Lexus IS300 CX Racing turbo kit REVIEW!

[@Knownworldwide]

I must have said the word "tight" at least a hundred times!

[@Upperfoot]

What was the total length of the cxracing intercooler end tanks + core from the bottom to the top? Trying to work out if mine is too long and would be a fitment issue where the crashbar starts curving towards the ends

[@Knownworldwide]

@@Upperfoot You know what, I would have to try and get a measurement. If it’s any relief, my crash bar is installed as it’s factory. Intercooler doesn’t interfere at all.

[@Upperfoot]

Thanks for the shoutout man! Looking forward to you crossing 1000 subscribers! 🎉 I was about to purchase this kit but have a RHD IS300 and the steering column was probably going to be an issue I'm piecing together my own kit like you mentioned, Dodo Racing log manifold, cheap Maxpeedingrods GT3582, 25mm OE bosch recirculated BOV, eBay Tial 44mm and a good tube&fin 22x9x2.5" Intercooler to fit behind the crash bar

[@Knownworldwide]

Of course! You are a legend! Sounds awesome man! If you ever have time. Pick up a camera and post up some videos.

[@edgarrojas9628]

Everything you said was true about the manifold being a bit difficult and downpipe and turbo being crap, overall if i saw this video before buying the kit i wouldve save alot of money🔥👍

[@mterrazas145]

what would be a better set up

[@Knownworldwide]

@mterrazas145 On all honesty, this kit is a great kit for the price. Unfortunately the fitment has to be spot on for everything to work. This kit has been on my car for over a year now and it is working well. The thing is, there isn’t anyone else making FULL kits for these cars. You would need to piece together a kit if you wanted to go a different route. There are a few nice manifolds out there that I would run but most of them require the relocation of the ABS module. I like the Arctec manifolds and the manifolds from SPA. However both will require a custom Downpipe for the IS300 chassis.

[@danielgalan6518]

Thanks for the review man, Happy Birthday!! This is helpful for people getting into modifying their IS300 and diving into boost!!

[@Knownworldwide]

Hey thanks man! Appreciate you watching the video. Hopefully you decide to stick around for the long run. I really hope it helps out the community for sure! Share it and get it out there haha. Are you working on boosting your car now?

[@danielgalan6518]

@@Knownworldwide I know it'll help the community. No doubt about it. Yes, which is how I came across your page which was incredibly helpful in understanding certain aspects of boost. Specifically the fuel hangar modification.

[@Knownworldwide]

@@danielgalan6518 awesome. Happy to hear that. Well if you have any other questions feel free to ask away. Have a good one.

[@rexzbharlie2929]

thank you for sharing your turbo build, i’ve been doing my homework lately as i want to run one as well really soon.

[@Knownworldwide]

Awesome! Hey thanks for taking the time to watch! Hope you decide to stick around.

[@mojitopanda]

Congrats on 1k!!! Huge milestone

[@Knownworldwide]

Hey thanks! Yeah man, I am very happy to have such a good group of subscribers to push me along the way! Thanks for taking your time to watch the video.

[@109number9]

Started going through and watching a lot of your videos. Picked myself up a CX kit today for $1500. It's been mocked up but never ran. I think with the money I saved buying it the way I did, I'll invest in a different turbo and wastegate. Aiming for 400-450 max and running a non VVTI bottom end. I also plan to put it on a Link ECU. I also see that since you made this video you passed 1000 subs. Congrats on that!

[@Knownworldwide]

Hey thanks for watching! Hope you decide to stick around for the long run! $1,500 is a great deal on the CX I’d say. I will say that the turbo I am running now is great. No complaints with it at all. Obviously do yourself some research on turbo choice but if you are aiming for that power, you shouldn’t have any problems picking a turbo. If it were me, I would pick something responsive. Not something too big. Link is also a fantastic choice!

[@codyargyle2019]

Appreciate the info! I’ve been leaning towards making the same choice of running the full kit until it blows but now i know to save the money.

[@Knownworldwide]

Honestly the kit minus the turbo is decent for the price. The manifold suck to get on but once it’s on it should support good power. If you know you are deleted or relocating ABS then I would definitely use a better (ie easier to service) top mount manifold. Appreciate you taking the time to watch. Hopefully you decide to stick around for the long run.

[@kevinrivera4875]

Nice videos man I’m new to how turbos are install and what not I definitely have learned a lot from watching your channel I’m currently looking for an is300 and plan on doing my first turbo build off of the info I got from you keep them up man ‼️💯💯

[@Knownworldwide]

Hey thanks for watching the videos! Really appreciate it. Feel free to ask any questions you may have and I will do my best to help you out.

[@kevinrivera4875]

@@Knownworldwidethanks man appreciate it!!

