Lexus IS 500 with ARK GRiP Catback Exhaust | Full Reveal, Initial Impressions, and Sound Clips!

Here's a first look at the ARK Performance GRiP Catback Exhaust for the Lexus IS500. This is the one we've all been waiting for. After almost a week of driving, I can say the ARK exhaust expands the harmonic range of the 2UR-GSE with lower lows and higher highs. It ultimately gives the 5-Liter V8 the sound it deserves.
I'll eventually post a full review. Thanks for watching!

[@xochilquetzal18]

I been on the search for an exhaust for my IS500. I think of all of them, I really like this set up the best. I dont like any drone in my car and dont want it be obnoxiously loud. This is definitely perfect.

[@V8Brah]

Thank you! Couldn't agree more.

[@alihashimi9017]

Honestly that’s how it should have came stock, sounds so good. But if you want to go louder you could with gt and rr exhaust.

[@Vmart_16]

Wow that exhaust looks very well made. Love the deep tone of this exhaust. For a daily driver this is perfect.

[@yanzodadon]

Honestly, perfect. A grown man's exhaust.

[@neotheoneness9363]

That’s sounds really nice, it’s not obnoxious.

[@kindica09]

I really love this sound. on my radar for sure! thanks!

[@Aznk1d]

I love it. it doesn't sond like the stereotypical American V8 it has a nice smooth tone to it. And would love to hear it in person cuz the video doesn't do justice

[@vincentgutierrez8653]

I love the tone of the sound for Ark Performance.. from cold start to upshift even 5k RPM it really amplifies the sound. Im not reallty a fan of pops and bangs, but youll have it after you break-in your exhaust system. May or may not increase the HP, but definitely you feel your car breathe better and smoother. Nice car bro, color as well. Congratulations on your new exhaust. I do have as well in my 22, 350 with carbon tip. Wish I can insert a small clip of mine to share.

[@V8Brah]

Thank you for your comment! The Ark exhaust on the new IS350 is what also got me really in them. While I've seen plenty of videos on it I'd love to see a clip of yours too!

[@ShadowJ20]

Thanks for the upload.

[@ARentz07]

That sounds epic. I agree that it is a nice balance. Don't want to wake the whole neighborhood - maybe just the immediate neighbors. 😆

[@V8Brah]

Thank you! I was washing my car yesterday and my neighbor saw me and came out to say he heard me the other day in the morning. :)

[@ShinSynZero]

That is very mellow, I wonder what it would sound like with headers. I really like the Ark build quality (no valves to worry about either) and that it's still catted as well. Good stuff man.

[@V8Brah]

They definitely put a ton of thought into the design. They had my car in R&D for 3 weeks!

[@joelasss8229]

Definitely want to hear how it sounds with headers

[@HOV4N]

Sounds good! That should be how it sounds from factory!!

[@bronxtaskforce01]

Damn! That sounds so sweeeeeet😮

[@user-ls9cb9bd2l]

Imo, that is the perfect sound for that car. Not obnoxiously loud like an SS etc but throatier then stock. Blend of luxury and muscle.

[@MRSKY60]

Sounds nice been contemplating getting the gt haus for my 500

[@omarip4458]

same. might go the valvetronic route just so It isn’t obnoxiously loud 24/7

[@onefm1]

Now that sounds slick.. Makes it an unexpected sexy beast with a respectable sound.

[@V8Brah]

Thank you! You nailed it perfectly.

[@onefm1]

@@V8Brah I don't see the system available for the IS500 on the Ark website :/

[@timw2083]

That sounds great

[@stillinsocal42]

thanks man, may give them a call and throw one on my IS500, just the right amount of sound...👍

[@V8Brah]

You won't be disappointed!

[@stillinsocal42]

@@V8Brah any check engine lights come on yet?

[@V8Brah]

@@stillinsocal42 Nope!

[@chrisnorcross3322]

Awesome exhaust note under heavy throttle but when you are talking at the six minute mark it sounds mega droney. Maybe it’s the mic. Anyway great video. Congrats!

[@balancemode4112]

one day one day… dreaming and driving my IS250 just to be like you one day!!

[@V8Brah]

I’m not sure you’d want to be me haha but I hope you get one someday!

[@nodrogkam]

It's probably the right amount of noise.

[@V8Brah]

Exactly

[@martinsimms9880]

It sounds great, I have an rcf and how much was the Ark?

[@Jlbernabe831]

Clean setup. I'm going to go with an Apexi. Not trying to sound all Exotic.

