dave.b

Thanks for the info. I don't think I would ever go more than 300-350 HP. If I do invest in a new block or internals, I want it to be strong enough to handle FI dependably. Its an auto. I figure I would invest around 2-3k for now. I really want a dependable car and I'm partial to the IS. Sure I could trade/sell it, but I like the car. I have no doubt that I could do a full swap if the new block has the same engine mount configuration etc, etc..I could also go for a low mileage used engine. I have a thing about overkill, that's why I suggested the 2JZ-GTE internals or the NA Supra 2JZ-GE internals. My understanding is that either are stronger than the IS 2JZ-GE internals.

If I keep it, seeing as I will have invested in a new engine, it will evetually get FI. BTW, its an auto, 2002.

Well, I guess it may come to this, but it hasn't yet. I believe I have some mechanical issues (rod bearing) that will eventually require the rebuild or shortblock replacement in my is300. The car only has 83k miles but apparently the previous owner never changed the oil. I intend to wait until I have a complete diag run on the noise before overhauling anything, but I would appreciate the opinions of you guys who are more knowledgable than me.

I have mechanical experience, no formal training. I have done things like order slightly oversized bearings, rings, etc for old Pontiacs. I have removed several Pontiac and old Vdub engines, but I have never rebuilt anything that really needs to be spec'd using micrometers etc. See, already showing my ignorance.

So...my questions are:

1. Better to rebuild with SC300 or Surpra internals?

2. Better to order IS300 or NA Supra short block?

3. Have the work done by Toyota or good mechanic?

I just don't know. I know the internals - bearings, rods, rings, etc from the Supra are supposed to fit, but I would assume rod bearing damage may have (by the time I replace) ruined the crank.

Any advice here?

Thanks in advance.

when you say a 3k rpm shift noise, are you saying the car is shifting from a gear to the next at 3k rpm? Or are you saying that under load as the engine passes 3k rpm it makes this noise? going up the revs or coming off the revs?

It makes the noise going up in revs while crossing 3k, it is very very faint afterwards if it exists at all. But at exactly 3k it is audible and very noticable (after driving it w/out the noise). It does not make the noise in neutral passing 3k.

Not trying to hijack the thread but it sounds like we have the same noise...

Edit:

Just adding that I put shifting in there bcs the car generally shifts at 3k when I'm driving through my neighborhood. If I use the paddles, I can hear the noise at higher rpm's under load but much more faintly. Also, It happens at 3k, not before, not ever.

dude dont get scared, sounds like it could be a trans or engine mount as well, also check the u joints and the dust cover on the tailpiece housing.

I also have the 3k shift noise issue. Mine sounds like a cross bettween a gurgle and a rattle, but it isn't the common coolant gurgle issue. It sounds a lot like a bad throwout bearing, but it is an auto.

I took it to Toyota and they couldn't find anything. The sound is definatly there, but only under load and in gear.

Kinda like a thbbbbbttt!!! right at 3k rpm.

Go get a can of electronics cleaner at Auto Zone or whatever store you prefer and clean the MAF sensor. There a numerous posts on how to do this, should take you about 10 minutes.

It cured my hesitation.

Turn off traction control for the best launch. It is VERY invasive :)

I hope this helps those with the air in the lines. Unfortunatley that isn't the problem I am having, though I will of course double check...

I have taken mine to Toyota and they can't find it. They don't really understand how the car "should" sound.

Basically mine makes the noise at 3k rpm and it is very obvious to someone who has been in an IS that doesn't do this. All the time always, but only under load, and it starts at 3k and tapers of after that. It is most prevalent at shift points. I have had cars with bubbles in the coolant lines and this isn't the noise :(

Toyota suggested it might be transmission but couldn't identify any problems. I am hoping to find a local dyno or someone that will put it on a lift and let me diagnose it with the wheels turning. I could accomplish this with jack stands but I'm a little nervous about safety issues.