[@Sketchymechanic]

Very useful info man just bought the same cx racing kit today very stoked to start my boosted journey!

[@Knownworldwide]

Sweet! Looking forward to seeing it man! Pick up a camera.

[@ryanjofre]

Did you buy their crappy turbo???nooooooo

[@Sketchymechanic]

@@ryanjofre nope I actually took his advice bought the same turbo he did and different waste gate

[@ryanjofre]

@@Sketchymechanic Awesome. The HKS GT wsstegates are expensive as fuk but worth it.

[@DanielBobadilla-q8g]

@@Sketchymechanichow’s your car running?

[@washingtonsupply3967]

My dual ball bearing cx turbo lasted about 8 months on my na-t before it went bye bye going for a pulsar now haha

[@Knownworldwide]

Man,you did better than I. Mine died almost right away. Oh well, so far this current turbo has been doing great! The pulsar should definitely be a nice upgrade for you! Hey thanks for watching!

[@ryanr9858]

Good stuff man! I’ve been watching yours vids for some time now, I appreciate how detailed you are everything. I have a sc300 I recently built with a cx racing kit, and like you, I’ve for the most part kept everything except, changing the turbo to a precision 5976. And she’s running fine now for about 3 months on Aem v2. I like watching other nat builds like yours to get ideas and inspiration for future mods, so keep them coming! Good luck on your 1k!

[@Knownworldwide]

Hey thanks man! Appreciate that kind words and thanks for taking your time to watch my videos. I hope you decide to stick around for the long run! I bet your SC is running great now on the V2.

[@109number9]

Hey Ryan not sure if you’ll see this but I’m also looking into this turbo. I keep seeing that it has a 3 5/8 v band size and the CX kit only has a 3 inch v band. Did you have to modify your downpipe or can I still use it as is? Thanks in advance.

[@LoganDidItYT]

So awesome! Congrats dude!

[@Knownworldwide]

Thanks Logan! Really appreciate that.

[@Morm1175]

Nice video man, do you never try the driftmotion turbo kit i have a couple friends that they used and have not issued i goint to purchase the driftmotion turno kit for my 300zx 2jz swap i hope that one work for me my goal is to make 600hp

[@Knownworldwide]

I haven’t tried that kit before. It looks like a solid setup though! That should be a cool swap! Pick up the camera, I’d love to follow along. Thanks for watching the video and I hope you decide to stick around for awhile!

[@sonny3917]

New sub, I don’t know much about IS300s

[@Knownworldwide]

Well, sir. You have come to the right channel. Thanks for watching! Feel free to ask anything and I will try to help you out.

[@MrSneakers1998]

How did you run your oil lines? Specifically the return.

[@Knownworldwide]

Hey first off. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. If you want to watch this video of mine when I switched turbos, I briefly go over what drain I am using. It is very hard to tell you exactly how I ran it though. You might be able to see it when I put the turbo on. Hope this helps, it’s very tight in there and if you’re using the CX turbo, forget it, you’ll never get it right due to the design of that turbo. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4KalIGKpcSgitEsi=2BF8tEc2CwTbl1X_ Around the 7:00 mark.

[@TheLemonFactor]

In looking at CX's website they have list, "NEW FOR 98-05 LEXUS IS300...", which include a NEW design for the turbo manifold. Are you running this new design, or are you on the "old" design manifold? Thanks.

[@Knownworldwide]

I bought my kit almost 3 years ago. Never got around to installing it until now on YT haha. Honestly I can’t tell the difference between the “new” and “old.” I think they just put new on there to make it seem better but I bet it’s exactly the same.

[@tigabuweir7160]

what about the ecu your running? trying to figure out best route to go in regards to tuning any info and experience u havve would help!

[@Knownworldwide]

First off, thanks for taking your time to watch the video. I hope you decide to stick around for the long run bro! I am running on a EMU black stand alone. Not sure if you have checked back through the channel but I have detailed the process as best as I can. I was running on a AEM FIC-6 piggyback prior to switching to the stand alone maybe a month ago. I am definitely willing to help you out with any questions you may have. Check out the other videos and feel free to ask anything.

[@crossrl9220]

About to buy a sc300 with this kit on it, says he has driven a few thousand miles on it and never skipped a beat. However it has 235k miles so not sure how it’ll be

[@Knownworldwide]

Awesome! Is it a manual or auto? What engine management is it running on? Thanks for watching the video btw! Hopefully you decide to stick around.

[@SantiagoSanchez-gb5zv]

Did you do an engine refresh before installing or no?

[@Knownworldwide]

I did not. This is on a completely stock GE VVTi motor. 200k miles on it. Thanks for watching btw! Hope you decide to stick around.

