How to turbo your Lexus IS300. 2 year update. Lots of tips!

It's been awhile since I've done a walkthrough of my IS300 turbo with an NA-T setup on the stock engine. Some things have changed since the last overview, but I've also had very good reliability with most of the original components of this setup. Thanks for watching this video. It's a bit long, but has a lot of useful information. Please subscribe to support the content.
Here's my build thread with a parts list:
www.my.is/threads/alexs-2004-...
Instagram:
‪@VegasAlex702‬

[@kami8418]

Sheer gobs of information, this will be my first “big” project on my car and you covered almost everything I didn’t understand/know a work around for. Absolute legend!

[@nywat]

Great video, really temtped to try a setup like this before going all in on a full engine build for the GS300

[@freespace303]

Thank you so much for making this! I've always pondered turboing my Sportcross

[@VegasAlex702]

Do it! Makes the car way more fun with another 100hp+

[@morrisrogers9631]

Awesome video brother! You've explained alot of questions I had. Great build n very helpful as I'm starting a build on my 01 IS and also have an 04 GS300 for later lol. Thanks!

[@theprodistini2590]

love the info! The more detailed the better!

[@STFXander]

OMG I NEED THAT WRITE UP FOR THE TRUNK STRUTS! THAT IS GENIUS

[@VegasAlex702]

www.my.is/threads/diy-gettin-rid-of-the-trunk-torsion-bars-success.317025/

[@notliluwu]

Sick vid! love the color and the steering wheel swap .thanks !

[@HiddenTruth346]

Very detailed , good knowledge on those vacuum lines

[@VegasAlex702]

Thanks. I'll have an update video made at some point soon. The car has had a major transformation in the engine bay.

[@TheLexusIS250Dude]

Awesome video thank you for sharing

[@shark11175]

Thank you

[@RandTezza]

Yo your set up is pretty sick! I wanna turbo my IS just like this. Love the stock setup too. I'm also in Vegas and just swapped my auto with a CD009. Would you be able to hook me up with the big brake kit and the trunk struts?

[@2JZINSKIE]

You were able to block off the air injection hose because you’re running a fuel pressure regulator now or is that unrelated? Awesome video🙏

[@mazdaspeedg2380]

Really want to boost the is300 I just bought but idk on the fence might give it a refresh and repaint resell it and save for a chaser

[@kumakaroshi117]

Make a video on the torque app

[@cpurage]

Sorry I’ve heard drift events, how do you drift it the auto tranny, have you deleted the TRC completely and how, isn’t the A650E simply shift up on its own once you are at high revs even in e-shift manual mode ? Please this a crucial question that I need answer about it otherwise I’m swapping to manual, so my question is simple, how do you drift this car with A650E tranny inside it, I’m asking about high speed drifting like on 2nd to 3rd gear even ?

[@hsumeet1992]

Do you have the link for the strut spacer? Never thought about that as a solution and I've hated the 30mm RCAs needed for the BBK for years. And awesome build 👍

[@VegasAlex702]

This is the Amazon item. I bought the 2" for my car. They don't list the IS300 as compatible, but they fit np. Very pleased with them. My car has great ride quality on the function and Form type 2 coils. Supreme Suspensions - Front Leveling Kit for 2002-2009 Lexus GX470 & 2010-2017 Lexus GX460 2" Front Lift Strut Spacers 2WD 4WD (Black).

[@Brakenex]

@hsumeet1992 not sure if you've already done your BBK, but I'm currently doing a build on my channel for the BBK using is350 front calipers (you dont need RCAs or spacers!)

[@rafatirado7214]

Greetings, could you help me? I have an is 300 2002 turbo stock ecu I have a problem with the O2 that you recommend me I want it to work like yours

[@farialabedin]

brother can you help me out with the AEM FIC6 tune?

[@MJ_dxb94]

What are the trunk struts size?

[@2SSteppin]

What did you do with the 02 sensors also did you opt for the optional cooling for the wastegate if not what did you do with those openings?

[@VegasAlex702]

Primaries are merged with custom wiring that makes it removable. No secondaries. No wastegate cooling lines.

[@josepimp404]

You are not running your stock downstream sensors connected to a single signal?

[@2SSteppin]

@@josepimp404 I disconnected all the stock ones and got the ecu master emu black which has one downstream sensor

[@aliu_q60a26]

I’m looking to CXracing turbo my car. I know this kit hooks up to the stock engine. Any other parts I would need to have it installed?

[@VegasAlex702]

my build thread is linked in the description and there is a parts list on the first page.

[@dictator40cal]

Yo Alex!!!! what did this build cost from start to finish?

[@VegasAlex702]

I have a breakdown of the turbo stuff in my build thread that is linked in the description.

