able to find all kinds of info here. I think you'll find there are quite a few owners here who made a long term, educated decision before buying their F. And a lot of the research was done right here!
Good to have ya,
Doug

Welcome Peleg, and thanks for the detailing thread. I'm sure you won't be disappointed with your research.

I think it's time for you to get an F, follow the heartbeat, 98% of the time it's correct. I also had two Stis before, an '04 2liter JDM and an '07 2.5liter. I had Recaro SRs, ECUTEK re map, Pipercross filter and intake, 3 in exhaust from downpipe with no internal mods doing 310whp. I love the Scooby and have great respect, value for money. I also have an Evo 7 by the way. Anyway, I gave up the Scooby for the ISF, I just couldn't help it.
The first time I saw the ISF thru spy shots a few years back, I said I have to have it, having had an LS400 since 96 and very happy with it.
I have no regrets whatsoever and everytime I drive the F it gives me a smile.
I'm sure it'll do the same to you once you have yours.

Well, got my own place now. Sold my old car and got an 06 Honda Accord fully loaded to roll in.

Trying to sell the STi now.....

ISF is still the ultimate destination.

Almost there! Good luck.

A few questions, I'm researching the car.

1. What oil grade does the ISF use?

2. How long are your tires lasting?

3. How is the gas milage if you don't "play" too much on the freeway?

4. What RPM does the engine run at, at 80 MPH in 8th gear?

5. How is the factory sound system and Navigation?

6. Is this car equipped with laser or radar guided cruise control?

7. Are the brakes dusty? (Do they create a lot of brake dust)

8. What kind of cars did you beat with the the ISF? I know this is M3, RS4 and AMG territory but just curious.

1) Sorry...not sure.

2) I have 10,000 miles and the tires are probably at 75-80%.

3) If I am driving nice, I get about 22 mpg when cruising at 80+ mph on the freeway.

4) The engine is running just over 2000 RPM at 80 MPH in 8th gear.

5) The ML stereo is great in my opinion. I absolutely hate the navigation system because you cannot use most of its functions while the car is in motion. You have to spend over $400 if you want to by a hack for navigation to stop this.

6) I don't know what the standard cruise control is, but there is an option for radar guided cruise control.

7) The stock brake pads do create a lot of brake dust, but there are good ceramic aftermarket pads available.

8) The only car that has beaten me in a roll-on is a brand new Z06 Corvette. My best victory is against a 2004 Audi RS6 twin turbo V8. I have never raced a new M3, C63 AMG, or an RS4, but the C63 AMG is the only car in the ISF's class that can beat it in a straight line.

4) The engine is running just over 2000 RPM at 80 MPH in 8th gear.

5) The ML stereo is great in my opinion. I absolutely hate the navigation system because you cannot use most of its functions while the car is in motion. You have to spend over $400 if you want to by a hack for navigation to stop this.




Interesting, I was hoping the engine would be able to turn less than 2K RPM due to the displacement/V8 but oh well.

Care to elaborate on the Nav defeat gig? I did a defeat on a Pioneer F900BT in my Subaru, but ofcourse that's an aftermarket unit.

You can find more information on the Navigation override at http://www.prestigioussociety.com/le...-override.html

As for 8th gear cruising RPM, it is lower in the ISF than any other car I have ever driven, including my truck, which runs about 2150 RPM @ 80. But unlike my truck, the ISF has a redline of 6800 RPM, which gives it a theoretical redline limited top speed of 259 mph. Of course nobody will ever see redline in 8th gear, but its nice to know you will never be limited by gearing. Did you want a low cruising RPM for better fuel economy? The ISF does get much better gas mileage than any of its competition.

This might help you...
http://www.lexusfforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1575&highlight=plug+play+units

Interesting, I was hoping the engine would be able to turn less than 2K RPM due to the displacement/V8 but oh well.

Care to elaborate on the Nav defeat gig? I did a defeat on a Pioneer F900BT in my Subaru, but ofcourse that's an aftermarket unit.

Peleg, I was curious myself about IS F 8th gear cruising RPM, so I calculated it out in 500 RPM increments from 1500 RPM to redline...kinda puts things in perspective compared to most "performance cars" out there.

Calculated using a 255/35R19 tire size, a 0.69:1 8th gear, and a 2.94:1 final drive ratio:
1500 rpm – 57 mph
2000 rpm – 76 mph
2500 rpm – 95 mph
3000 rpm – 114 mph
3500 rpm – 133 mph
4000 rpm – 152 mph
4500 rpm – 171 mph
5000 rpm – 190 mph
5500 rpm – 209 mph
6000 rpm – 228 mph
6500 rpm – 248 mph
6800 rpm – 259 mph (redline)

Once again, obviously the ISF is governed at 170 mph, and doesn't have enough power to push past abou 185 mph, or sufficient aero to safely handle if pushed around 200 mph.

One of the reasons I love the ISF is it is pushing 140 mph in top gear at the same RPM as my wife's Honda S2000 at 80 mph!!!

Here's a gear ratio chart that is a bit more detailed:

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-f/417920-top-speed-in-each-gear.html

http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/IS-F_Gear_chart.JPG

Great info Flipside! I appreciate it.

The STi is sale pending, I'm one step closer to the ISF.

I've been reading about the 2UR-GSE engine last night, very impressive technology.

