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Author Topic: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!  (Read 38382 times)

Offline nickt93

LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« on: December 03, 2015, 10:43:23 PM »
As much as I hate to do this, the time has come for me to sell this awesome LS3 IS300.  I have nine cars and no time to enjoy them all.  I would rather see someone else use the car the way it was meant to be.   For me this was the most perfect car – the power of a Corvette, the quality and reliability of a Lexus, and the practicality of a sedan.  Truly “one car to do it all”.  An excellent daily driver, track car, or whatever else you might have in mind.  My garage will look kind of sad without this parked next to my ’97 Supra Turbo. 

For some this car will need no introduction.  The build was well documented on several forums (ClubLexus, LS1Tech, MyIS, Supraforums, etc) and is pretty well known in the Lexus and engine swap worlds.


Quick Summary
* 2001 Lexus IS300
* LS3 6.2L V8 swap (same motor as the 2008-2013 Corvette for those not in the know).   Bottom end had 50k miles at time of swap; heads were brand new.
* Dyno’d @ 459hp/ 425ft lbs.  Car was dyno’d with an aftermarket cam that has since been removed, however it is included in the sale.  I would estimate the cam at 40-50hp, so the car is probably around 410-420rwhp as it sits. 
* Best ¼ Mile = 11.8 @ 120mph
* T56 6 speed transmission
* KW Variant 3 Coilovers
* Original development car for Dedicated Motorsports who pioneered the IS300 LSX swap.  This is car #001.  Build is fully documented in multiple threads linked below. 
* Less than 15k miles on swap
* Interior = 9.5.  Seats, carpet, and panels are near perfect. 
* Exterior = 8.5.  Paint is in great condition overall but is original and does have some imperfections commensurate with age/mileage.   Certainly a presentable daily driver, but not quite a show car/ trailer queen.
* Engine Bay = 10.  All wires have been properly wrapped, covered, and soldered.  Additionally the engine bay has been wire tucked; looks even better than OEM. 
* Weighs 3374 (full tank of gas, including all stereo equipment, spare tire, etc).  The LS3 weighs a few pounds less than the 2JZ-GE it replaced, so the excellent weight balance of the IS300 is unchanged by the swap. 

Price = $22,000

The last time this car was publicly listed for sale it was $25k and it sold in 9 days (http://www.clublexus.com/forums/lexus-vehicles-classifieds/562790-ls3-powered-2001-silver-is300-460-whp-6-speed-all-around-street-car.html).  I’ve listed it at an aggressive price to move the car quickly, so if you want the car don’t wait. 


There were three things that really stood out about this car when I bought it vs other swapped cars that were for sale:

1)   LS3 – this build paired a low mileage block with brand new heads; everything was fully refreshed and properly built.  Additionally the LS3 received many upgrades to improve performance, strength, reliability, and to support forced induction at some point in the future.  To me all of this was far preferable to buying a car with the junkyard LS1 pullout that has an unknown history.
2)   Well Built & Fully Documented.  This car was built by Matt Owen who pioneered the IS300 LSX swap.  This was the first car he built – there was a ton of time, labor, and dollars spent in order to make this car perfect.  The attention to detail is outstanding.  See links to build threads below.  The quality of a swapped car is fully dependent on the builder, and Matt Owen is one of the best. 
3)   100% Complete.  This build is so much more than just a motor swap.  No expense of time or dollars was spared to make this car right.  Beyond the motor this car boasts enhancements to just about every other system: Suspension, Brakes, Cooling, Exhaust, Audio Video, Fueling, Wheels/ Tires.  Also this car has working AC; a lot of other builds neglect that.  Depending on where you live that could be a major issue. 

This car is unbelievably well built.  I haven’t had to turn a wrench on this car during the 4+ years I’ve owned it.  Other than having the differential upgraded/replaced it has never seen the inside of a shop either.  Just turn the key, enjoy, and repeat! 

It also never fails to draw a crowd.  If you don’t like attention then this isn’t the car for you – I end up popping the hood and having conversations with strangers just about everywhere I go (have met some really nice folks that way actually).  One kind of attention it does not seem to attract is the flashing blue lights.  I’ve had zero tickets in four years.  I’ve seen cops crane their necks looking for the Corvette/ Mustang/ Camaro as I whiz by; they never suspect the Lexus ;).  This car totally flies “under the radar”. 

I’ve done three track days and one autocross in this car.  It performed flawlessly.   Outside of that I drive the car pretty tamely on the street; guess I must be turning into a responsible adult now that I’m a married family man. 