[@bonadi9362]

I'm currently planning on making NA-T is300 on 450ish whp. R154 trans swap. Do you think it will be better to build the GE engine to handle this or just buy GTE and fck with that instead? I know I will need aftermarket ECU anyways so i just don't know which way to choose.Thanks for the video.

[@VegasAlex702]

It's definitely better to build the GE engine. Get a spare is300 engine and build that while you assemble the turbo kit parts on your existing engine.

[@javiermagallanes1469]

@@VegasAlex702 why dont you guys save the hassle and get non vvtis ??

[@trinidadspeck1991]

@@javiermagallanes1469 more low end torque and efficiency up top

[@CapeFilms]

How did you run the vaccum for the bov and did you connect your wastegate straight to the turbo and a vacuum source on the manifold or differently?

[@VegasAlex702]

I added barbs to the intercooler piping for the BOV and wastegate because my turbo didn't have a spot for a nipple on it. Typically you'd have the BOV connected to the intake manifold, but I am trying to keep the BOV closed in my configuration to keep the MAF happy.

[@CapeFilms]

@@VegasAlex702 and you just connected the wastegate straight to barb on the intake piping and no we’re else correct?

[@VegasAlex702]

@@CapeFilms yes. Wastegate just connected to a barb on the intercooler piping, not the intake manifold.

[@CapeFilms]

@@VegasAlex702 ok perfect

[@OEMKalin]

Planning to turbo my 01 is300, is there a particular auto trans you recommend to handle boost? Is it better to manual swap?

[@VegasAlex702]

The stock auto can handle more than the stock engine can.

[@johsity]

if/when you turbo your 01 can you message me on how it goes, thinking of doing mine too but can’t tune 01’s

[@chongvang2989]

how did it auto trans hold up? I have all my parts, but hesitant on the stock auto tranny. I just want like 350-400 hp

[@AbC-hh8vg]

Ever think about getting the same side intake?

[@VegasAlex702]

I have everything to do it. Just need time to figure it out and remake intercooler piping.

[@kevinc9934]

Mate! Do you know how to convert to gte intake with dbc throttle but still keep the auto trans functional?

[@VegasAlex702]

As long as you plug all the factory plugs into the GTE throttle body, then it should just work. You'll likely need a longer throttle cable too. I plan to go GTE intake soon, but I'm on a manual trans now.

[@kevinc9934]

@@VegasAlex702 have you done internals yet? Also stock head gasket still?

[@VegasAlex702]

GTE internals engine getting dropped in soon.

[@ReggieTaurus]

Yo what did u do with the 02 sensors? There’s only two bings for two 02 sensors

[@VegasAlex702]

I meant to cover this in the video. For the 2 upstream O2 sensor signals, I use only 1 sensor. I have the signal wires merged at the connectors in the engine bay. I took an original b1s1 O2 sensor and cut the pigtail off of it. Then I plug the connector into the engine harness and then on the O2 sensor end that was cut I have the blue and white signal wires tapped into the same wires for the b2s1 connector on the engine harness. For the 2 black heater wires, I don't have those connected. Those are merged at the ECU via the boomslang harness with a resistor between the banks. Alternatively, you can leave the 2 black wires connected to an actual O2 sensor and leave it connected to the exhaust or leave it dangling in the bay. It will just get hot, so make sure it doesn't melt anything. You need both banks to see a draw on the heater wires or you'll get a code. I hope that's clear.

[@MRMAN-wb1tv]

@@VegasAlex702 Clear, yet once again I hate to be that guy, but this is TOO MUCH WORK lol.

[@VegasAlex702]

@@MRMAN-wb1tv if you are passionate about the build process and have a clear goal in mind then this isn't too much work.

[@spike46]

Hey buddy are you running completely stock internals??

[@VegasAlex702]

yup. this engine is stock. I'm putting a built engine in soon.

[@spike46]

@@VegasAlex702 nice bro I happy to see a reliable stock 2jz na-t it gives me hope lol…more vids bro an keep up the good job 👍🏼

[@MidwestMechanic]

Is the evap hook up necessary if your not worried about codes? Pros cons ?

[@VegasAlex702]

You can delete the evap stuff if you don't care about codes.

[@MidwestMechanic]

@@VegasAlex702 cool thanks

[@nashemachende7628]

What's your gas mileage like?

[@YT-ep8oj]

vent to air wouldnt be a problem since your BOV is infront of your maf. any air infront of the maf is not even counted for so why would it throw off the af ratio.

[@VegasAlex702]

It disturbs the airflow when it vents and the car would rich spike. It would be fine on a standalone, but I don't think it's good for stock ecu setups.