[@SantiagoSanchez-gb5zv]

@@Knownworldwide awesome appreciate it man !thinking about turboing my is

[@Knownworldwide]

@@SantiagoSanchez-gb5zv Go for it! Feel free to check out the channel. There could be some useful information for you.

[@Spacepotato9000]

Hey, how did you solve the ECU with the automatic transmission (im planning doing exactly your build aswell, aiming for 400HP)

[@Knownworldwide]

The factory ECU is controlling the automatic transmission still. When I had the AEM FiC on, it was just a piggyback so the factory ECU was still controlling the automatic. Now with the stand alone, I am using the parallel plug and play harness. So the factory ECU is still controlling the automatic transmission for now. 400hp is doable with the automatic but I suggest shimming it and adding a trans cooler.

[@georgebell2891]

Any plans on putting it on a dyno and seeing how much power it makes?

[@Knownworldwide]

Actually yes. I have something scheduled soon! I am curious to see what a stock auto IS300 on 5psi will make. Thanks for watching! Hope you decide to stick around.

[@georgebell2891]

@@Knownworldwide I have used your videos as a guide for my build. I only did a few things different. Your videos are very helpful and inspiring. Thank you for the content.

[@Knownworldwide]

@@georgebell2891 Hey thanks for that! Glad to help out any way that I can. Would love to see your build, pick up the camera!

[@georgebell2891]

@@Knownworldwide you got an IG? I can send you some pictures if you want.

[@Knownworldwide]

Yeah man, I don’t post anything up really. I use it to communicate. It’s knownworld_wide

[@jaysonbuitrago90]

What about the bov ? Did you use the one in the kit or did you change to a better one ?

[@Knownworldwide]

Been using the CX one. It has been flawless so far. I did tighten it down slightly as it was setup a little loose. Thanks for watching! Hope you deciding stick around!

[@vincejordan2715]

Had a quick question for you to see if you could shed any insight. I recently got my is300 all dialed in, dyno tuned and whatnot at a shop. CX racing kit with a Garrett 58mm turbo, Garrett 45mm wastegate and emu black. Completely stock GE motor, the car dyno’d at 391whp. The shop I had it at said it had a bit of boost creep due to the poor design of the CX racing manifold, and that there wasn’t much they would do to bring the boost down besides adding a second wastegate or changing the exhaust manifold to a different style. Have you heard of any similar problems with the cx racing manifold? They also installed a manual boost controller, and I’m not sure if the problem might be able to be resolved by changing the wastegate vacuum lines back to a regular setup operating off of just base spring pressure vs having a boost controller hooked up. They’ve verified the wastegate does indeed open up just fine at pressure.

[@vincejordan2715]

Obviously with being a stock motor, I’d rather have the car down closer to the 350-370whp mark so I can comfortably beat on it lol.

[@Knownworldwide]

@@vincejordan2715 What spring is in the gate now? Are you running a full aftermarket exhaust? What boost are you seeing vs what they are commanding? 391whp is respectable. Is your car a manual or auto? Sorry for all the questions, but I need some information in order to try and answer your questions and concerns.

[@vincejordan2715]

@@Knownworldwide right now there’s a 3psi spring in the gate. They did an initial dyno run on a 5psi spring before swapping it out for the 3psi spring to see if it’d make any sort of difference, but it put out 391whp on both runs. It’s a full 3in system from the downpipe back, but goes into a 2.5in HKS Stinger muffler I already had on the car right at the exit (I assume the muffler is a straight through design). No other mufflers or resonators. And this sounds dumb but I don’t have a boost gauge yet and forgot to ask them what psi it was putting out 😅. Also, it’s on the stock manual. Wiring up a boost gauge is definitely on my list next up

[@Knownworldwide]

@@vincejordan2715 well it must be making around 9-10psi for that power level. If there is a 3psi spring and it is creeping up that high then there might be a problem with the waste gate or it is plumbed wrong or if they are using a boost controller, maybe there is a setting problem? Something doesn’t add up. Can you send me a log of a pull in 3rd gear? I want to see exactly what the boost is doing. You can message me on the forum if you would like and we can exchange emails.

[@Knownworldwide]

I just sent you a message on the IS forum.

[@brandonespinoza8815]

which wastegate did you end up running?

[@Knownworldwide]

Hey, I am running a Summit Racing brand waste gate. It works great and best part about it is, it’s only $100 shipped. Just bought one to run on my boosted civic too.