Engine
6.2L LS3 V8
EPS 236 242 .600 Lift Camshaft (included but not installed)
Professionally dyno tuned
Dedicated Motorsports Engine Mount Kit
Dedicated Motorsports Modified LS2 Oil Pan
2010 Corvette Intake Manifold and 42lb Injectors
Nick Williams 92mm Throttle Body
LS7 Roller Lifters
Comp Hardened Pushrods
Comp Dual .650 Lift Valve Springs
Hardened Seats
Titanium Retainers
LS6 Oil Pump
Billet Double Roller LS2 Timing Chain
MSD Spark Plug Wires
Billet Power Steering Pulley
ARP Harmonic Balancer Bolt
True cold air intake routed to opening in front of passenger side wheel well
All new GM seals and gaskets prior to installation

Drivetrain
T56 6 speed Transmission
Limited Slip Differential.  M85/ 3.73 ratio.  Upgraded from the M98/ 3.9 in 2013 due to the more desirable ratio for a car with this much power. 
LS7 Clutch and Steel Flywheel
Dedicated Motorsports Two Piece Driveshaft
Dedicated Motorsports Clutch Hydraulic Kit
Dedicated Motorsports Shifter


Suspension

KW Variant 3 Coilovers
Hotchkis Sway Bars – Front and Rear
FIGS Traction Bars
FIGS Rear Toe Links
FIGS Solid Steering Rack Bushings
Dedicated Motorsports Solid Differential Bushings
Dedicated Motorsports Spherical Rear Lower Control Arm Bushings


Wheels/ Tires

ASA AR1 wheels – 18x8 front, 18x9 rear.  Perfect condition; zero curbing.
Front Tires: Kumho Ecsta XS 235/40/18 front (50%)
Rear Tires: Continental Extreme Contact 265/35/18 (new; <500 miles)


Brakes
FIGS Supra Brake Rotor Brackets
DBA Slotted Brake Rotors (MKIV Supra 13” Rotors)
Hawk HPS Brake Pads - front and rear
Motul Brake fluid


Fuel
Walbro 255hp Fuel Pump
-6 Prolite Fuel Lines
Trickflow Fuel Pressure Regulator


Cooling
Koyo Aluminum Radiator
160 Degree Thermostat


Stereo
The stereo in this car is phenomenal.  The 5 channel amp pushes a ton of power through the 10” subwoofer and speakers.  Additionally the head unit has a ton of features: it plays DVDs, has a touch screen, includes iPhone lightning cable hookup in center console (can be modified to fit Android or other devices with a different USB cable), integrates Pandora, has an SD slot for music/media, and more.  There is a knob wired below the driver’s seat that allows for easy adjustment of the subwoofer level.   
* Pioneer AVH4300DVD
* MB Quart OA 1100.5 5 channel amplifier


Exhaust
Dedicated Motorsports 1 3/4 headers with 3 inch collectors
Stainless Steel Custom Dual Exhaust; includes two separate center sections that can be swapped out:
* Exhaust #1: X pipe; no cats or resonators
* Exhaust #2: includes cats and resonators; separate runners
Exhaust work performed by Enthuza Exhaust in Atlanta, GA


Other
Best year of IS300 – 2001 is the only year without the “sticky dashboard” issue
Dedicated Motorsports Power Steering Line Kit
Passes Georgia emissions with ease
HP Tuners Pro
Dakota Digital Tach Converter
Scan Gauge OBDII Reader
PLX Wideband O2 Sensor and Gauge
Taylor Battery Box (mounted in trunk for improved weight balance)


For those not versed in the LS motor lineage, a quick summary.  The LS1 is a 345hp 5.7L motor that was introduced in 1997.  A high output version of that motor, the LS6, was introduced in 2001 for the then-new Corvette Z06 model.  In 2005 the LS2 replaced the LS1 as the motor for the C6 Corvette; it is a 6.0L motor that leveraged many of the performance improvements from the LS6.  In 2008 the LS3 motor was introduced, displacing 6.2L and making 430hp. 


The Bad
* Reverse sometimes pops out of gear.  Can be prevented by keeping your hand on the shifter.  Has not gotten any worse over the past four years.   All other gears engage and hold properly. 
* Paint is beginning to show its age in a few places.  The front bumper and hood have rock chips commensurate with a car of this year and mileage.  There is a small spot of clearcoat peeling on the rear spoiler. 