I don't know how to describe it other than a kind of noise similar to a throwout bearing, but my car is an auto...any ideas anyone? Kind-of a muffled tututututut or in a comic book language "thbbbbbbttttt". It doesn't increase in frequency w/ speed or RMP, just kicks in at exactly 3k and quietens down through higher revs. It will not do it in neutral. Car runs great, but the noise drives me a little crazy. I will eventually take it to Toyota but I've been trying to avoid it.

Thanks in advance for any input.

does anyone have any exploded views or diagrams for the front brakes? i took the wheels off today to check the brakes because they squeak really bad. the brake pads and the rotors still look good. any ideas as to why they squeak so bad and what i can do about it? thanks, Mike

Mike I have a similar problem and since the breaking is good and they were replaced shortly before I bought the car, I would lay the blame on either the metal silencers or lack of sound deadening grease/lubricant. I haven't worked on it yet, so I'm not sure. You can pick up the lubricant at any auto parts store, just make sure you put it on the BACK of the pads where they contact the caliper, and not on the rotor side :)

There is also the possibility someone put inferior pads on your car before you bought it. I would check the pads, make sure the calipers move freely.

Just some thoughts, hope it helps.

Hey all I'm new here my name is Larry, I'm lookin into gettin a Is300 to make a serious upgrade from my 01 Cavalier. I was just wondering what the performance ratings are on a stock IS300. top speed, quater mile times, horsepower. It was either this or a WRX but I think that the IS would be a much better way to go. Is there alot of performance products avalible for these cars? I would prolly end up gettin a auto so does anyone make a shift kit or some sort of tuning to reprogram the trans to build up line pressure. I hope to get some responses back and thanks in advance!

This is approximate:

HP = 218

0-60 manual 6.5-7.0 seconds

0-60 auto 7.5 seconds

Top speed - 143mph

MPG: 20-24

IS versus WRX is asked a lot..

I'll give you my .02 cents since I just went through the same comparison and ended up with an IS.

First of all, there is no comparison. The cars are absolutely and completely different from the ground up. So I'll say in advance it really depends on what you want.

I drove an '07 and '04 WRK, and while impressed with the performance, it was not quite what I expected. The car suffers from turbo lag so don't expect to feel it kick in until about 35mph. The seats were ok, just ok, not that comfy. Interior again wasn't dissapointing but neither was it "wow". The hood scoop is a little over the top and my wife hated it for that reason. In my opinion the car feels heavy. I contribute that to the AWD weight more than anything. It is great for handling, but again, in my opinion, its not an easy car to drive as a commuter. Oh, and it has a terrible blind spot.

On to the IS. First one we drove, we knew this was the car for us. While the performance wasn't quite what the WRX offered, the enterior was miles ahead in comfort, road feel was excellent, and the auto tranny shifted like a dream. The HID lights are incredible. This car is small, so beware. The back seats are great for kids, but adults will be cramped. My only real gripe is the factory CD player went out right after I bought it. This is very common and seems to be the only common flaw in these cars.

Conclusion:

Both cars are tried and true sport sedans from reputable manufacturers. Lexus has the upper hand in steering response, comfort, options, and longevity. Subaru has AWD, turbo, and lots of street apeal. Don't get me wrong, subies are great. My 96 Outback has 167k miles, but I believe that boosting the WRX will significantly decrease engine life especially if it is driven like it is meant to be. On the other hand, the is300 engine is overbuilt to the point of insanity (my opinion) making it a great candidate for moderate modifications while maintaining the integrity of the engine. If you want balls to the wall, die hard, boosted performance, street racer looks, and AWD, go for the Suby. If you want a refined automobile that will impress just about anyone and last for many years, go for the Lexus.

Final thoughts:

Get snow tires for the is300.

*yes, there are many performance parts available for the IS, however, I think you will hit a wall after doing intake, exhaust, and possibly the exhaust cam gear unless you want to fork over $$$ to boost.

Check out www.my.is, there are some fine products there.

Hope this helps.

