sportcrossing

Any suggestions about trans lubricants? In other applications I have always used red line or trick shift... Are these compatible with Lexus applications? Also, is there an after market filter that is perferable or is the stock filter good enough?

Lexus folks, As you may know the front and rear on the sportcross are different widths, so if I go to 18" for sumer tires and wheels what is the best combo? I am currently looking at the ADR's and Michelin Pilot sports... But havent locked into anything yet... Also, looking for suspension recommendations for less than 3K.

First time I ever heard Newton's third law called the theory of relativity. BTW. The optimum speed for mileage is 45-55. Above that speed, wind drag comes into play. Also drafting on the highway is extremely dangerous and should not be encouraged. ← OOPS, mixed my Einstein and Newton... too much NOS, back to the garage....

My experience is that it really depends on your driving style. The programed shift on my Sportcross is actually very good and probably provides the best fuel economy for daily commutes. I find that when I drive in manual mode the fun factor always comes into play. If you are very disciplined, you may be able to squeeze a mile or two out of your go-juice, but it may take more attention than you are willing to pay. A good rule is to keep the tach as consistant as possible without over reving or bogging the motor. On flat land it is fairly simple because the motor has enough torque to maintain good RPM and ground speed and eshifting to 5th rapidly will get your best economy. The trick here is to avoid rapid accelleration and decelleration, and try to adjust your speed without using the brake. Stop and go driving is your worst enemy. Keeping in mind that openings in the traffic will create this intense desire to acheive maximum speed emmediately therefore wasting any savings that you may make by maintaining a constant speed in traffic. It is like a bell curve... Your vehicle is designed to acheive its best fuel economy at highway speeds, so anything either side of 70mph is using more fuel to propell your vehicle, particularly on the upper end. Reaching freeway speeds effeciently requires a brisk but smooth acceleration up to about 55 and then easing back until you reach 60-70mph. Its the old theory of relativity... For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. So, with your automatic you will want to get the car rolling quickly then let up on the accelerator easing it in to high range and holding the tach constant. Even idling is an expensive venture. Here in WA I will spend as much as 20 minutes of my 1.5 hour commute idling, for that I get 0 mpg. If you have the luxury of long distance freeway drives your cruise control is your best friend, and it helps you to relax. It is kind of like racing a sail boat, everything matters! Avoid unnecessary steering wheel movement and switching lanes, since each sideward movement causes fuel consuming drag. Keep windows closed at highway speeds, use internal venting. Avoid using the air conditioner at lower speeds. Respond to wind forces by driving slowly into the wind and then letting it help you while driving with the wind, and draft whenever possible. Take advantage of rolling resistance to help you slow down as opposed to braking. The bottom line is you have to pay to play... There are hundreds of vehicles with better fuel economy but they just arent as much fun and they dont look as nice either... I think that driving attitude is the most important equation to fuel economy, if you drive like you want to save fuel you will.

Burnouts? Youre killing me...

Really appreciate your comments. As with any vehicle that is new to the driver you want to know what your limitations are. I am very satisfied with this car, it meets my needs for traveling long distances, and adds a spot of fun to the drive. I was able to get it on the track for the first time last night. It performed as expected, and ran very consistant laps. For a stock ride the Lexus boys really did a good job with this one.

:P Okay so I had it partially correct... Thanks for the input. Here is what I have determined Lexus TRAC senses the onset of wheelspin, then selectively applies the brakes and automatically transfers power to the driving wheel with better grip. TRAC works in conjunction with Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). VSC senses the onset of a loss of traction in a turn and orchestrates the brakes and throttle accordingly. Of course factors including speed, road conditions, driver steering input, and throttle position, all will affect whether VSC will be effective or detrimental in what the vehicle determines is "loss of control". From what I understand about the VSC it is primarily a steering control system, and TRAC is a combination ABS/torque application. Understanding this... switching off the TRAC will not stop the VSC from dampening the throttle and correcting steering angle... A little scary... Am I the only one that has experienced this?

Thanks! Looks like they have their ducks in a row... Best I have seen on the web so far.

TRAC / VSC... Okay still learning Lexus lingo... Maybe someday I will be as fast as you... My weekend job is driving sprint cars, so this is all new to me. Us old guys are used to making decisions for ourselves and not having to rely on a computer to do the driving... I must admit that this Sportcross is a better balanced ride than a lot of stock, and superstocks, that I have driven, it's a little under powered but gets the job done... Have fun, life is only one tach dive away!

IS300 folks, I have had my Sportcross for a few months now and I am really enjoying the car. As with any new ride there is always a need to maximize performance. I have been looking at the maze of add-on's but I am leaning toward a stage 1 turbo. My concerns are heat, emission regulation, and transmission compatibility with regard to extra hp. Any comments or advice on brands is appreciated.

IS300 friends, I ended up choosing a set of Toyo Proxes 4's. So far, they meet my driving needs. They performed well on wet, seem to corner nicely, and track exceptionally well at 140. I did notice that they slip a little in hard turn break combo's, but seem to be predictable. Soon I will be in the snow, so stay tuned...

Steviej, If you ever get a chance to make it to NE WA, Sherman pass offers some of the most awe inspiring scenery, and the road becons the edge of the envelope driving. It is a little scary when you cant power through a drift... I finally found the TRAC button under the radio, had to pull out the owners manual to locate it. four months in the car never saw it there. Thanks! I am totally impressed with the IS300 Sportcross, it's like driving a cart with adjustable seats, and airconditioning... JonA...

Any suggustions for disarming the VSC on my 2002 Sportcross? Although I think it is a great invention for the novice driver it almost drove the car off Sherman pass in WA at about 90mph. I understand newer models have a switch. Is there anything I can do to upgrade or bypass?

IS 300 folks, New to your forum... Has anyone tried the Falken 512's on their IS 300 Sportcross? I am preparing to replace the OEM's on my 2002. The concern I have is complicated in that I love to drive hard but travel across mountain passes regularly and need a tire that will tollerate occasional heavy rain, and snow here in WA. Any suggestions?