The Lexus IS200T is a delightful blend of luxury and performance. Its four-cylinder turbocharged engine is a notable departure from the preceding V6 model, delivering a healthy output of 241 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Yet, there’s always room for improvement, particularly for the thrill-seekers who crave that extra punch of power.
If you’ve been wondering, “how to make Lexus IS200T faster?” then this comprehensive guide will unveil the path to key Lexus IS200T performance upgrades, including a Lexus IS200T turbo upgrade and the introduction of a Lexus IS200T blow-off valve.
The Intricacies of Lexus IS200T
Before jumping into the modifications, let’s understand the vehicle we’re working with. As a luxurious sports sedan, the Lexus IS200T balances a comfortable ride and an exciting driving experience.
Its turbocharged engine offers an excellent upgrade basis, so you approach it the right way. Optimizing its speed is not just about raw power – it’s about refining the overall driving experience, including superior throttle response, amplified torque, and enhanced fuel efficiency.
Enhancing Lexus IS200T Performance: An Array of Upgrades
As a car enthusiast, you’re always chasing that extra edge to give your vehicle more speed, power, and an overall superior driving experience. The journey to a faster Lexus IS200T involves a series of upgrades aiming to increase power, reduce weight, and improve aerodynamics. You can unlock your vehicle’s hidden potential by targeting these three areas.
What else? Let’s find out!
Lexus IS200T Turbo Upgrade: Power Unleashed
Upgrading the turbocharger in your Lexus IS200T is one of the most effective ways to bolster its performance. The factory-installed turbocharger does a decent job of boosting your vehicle’s power, but a whole new world of performance can be unlocked with a turbo upgrade.
A larger, more efficient turbocharger enhances the engine’s capacity to generate more power by allowing more air into the combustion chamber, increasing fuel injection and greater power output.
It’s worth noting that a turbo upgrade can exert more strain on your engine. To ensure your machine can withstand this increased power, consider upgrading other components like the fuel system, cooling system, and possibly even the engine internals.
ECU Remapping: Optimizing Performance
Another critical performance upgrade is ECU remapping. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is the brain of your vehicle, controlling numerous variables that dictate your engine’s performance. These variables include fuel injection, air intake, and turbo boost pressure.
Remapping the ECU allows you to tweak the professional tuner to make torque, improve throttle response, and potentially even better fuel economy. However, ECU remapping is a delicate process that should be undertaken by a professional to avoid damaging your engine.
Exhaust System Upgrade: Boosting Power and Sound
A high-performance exhaust system is another upgrade that can make a substantial difference to your vehicle. Aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to expel exhaust gases more efficiently than factory-installed systems, reducing back pressure and increasing power and torque. A new exhaust system gives your Lexus a deeper, sportier sound that can thrill car enthusiasts.
Lexus IS200T Blow-Off Valve: Turbo Protection and the Iconic ‘Whoosh’
Introducing a blow-off valve (BOV) can also enhance the performance of your turbocharged Lexus IS200T. A BOV’s main role is to release trapped excess boost pressure in the intake piping to prevent potential damage or loss of performance during sudden changes in throttle conditions.
An upgraded BOV provides a quicker response and a higher capacity for handling increased boost levels common with performance upgrades. Plus, it gives you the iconic “whoosh” sound whenever you let off the throttle, providing auditory evidence of your upgrades.
Weight Reduction and Aerodynamics
Reducing your vehicle’s weight and improving its aerodynamics are other aspects you can consider for optimizing performance. Lighter materials like carbon fiber body parts and more lightweight wheels can significantly improve your car’s speed and handling.
Meanwhile, aerodynamic modifications such as installing a rear wing or diffuser can help reduce drag and increase downforce, leading to better high-speed stability.
- Body modifications: Add aerodynamic body components like front splitters, side skirts, rear diffusers, and spoilers. These additions can help redirect and manage airflow, reducing turbulence and enhancing stability at high speeds.
- Lower ride height: Lowering the ride height of your car through suspension modifications can reduce the amount of air that flows underneath the vehicle, minimizing drag. However, it’s important to balance lowering the car and maintaining sufficient ground clearance to avoid scraping on speed bumps or uneven roads.
- Smooth wheel design: Opt for wheels with a streamlined and aerodynamic design. Reducing the number of spokes and choosing lighter alloys can drag and enhance overall performance.