[@danielbobadilla943]

What did you do with the stock O2 sensors??? Help I’m stuck

[@VegasAlex702]

You can either merge bank 1 to bank 2 and place that in the downpipe, or install o2 bungs on the turbo manifold in cylinder 1 and 5 runners and run it like stock.

[@danielbobadilla943]

Can you explain a lil more?? Do you merge the harness connector of the o2 together & use 1 o2 but tricks ecu to think it’s using both o2 but it’s really only using one?!?! Or do you merge 2 o2 sensors to one harness connector Please help

[@danielbobadilla943]

@@VegasAlex702 ???

[@jaredevers6459]

A lot of people are also trying to boost these cars the wrong way

[@VegasAlex702]

For sure. I'm trying to put out videos showing how to do it somewhat legit and have it last a long time. I drive the hell out of my car and it hasn't given me any issues related to the turbo kit.

[@jaredevers6459]

@@VegasAlex702 that’s good. Have you thought about upgrading your ecu yet?

[@VegasAlex702]

@@jaredevers6459 in the process of testing my aem v2 now. The FIC works fine tho. No issues

[@ChefNorrawitJ]

Were you able to pass obd2 smog plug in ?

[@VegasAlex702]

Yes. There are no codes.

[@ChefNorrawitJ]

@@VegasAlex702 nice I need that for my state until the cars turns 25

[@chongvang2989]

so this kit will pass smog even with the piggy back ecu?

[@AbC-hh8vg]

any check lights?

[@VegasAlex702]

Sometimes the tune needs to be adjusted and the ECU will throw an O2 slow response code. It's tuning related. I've been able to set all of the smog monitors before without much trouble. The problem with running a piggyback is that the stock ECU fights it and learns to tune around it over time unless you make it really happy in the areas outside of boost.

[@AbC-hh8vg]

@@VegasAlex702 hellya. I can get away with one incomplete monitor. I want to turbo mine but keep it on the street. Trying to decide on pb or standalone.

[@medicatedmexican]

At what mileage did you turbo your car?

[@VegasAlex702]

Almost 200k miles. I did a compression test and all cylinders were even at 185psi.

[@andymartinez4613]

Can I run 14 psi stock ecu

[@VegasAlex702]

No. You'd need a way to add more fuel.

[@supershadow230]

5-8 on stock

[@oneforalljustice5050]

Manual swap?

[@VegasAlex702]

Manual r154 swap was finished recently and then I fried the engine shortly after. It still runs but I think the rings or pistons are toast. Built engine will be installed soon.

[@oneforalljustice5050]

@@VegasAlex702 yesssir!!!!!!!

[@rogermurillo5608]

Hp?

[@VegasAlex702]

Dynoed at 325rwhp with 289tq recently.

[@pec1739]

@@VegasAlex702 thats pretty good !

[@kumakaroshi117]

Whats the best year to get , for easy ecu turning

[@VegasAlex702]

None of the stock IS300 ecus are tunable for a turbo setup. You need to get a piggyback or standalone ecu. I'd say the 2002-2005 is easier to find plug and play aftermarket ecus for. The 2001 stuff seems to be getting harder to find.

[@jayesone]

Can i hiring to turbo my.IS? Lol

[@VegasAlex702]

You can do it! Lots of information out there and it's not too hard.

[@sunnyblumen3807]

Wanna do mine for me?

[@VegasAlex702]

I've helped a bunch of the local IS300 owners get their turbo setups done.

[@MRMAN-wb1tv]

*Too much work! Not uniform. These days people are going hot side/cold side like a gte. They make FFIM for the NA/T GE's that's makes the turbo setup SOOO much easier and cleaner*

[@VegasAlex702]

It's a MAJOR hassle to convert to a FFIM. I plan to do it eventually, but the stock intake manifold setup works really well.

[@MRMAN-wb1tv]

@@VegasAlex702 You right it does work as is...But I'm telling you its not hard to switch bro! But then again you are working with an IS300 the GS300 has a bigger bay that's made for the GTE style setup.

[@bigjdm5460]

@@MRMAN-wb1tv i have an IS and i got GE VVTI i tore down. Manley rods , GTE pistons , GSC S1 Cams springs Ti retainers head decked etc. i’m thinking G30-900 divided. i’m just going to do it once and do it right. FFIM is a must. tired of taking everything off to do spark plugs valve cover gaskets etc. looks tacky too.

[@MRMAN-wb1tv]

@@bigjdm5460 That sounds like a nice build. And yup removing that dumb plenum makes life easier

[@arcadeslum5882]

Whats the total cost of a setup like yours parts and labor?

[@VegasAlex702]

I did a cost breakdown for just the turbo related parts, and it was around 6k. Paying a shop to do this would be very expensive and probably would make sense to build the engine for more power to justify the cost.