[@V8Brah]

Thank you! Also a great choice

[@jmullerxx]

love it!! what part of CA are you in?? i would love to hear it in person

[@V8Brah]

Southern CA. Message me on Instagram!

[@Koa1afury]

@@V8Brah Ooo I'd be interested as well. I don't have insta though =(

[@kaidiau]

Love the sound! Just the right amount! This exhaust is not showing up on their website, how did you order it? And how’s the fitting? Are the quad pipes sturdy where it’s not swinging/hitting the inner part of the diffuser? Thanks for the video!

[@V8Brah]

Thank you! I was the R&D tester so it won’t be available for sale for a few more months. The fitting went well, there’s no touching of the diffuser.

[@Koa1afury]

I emailed Ark. Expect it to drop in June at near RC-F exhaust price

[@navaho5430]

Sounds good, see if you can line up a ISF for a drag race none on utube yet cheers from OZ.

[@spaceenthusiast5242]

Any update on the availability of this exhaust?

[@jamesolive3693]

Perfect street ride nice just need a nitrous bottle in the trunk 😅 small one little 100 horse kit really open some eyes 👀 with that that engine would be fine too

[@colby3333]

IMO it sounds like any other 2URGSE with an exhaust except GT Haus and bazooka.

[@hbksjs]

Can't go wrong with GT Haus or Bazooka 😉

[@shawndejong6699]

Can trans tuning help the sleepy 8 spd in the new 500?

[@LEVIDOTS]

Love the way. It sounds love the way it looks. Can’t wait to put it on my 2023 IS 500! How much do something like that costs?

[@V8Brah]

Thank you! It'll probably cost between $2k-3k.

[@LoveableTheo]

Is this exhaust on their website? I can’t find it

[@_Answer_]

Would you happen to know if the axleback portion fits the 500 directly? From what I've seen, should be the same as the RC-F axleback, but it hasn't been 100% confirmed if it directly fits.

[@V8Brah]

Great question. Unfortunately, I don't actually know. It looks like it would fit just based on the angle of the flanges and the position of the hangers. However, I vaguely remember asking ARK the same question before they started the design and I think they said probably not. Also, they don't sell midpipes and axlebacks separately so that might mean they're not meant to be modular. We would just have to ask them.

[@85CEKR]

Is this available yet? I went to their site and I don't see anything about it. Honestly I love the look of this more than anything.

[@V8Brah]

It's not available yet but ARK did post on instagram a few weeks ago that it's in production now.

[@jaimerodriguez3408]

Sounds sweet! Are those titanium tips?

[@V8Brah]

No, just stainless steel.

[@j3boii]

Perfect exhaust if u tell me

[@wil3159]

Did they say when its going into production. I want it for mine but w/o the cats.

[@V8Brah]

Their instagram said it's in production now and will be available within a few months.

[@wil3159]

@@V8Brah nice.

[@JustinDorris11]

NEED this exhaust for mine. Don't see it on their site. Have a link?

[@V8Brah]

Not yet. It's still in production.

[@LoveableTheo]

Have you gotten a ticket yet ? Or pulled over. I also love in southern cali

[@V8Brah]

No haha (knock on wood)

[@Philmoscowitz]

How much did it come to, with the ARK exhaust and labor? By the way, that color is awesome on the IS 500! I might even prefer to the Infrared.

[@V8Brah]

ARK catback exhausts are $2k-$3k, the labor was $0 since I was their tester. Thanks for watching!

[@Philmoscowitz]

@@V8Brah Thanks, dude.

[@brucebruce479]

V8 Brah, do any check engine lights come on with the install?

[@V8Brah]

No, thankfully not!

[@tubedude92]

any gains in hp?

[@Aerospacegod]

this paired with ppe headers would be the perfect combo

[@MattFaatimaK]

that accord at :38 was niceeee

[@maxidrivemaxidrive4330]

What would people do with the stock exhaust after swapping it out?

[@V8Brah]

I think most people keep it…

[@z643]

What kind of after market cats do you have welded on?

[@V8Brah]

These are Ark's own hi-flow cats.

[@z643]

@@V8Brah thanks. Does it have any exhaust smell?

[@V8Brah]

@@z643 It smells a little from the outside when you really step on it.

[@Blackntanxguy]

Do you have an IG? Sounds great!! Did Ark start to sell this product for the IS500?

[@V8Brah]

Yeah, IG is @v8brah. I heard they’re starting production but it’ll be a few months before it arrives. Thanks for watching!