B)-->

D'OH! ...should prob not post in the middle of the night...I am guessing this is just an option (the lights) so I am probably talking to myself at this point.

If anyone else wants to chime in, welcome to the conversation :)

Does anyone know if the dark chrome tail lights were standard on the 02 GGP? Mine is not sport/lsd...just wondering because I see some people adding these as a mod.

No luck with the search on this topic :(

Thanks in advance!

Dave

I saw one, can't remember what website....cardomain I think. Its horrible, please don't do it.

IS300 != Civic

:)

I just thought I would post this since mpg seems to be a popular topic and search.

I recently changed the oil in my is300 from Valvoline the Toyota dealer put in it to Mobile 1 synthetic. In doing this I went from an average of 24mpg to 25mpg combined driving.

I would be interested to know if anyone has mpg gains to report after changing the catback exhaust.

Dave

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll give it a whirl. I honestly don't think its anything serious. The car runs and drives like a dream :)

If I come up with a solution, I'll post back here.

After reading your post I went out and drove it again just to be sure.

It only happens under load and starts at 3k rmp.

The frequency does not increase with rpm.

It does not happen at 3k rpm going downhill (e-shift is handy for something)

It seems to come from the right side (which is why I thought intake or exhaust)

I don't know the car very well yet, but it really does seem like something is resonating...I'll check the air intake as you suggested. Could be that the engine position is changing slightly under load and causing something to make noise, but that doesn't explain why it starts at 3k...well, I guess it could...

Part of the problem is that I am ultra-sensitive on account of it being a new vehicle for me.

Thanks for your response.

Might be the bulb is loose or the connection. I took my console apart once looking for a rattle and it wasn't fun. Well, getting it back together right was the hard part for me. You still have an indicator on the dash. I kinda always went by that.

Thanks...It does appear to be a loose connection. After a little experimenting I noticed that if I so much as bump the shift lever, the lights come on.

I'll post the fix when I have one.

My shifter console only lights up after putting the car in gear. Anyone else have this issue? At first I thought it was a feature, albeit a poor one. Everything else comes on exceppt these. Soon as move the lever, there they are.

I think the IS would be a better fit. I don't have details but the IS is classed as a compact while the ES is a mid-size.

As for reliabilty, the motor in the IS has a great track record. OTOH with the IS one would have to watch out not to get one that was owned by some kid who drove it like it was stolen and didn't maintain it well.

For not much more money she might be able to find a IS250 and that would have the features such as telescoping steering wheel, etc, as well as probably being a low mileage car.

My wife is 5'1" and loves the is300. She did complain about her head not reaching the top of the headrest, but unfortunatly for her, that's a lost cause in any vehicle :)

I haven't driven the 250 but can vouch for the 300 as being small and comfortable. I just picked up an 02 after spending about 6 weeks looking for a car in our price range. We also checked out the Mazda 3 and hated it. I think we got a LOT more car for the same $$$. Beware though, the mpg is about 24, not what you get in a typical compact.

Couldn't find this anywhere so I hope I am not reposting...

I bought an 02 IS about 3 weeks ago w/ 58k on it. Absolutely love it, but that's another story.

Anyway, I have noticed an odd sound on acceleration. Its pretty hard to describe but it sounds kind of like a warble? Is that a word? It sounds like a pigeon is in my engine bay revving its little voice with the rpm's. The sound is only noticable with the stereo off, so its not very loud.

Any ideas? Maybe something resonating in the engine compartment? Exhaust noise I'm just not accustomed to in the IS?

Thx

i use 93 octane and have gotten 24 mpg with combination of hwy and local driving

i use 91+ and get about 21 overall with highway and city driving. hard acceleration always. I would not use 87 in my IS. The engine has anti-knock sensors to protect it from damage. but you lose power.

I thought anti-knock retards the timing, and therefore you should get better milage, but I could be wrong.

here's something interesting :)

I get 23 when driving like grandma and 24 when driving normally...seems there are sweet spots to be had depending on rpm's