I like the fact that you can cruise at 70 at around 2000 RPM's or less.

My research shows the depreciation hits hard after 1 year.........the average price for a 2008 ISF in excellent condition (private party) is around 45,000 (20,000 miles give or take)

My target purchase date is end of 2011 although it might be sooner.

Alright, more questions..........

1. How big is the fuel tank? (gallons of course)


2. How is the paint holding up?

3. Can someone please find out what grade oil the engine calls for and how many qrtz?

Thank you.

Alright, more questions..........

1. How big is the fuel tank? (gallons of course)


2. How is the paint holding up?

3. Can someone please find out what grade oil the engine calls for and how many qrtz?

Thank you.

1. 16.9 U.S. Gallons

2. It's holding up ok, it seems prone to scratching. I've ended up with a lot of unexplained scratches. Hopefully they will buff out. I got a clear bra on the front of my car as it seems to be prone to rock chips.

3. 5W-30, and I believe it holds 10 quarts, but I don't have the spec in front of me.

Good luck,

Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS-F

Thank you Jeff.

* Note to self: Joe Z exhaust, Joe Z intake. :D

Peleg,

You might find this thread interesting. Looks like the actual oil capacity is between 9.6 and 9.8 quarts.

http://www.lexusfforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=467&highlight=changing+engine

Jeff
08 Smoky Granite Mica IS-F

Ahh that old oil argument.

I had my mechanic over yesterday, we are good friends. He's a retired Toyota Master Mechanic with all the hook ups.

We talked about oil, and he said it all depends on what kind of deal the dealership gets on oil, whatever they can buyer cheaper, they will sell.

I'm currently a big fan of Castrol full synthetic. I'm running the German Castrol 0W-30 in my STi and 5W-20 (as recommended by Honda) in the Accord.

I will find out what the owner of my future ISF used when the time comes. I'm almost certain I will go with either German Castrol or 5W-30 full synthetic and the OEM oil filters.

I expected the engine to hold more oil due to it's size and special oil system.

I've been reading about the engine lately and like what I see:

1. Hollow camshafts. (sounds familiar, Subaru STi has those)

2. Engine/trans oil coolers.

3. Direct and Port injection.

4. VVTi on both intake/exhaust valves. (sweet)

5. The valves are titanium.

6. The engine oil system is designed to keep everything lubed, even during high G cornering.

7. The heads were designed by Yamaha.


I think Toyota did a great job here. I'm looking forward to this.

Here is the lap I got with the instructor on 05/31/2008 after driving the car myself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxuCX_CHO5Q

More questions.....(hopefully you guys aren't getting tired of me)


1. Is the ECU adaptive to the octane you use? For instance if I filled up with 100 octane, would the ECU recognize it? Some cars can and it's pretty cool, you get a huge bump in power, but on the other hand, that's usually with turbocharged cars.


2. Is there a way to forecast the value of a 2008 or 2009 ISF in the year 2011 or 2012 with about 30,000 miles in excellent condition?

More questions.....(hopefully you guys aren't getting tired of me)


1. Is the ECU adaptive to the octane you use? For instance if I filled up with 100 octane, would the ECU recognize it? Some cars can and it's pretty cool, you get a huge bump in power, but on the other hand, that's usually with turbocharged cars.


2. Is there a way to forecast the value of a 2008 or 2009 ISF in the year 2011 or 2012 with about 30,000 miles in excellent condition?

i think the car is only tuned for 91 octane, with higher having no effect, unless your at high altitude where it might make up for some power loss.

and for the value.....just remember the lexus is has best in class resale value.

i think the car is only tuned for 91 octane, with higher having no effect, unless your at high altitude where it might make up for some power loss.

and for the value.....just remember the lexus is has best in class resale value.

That's good about the resale value. The car seems to depreciate in the first year or 2 and then sort of settles down.

I can't find out if the ISF has launch control or not, any word on that?

I see myself going to the dragstrip against my best friend with his 4 door M3 (E92) someday.....

I can't find out if the ISF has launch control or not, any word on that?

I see myself going to the dragstrip against my best friend with his 4 door M3 (E92) someday.....

No launch control. We just do it the old way and out drive the competition.

No launch control. We just do it the old way and out drive the competition.

Haha....that was good.:D

Wait...I never owned a rear wheel drive car, what's the "old way" ?:o

I guess I will be working on my launches when the time comes.

My obsession with this car is growing as each day goes by...........I was reading the car's designer is also the one who helped designed the Supra (another old favorite of mine, especially the Mark 4) and that's about all I need to know.

Is that an oil temperature gauge in the middle?

Haha....that was good.:D

Wait...I never owned a rear wheel drive car, what's the "old way" ?:o

I guess I will be working on my launches when the time comes.

My obsession with this car is growing as each day goes by...........I was reading the car's designer is also the one who helped designed the Supra (another old favorite of mine, especially the Mark 4) and that's about all I need to know.

Is that an oil temperature gauge in the middle?

I got the pleasure to meet Chief Engineer Yaguchi in Detroit exactly 3 years ago when the ISF was unveiled to the world.

Yes that is an oil temp guage in the center.

Well, my STi was sold today. No more boost, at least not for a while. ;)

Getting closer to the ISF.

Alright, let's talk about audio.

If you don't get the factory NAV/stereo, is there a way to fit a Double DIN NAV system in the car?

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