[@Blackntanxguy]

@@V8Brah following

[@J-J-TL]

Does it fit IS 350?

[@Koa1afury]

Edited after I saw your replies to others. I would be very interested. It looks sick. Also, have they done a decibel reading on it? Be nice if it was within legal limits for my state

[@V8Brah]

What state are you in? I saw them doing a decibel reading but I merely glanced at the meter and didn't actually look at the data. I think it was well under 95 dB when idle but it got pretty loud (over 95) during the revs. Pretty normal. I think if you're driving past cops in high gear at low RPM you won't catch their attention.

[@bleedzacid]

How long does the burning smell last after install?

[@V8Brah]

I think it was gone within 50 miles

[@domeniccolavito9738]

This is how the car should have sounded stock why the LC sounds different I don’t understand. They should have done a 500 specific exaust

[@grimloxx]

I need to ask, did this void your warranty??? Cause I haven’t done this swap with mine because i dont want to void anything, btw i have the same color as you 🤣🤣 im in boca raton florida lol

[@V8Brah]

It'll void the warranty only of the parts I replaced. If something goes wrong they have to prove it was caused by the part to deny the warranty.

[@grimloxx]

@@V8Brah soo basically im good unless something happens, and even then they would have to prove its because of those specific parts being changed?

[@mayeramschelrothschild3126]

@@grimloxx I would be careful. Lexus is strict on their warranties. I’m not modding mine until the warranty is up

[@grimloxx]

@@mayeramschelrothschild3126 thats kinda what im thinking tbh

[@mayeramschelrothschild3126]

@@grimloxx yea. Luckily It still sounds great stock

[@tubedude92]

sounds purr-fect

[@V8Brah]

I appreciate that. :)

[@tubedude92]

@@V8Brah any gains in horsepower?

[@2URLex]

We’re luxury first, no idea why people complain about sound lol just get it changed.

[@richardvigil3485]

How much $ was it

[@vlad1889]

Great quality, but for this money be better with something louder and active switch for daily.

[@SkyWalker-sz5gf]

Almost sounds like an STI, interesting.

[@V8Brah]

It kinda does!...

[@user-vq1jr3dw2t]

Will it pass smog in California?

[@V8Brah]

Technically no, not the visual inspection, but no catback would pass unless it has a CARB EO# (and no aftermarket company wants to pay for that). However the ARK exhaust stands the greatest chance of passing; since this catback has hi-flow cats, that may be enough to dupe an unsuspecting tech. I guess I'll find out in 7 years!

[@blackdiamondrob]

@@V8Brah i have a build coming from the factory. i was told by a smog guy that a catback is legal as long as you dont mess wtih the cats

[@mubeenbil]

No X or H pipe?

[@V8Brah]

There's an H pipe. It's hidden by the center brace.

[@GameTheory-mc8on]

I'm stuck on getting one or a q50 red sport. Disappointed with Lexus' choice of rear brakes.

[@85CEKR]

If your stuck between an IS500 and a Q50 I don't know how to help you... with anything.... in life.... Honestly I don't think there's any hope for you.

[@V8Brah]

The brakes could be a little better, but this wasn't designed to be a track car. I'm not a fan of anything that comes from Renault, so unfortunately I don't believe the Q50 is on the same level as the IS500.

[@kenbianucci2223]

The only thing this IS is missing are some equal length headers.

[@wolftec5000]

Is it "street legal"?

[@V8Brah]

of course! ;)

[@cwx8]

it doesnt sound crazy different than just deleting rear resonators

[@doggystyledave]

It sounds like a Mercedes AMG

[@desmomotodesmomoto2033]

Are you one of those wearing a mask inside a car on a HWY?

[@johnnychimpo7539]

Unfortunately it’s just just a poor sounding v8. I’ve watched a few videos and none of them sound good. It’s way too deep and not loud enough

[@Skittlezz45]

Congrats! IMO, not a fan of it though. I put the Invidia exhaust on my RC-F and it's a much better "V8" sound than the Ark (main reason I went for it). Is it the best sounding exhaust for the RC-F? No. But it's the best sounding in the "budget" category. Also, I couldn't stand the look of the cheap exhaust tips for Ark vs the more "natural" look of the Invidia polished tips. Larger in size and a better fit for the design and space of the rear (IS & RCF). In the end, enjoy the car because we're all apart of the L Fam and that's the part that matters 😎

[@leojohnwayne1422]

What’s the best exhaust out there for the RCR? For performance Is it the bazooka exhaust from RR racing?