- Air dam and grille modifications: Install an air dam, a device that fits under the front bumper to redirect air around the car, reducing drag. Additionally, modifying the grille to have smaller openings or adding grille inserts can help optimize airflow.
- Windshield wipers: When not in use, consider retracting or removing the windshield wipers to minimize drag. This small modification can have a slight impact on overall aerodynamics.
- Side mirrors: Replace bulky side mirrors with smaller, more aerodynamic alternatives. This can reduce wind resistance and improve the vehicle’s overall aerodynamic profile.
- Wheel well liners: Installing wheel well liners can help smoothen the airflow around the wheels, reducing drag caused by turbulence.
- Underbody panels: Adding underbody panels can help streamline the airflow beneath the car, reducing turbulence and drag. These panels are lightweight and typically installed on the undercarriage, covering areas like the engine bay and the bottom of the vehicle.
- Smooth paint finish: Applying a high-quality, smooth paint finish can help reduce air resistance and improve the aerodynamics of your car. It’s a small but effective detail that contributes to overall performance.
Increase Your Wheels’ Size
One often overlooked area of car modification is the wheel size. The Lexus IS200T, a luxury sports sedan, is well-equipped with quality wheels. However, you can increase the wheel size to enhance its performance further.
Larger wheels can improve grip, handling, and steering response, contributing significantly to the overall speed and performance of the car. By extending the contact surface between your vehicle and the road, larger wheels can offer superior traction, especially during high-speed cornering.
However, remember to strike a balance. Going too big can adversely affect ride comfort, increase fuel consumption, and strain the suspension components unnecessarily.
Select Appropriate Tires
Tires are your vehicle’s only point of contact with the road, making them integral to your Lexus IS200T’s performance. Choosing the right tires can drastically enhance your car’s acceleration, braking, and cornering abilities, ultimately contributing to its speed.
High-performance or ultra-high-performance tires are designed for speed and agility. They feature softer rubber compounds and unique tread designs for excellent grip and control.
Moreover, consider the seasonal conditions in your region when choosing tires. For instance, summer tires offer superb performance in warm, dry conditions. They are constructed from a softer rubber compound and provide superior traction, making them an excellent choice for high-performance driving and track days.
In contrast, winter tires are crafted from a more intricate compound, providing adequate, but not excessive, grip, thus making them suitable for regular driving during cold, snowy months.
In addition to tire type, the size of your tires is another crucial factor to consider. Larger tires generally provide more grip. However, selecting a manageable tire size for your car is essential, as overly large tires may hinder your vehicle’s speed.
Install an Advanced Cooling System
A high-performance cooling system can improve your Lexus IS200T’s speed. The engine operates most efficiently at a certain temperature. If the engine gets too hot, it can lead to decreased performance or, worse, engine damage.
An upgraded cooling system — including a high-capacity radiator, an enhanced water pump, and high-performance cooling fans — can better manage engine heat under high-performance driving conditions. It can help maintain optimal engine temperature, ensuring your vehicle runs at peak performance and extending its lifespan.
Enhance the Suspension System
Suspension upgrades can drastically improve the handling of your Lexus IS200T, contributing to higher speed and a more pleasurable driving experience. High-performance shock absorbers, struts, and springs can provide better control over the vehicle, especially during high-speed cornering, reducing body roll and improving the overall balance.
Several methods exist to enhance your suspension system, but one widely favored approach involves the installation of coilovers. Coilovers provide the flexibility to tweak the height and rigidity of your vehicle’s suspension, leading to a significantly more agile and responsive driving feel.
Upgraded sway bars can increase your car’s cornering abilities, enhancing stability and control. Many car enthusiasts opt for lowering springs as a suspension upgrade. These springs bring down your vehicle’s center of gravity, further improving handling and reducing aerodynamic drag. It can improve handling and confer a more grounded and secure driving sensation.
Concluding Thoughts
Upgrading your Lexus IS200T’s performance to get that extra edge is a process that takes time and effort. It involves carefully selecting and implementing upgrades that increase power and speed and enhance the driving experience. A turbo upgrade, ECU remapping, installing a high-performance exhaust system, and adding a blow-off valve are some of the primary ways to do this.
Remember that a professional should modify these to avoid inadvertently damaging your vehicle. Also, remember that these substantial changes to your car may affect your warranty and insurance, so always check with your provider before proceeding.
In the pursuit of speed, remember to prioritize safety and longevity. Now, with these insights at your fingertips, you are ready to make your Lexus IS200T faster. Enjoy the ride!