Ownership history – the car was built by Matt Owen of Dedicated Motorsports in 2010.  He originally transplanted an LS1 into this car, then a year later upgraded to the LS3.  He sold it to a guy here in Atlanta in April 2011; that guy’s wife didn’t much like the car and he sold it to me two months later in June.  I’ve had the car ever since.  The car was a two owner car at the time of the swap.  The autocheck shows one incident (a fender bender in 2010) and is otherwise clean; detail is here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2QaXkkHwcWybS1vSEc5SHZwVGs/view


I’m probably the most reasonable seller you could ask for.  I have priced the car aggressively vs what similar builds have sold for, but If it doesn’t sell at asking price I’ll continue to lower it until it does.  I have been as detailed as possible in this ad to prevent any surprises later.  I want this car to go to a good home and I want its new owner to be delighted. 

$1000 deposit holds the car for 7 days.  I’m not interested in any trades; my garage and driveway are busting at the seams.  Pickup is available in Atlanta, GA.  From out of town?  No problem – Atlanta has the busiest airport in the world with dozens of flights daily from major cities.  Fly in and I’ll pick you up in your new IS300!  Additionally I am happy to partner with an auto shipper of your choice if you prefer to ship the car. 

Pics

















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Many more pictures located here: https://picasaweb.google.com/110001416800430195408/LexusIS300LS3


Related Threads
Well documented every step of the way on several forums:

For Sale Thread from 2011: http://www.clublexus.com/forums/lexus-vehicles-classifieds/562790-ls3-powered-2001-silver-is300-460-whp-6-speed-all-around-street-car.html

Original LS1 Build Threads
http://my.is/forums/f114/my-ls1-swap-thread-408201/
http://www.supraforums.com/forum/showthread.php?579914-The-LS1-powered-IS300.-Can-I-build-it-in-time
http://ls1tech.com/forums/conversions-hybrids/1254413-time-let-you-guys-secret-my-lexus-transvestite.html

LS1 Upgrades http://my.is/forums/f219/ls1-swapped-is300-stage-two-power-upgrades-swap-kit-testing-415248/


Upgrading the LS1 to an LS3 Threads
http://my.is/forums/f114/out-ls1-6-2l-ls3-new-parts-tx2k11-426635/
http://www.supraforums.com/forum/showthread.php?625158-LS3-in-the-IS300-or-die-trying



Related Videos
Aaaaaand a few videos:

A few laps of Atlanta Motorsports Park:
! No longer available

Lapping Talladega Gran Prix Raceway
! No longer available

Outside the car from the back straight at TGPR (fast forward to 0:12)
! No longer available

An autocross run:
! No longer available

Dyno vid, also from previous owner:
! No longer available
« Last Edit: December 04, 2015, 02:20:14 PM by nickt93 »

Offline gnx7

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #1 on: December 05, 2015, 05:31:03 PM »
Nice Setup.... If you were on the West Coast this would be in my driveway.
'93 FD: 441ci/AllPro LS7 heads/intake en route, T56 Mag, 8.8" IRS, HolleyHP, DavisTechTC 10.32@137mph cats/full exhaust. 165mph 1/2 mile (old LS7)
'93 FD LS9 turbo, T56 Mag, Samberg 8.8" solid axle, 9.35@163mph 197mph 1/2 mile
`69 Chevelle: alum 5.3, GTS76 turbo, ChiseledPerf A/W, T56 Magnum,Ford 35 spline 9".CTS-V interior http://www.norotors.com/index.php?topic=18234.0
old yellar....440rwhp/FD sold but not forgotten: http://www.ponycars.net/scc.htm
I sell new T56 Magnums/McLeod clutch/T56 rebuild kits/Holley EFI/FIC injectors and all BrianTooleyRacing parts.  norcalmotorsport@gmail.com

Offline mcpoevo

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #2 on: December 05, 2015, 07:07:12 PM »
might be interested at the right price.  lets work something out. 

Offline jdm91t

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #3 on: December 10, 2015, 01:15:11 PM »
Was this car at caffeine and Octane a few days ago? I was out there in my gray LS FD and I could have sworn I saw this car.
93 403ci FD finally burning rubber :drive:

Offline nickt93

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #4 on: December 10, 2015, 02:09:09 PM »
Was this car at caffeine and Octane a few days ago? I was out there in my gray LS FD and I could have sworn I saw this car.

Yep, that was it.  I saw your FD - looked great. 

Offline nickt93

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #5 on: December 11, 2015, 01:45:02 PM »
Wow, what a week!  Listed the car last Friday and the attention has been unbelievable.   The car was covered by 6 Speed.  And Revved Magazine.  And LS1Tech.  And EngineSwap Depot.  And ClubLexus. 