[@zackpelehaty1675]

Hey bro could I get a link for the wategate?? And it’s not ok to run the wastegate that comes with the kit correct

[@Knownworldwide]

I have a few friends with this same kit. One has had zero issues with the CX gate. The other two have had it leak and just not work at all. I never tried it myself, I just went straight to another waste gate. What I think sucks is that it only comes with one spring (8lb spring I believe) So you’re pretty much stuck with that being the lowest boost you can make. If you’re running stock ECU and stock injectors, that’s not going to work at all. Here is the link to the one I am running. It’s only $100. I think that is very fair for what you get (multiple spring choices as well) www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-260072 Thanks for watching the video! Hope you decide to stick around.

[@TroyCityMedia]

Just subscribed at 993 now 7 more 🎉

[@Knownworldwide]

Ayyee! Appreciate you bro!

[@TroyCityMedia]

@Knownworldwide sent the link to 2 buddys too told them help out get you to 1k

[@Knownworldwide]

Nice car you got! Any engine mods?

[@TroyCityMedia]

@Knownworldwide none yet besides the Xcessive throttle lock lol, did all the maintenance first then cosmetic and suspension. I was searching kits and came across your vid

[@TroyCityMedia]

@Knownworldwide just saw you have a 240 too nissan is my first love lol ive had a bunch of boosted b13 and b14 ser and a few g20t

[@morrisrogers9631]

Hey brother! How much horsepower are you running now approximately?

[@Knownworldwide]

I haven’t had the car on a dyno yet. I am trying to get something in the works to get that going next month or the month after. As you know these cars are old now and people have been boosting them for awhile. Forums, old YT videos and the seat of the pants have me estimating somewhere around 235-245ish on 5psi. That is largely a guess but Take it as you may. The dyno will be the end all as to how much power I actually make through this stock automatic.

[@morrisrogers9631]

@@Knownworldwide I have an 01 like yours. I think stock is 210 ish horsepower. Does yours feel it's a night and day difference? I think it should feel seat of the pants fast compared to stock! Your videos are awesome btw brother! Please keep up the quality vids.

[@Knownworldwide]

@morrisrogers9631 Oh it’s definitely way quicker than stock. Keep in mind, a stock IS300 auto will only dyno around 168-172ish HP. Not that listed 215 flywheel number. Also stock 0-60 & quarter mile times for these auto equipped cars is around 7.5 seconds and 15.8ish @90-91mph To put things in perspective, I have raced and beat a SVT lightning and a 2016 R/T charger. Lightnings run 0-60 in 5.5 sec. And 13.9-14 flat quarters and that charger runs 0-60 about the same and the quarter in 13.5@105ish mph

[@morrisrogers9631]

@@Knownworldwide WOW, that IS awesome brother! And you're only at 5 psi! You have any idea how much boost you want to end up running?

[@804MRMAN]

Thats weird. My 04 GS300 was dyno tested ( just to see how the health of the engine was ) and to the wheels it did 217hp. Not bad for a 20 yr old car ​@@Knownworldwide

[@Landoguapo]

Hey brother quick question are you running Catless headers?

[@Knownworldwide]

I am running the full CX turbo kit aside from the turbo and waste gate. Completely open 3” down pipe. No cats anywhere.

[@levihouse5345]

What turbo and waste gate did you switch to and were they direct swaps or need modification to the kit pieces ​@@Knownworldwide

[@Knownworldwide]

@@levihouse5345 hey thanks for watching! Hope you decide to stick around. Please check out this video. The turbo I went with is a direct bolt on to the CX manifold. No modifications required. As far as the waste gate, I went with a Summit racing 44mm gate. It was $100 and is also a direct bolt on. It has been working great! The IS300 Gets a NEW TURBO! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4KalIGKpcSgitE

[@levihouse5345]

@@Knownworldwide thanks for the reply man always been a fan of the 2jz great to see kits still being around for them

[@Knownworldwide]

@@levihouse5345 yes sir! Looking forward to see your progress! Good luck and feel free to reach out whenever.

[@ajdoria7010]

what ecu are u running

[@Knownworldwide]

@@ajdoria7010 hey thanks for watching first off! Hope you decide to stick around. I am using an ECU master’s EMU black stand alone.

[@TroyCityMedia]

Stock injectors, pump and ecu?

[@Knownworldwide]

Nah. Aftermarket pump, EMU black stand alone and MK3 Supra injectors. Feel free to check out the channel bro. I tried to be as detailed as possible.

[@TroyCityMedia]

@@Knownworldwide watching your other vids now lol probably should have looked first. I have an auto too so glad to see yours is also

[@Knownworldwide]

@@TroyCityMedia Haha, all good man. Feel free to ask whatever questions you have. I don’t plan on keeping the car auto but for now it’s working out ok. Going manual these days is pricey for sure but I wanted to buy the stand alone first so that I would be ready to make the transition to the manual and not have to worry about the electronics side of things.