As you can imagine my phone is ringing off the hook :)


This V8-Powered Lexus IS300 Isn't Your Ordinary Hybrid - 6SpeedOnline



There Is A Gorgeous LS3-Swapped Lexus IS300 For Sale In Atlanta



This V8-Powered Japanese Sports Sedan Puts the "L" and the "S" in "Lexus" - LS1Tech.com




For Sale: Lexus IS300 with a LS3




There are 8 Reasons Why This Lexus Should Be Called an "LS300" ? Clublexus

Quote from: tvl3rd;8014938
Cool car. it actually popped up on jalopnik in the last few days. GLWS.

And 6 Speed.  And Revved Magazine.  And LS1Tech.  And EngineSwap Depot.  And ClubLexus.  The coverage has been unbelievable. 

As you can imagine my phone is ringing off the hook :)


This V8-Powered Lexus IS300 Isn't Your Ordinary Hybrid - 6SpeedOnline



There Is A Gorgeous LS3-Swapped Lexus IS300 For Sale In Atlanta



This V8-Powered Japanese Sports Sedan Puts the "L" and the "S" in "Lexus" - LS1Tech.com




For Sale: Lexus IS300 with a LS3




There are 8 Reasons Why This Lexus Should Be Called an "LS300" ? Clublexus

Offline ChuckLee

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #6 on: December 11, 2015, 05:07:37 PM »
ITS A BUYING FRENZY!
We're going MAD MAD MAD!!!!

Offline Tictakman

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #7 on: December 12, 2015, 08:48:03 AM »
awesome, and it hasnt sold yet?   :poke:

Offline IMPULSE.ACTIONS

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #8 on: December 12, 2015, 10:00:59 AM »
Nice Car and Great For Sale Thread!

GLWS

Offline Focuzed-REX

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #9 on: December 12, 2015, 02:17:43 PM »
Nice car wish I didn't have so many cars as well. Im trying to get rid of some of mine, and i'm with in driving range of you too. This I think is exactly what i'm looking for. free bump. let me know if you change your mind about trading. I have a couple of cars that I might be willing to trade for this one.
« Last Edit: December 13, 2015, 11:36:41 AM by Focuzed-REX »

Offline nickt93

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #10 on: December 18, 2015, 05:24:14 PM »
Nice car wish I didn't have so many cars as well. Im trying to get rid of some of mine, and i'm with in driving range of you too. This I think is exactly what i'm looking for. free bump. let me know if you change your mind about trading. I have a couple of cars that I might be willing to trade for this one.

Thanks man - as a car addict a trade is always an interesting proposition, but right now I just need to condense the fleet.  Thanks for the offer!

Offline nickt93

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #11 on: December 19, 2015, 06:55:27 AM »
Price drop - $19,500

Offline Focuzed-REX

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #12 on: December 19, 2015, 03:02:54 PM »
No worries. wish i could just afford to buy it. As a fellow car addict i understand. haha. Well as a proposition. i have a well built fully built reliable 500whp ford forcus with all the luxuries. (heated leather recaro seats, ac, cruise, 3k watt stereo system.) it rides nice and is currently my daily (just looking for something new) Ive owned it since 2002 it gets great mp (approx 27mpg) and out runs sport bikes when the need arises.. haha.  I place the value of it around 12-15k I have over 40k in just parts in it. I also have a 1972 for mustang sprint fast back that i was restoring like a mach one that is an unfinished project but runs and drives (comes with about 8k in extra brand new parts (every thing to complete the out side)) I would be willing to trade both for your car. combined they are easily worth 20k. just in case you change your mind.. haha

 https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10153755023384099&set=a.10151166372609099.474482.856409098&type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/dstoneburner/videos/vb.856409098/10151560614079099/?type=3&theater
« Last Edit: December 19, 2015, 03:17:17 PM by Focuzed-REX »

Offline thetastelingers

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #13 on: December 23, 2015, 07:52:33 AM »
You still have this?
Crap man. I thought it would be gone quick.
I may have thought once or twice about selling my Cobra and picking this up....
wazzaaaaaaaaaaaapppppp!

Offline nickt93

Re: LS3 V8 Swap Lexus IS300 – 6 speed, Fully Built, 400hp+!
« Reply #14 on: December 28, 2015, 11:27:27 AM »
i have a well built fully built reliable 500whp ford forcus [/url]

Finally got a chance to check out your Focus.  Wow - that thing is awesome!   

You still have this?
Crap man. I thought it would be gone quick.
I may have thought once or twice about selling my Cobra and picking this up....

Several prospective buyers but the keys are still in my hand.  I have a local buyer doing a PPI tomorrow and an eBay buyer that clicked "Buy it Now" but has failed to send a deposit.  So, we'll see.