03-22-2015, 02:04 PM
The A/C servo and headlight leveling system have been fixed (new servo and front sensor), and I put on the clear front lenses and got it tinted yesterday. I went with 40% as planned - much nicer to drive around in now. It looks pretty dark in this pic, and the installer estimated the factory glass had a ~72% tint of its own, but in person it's not as dark.
![[Image: 550ef8cfe2f44.jpg]](http://cloud.dloaded.com/i/550ef8cfe2f44.jpg)
Well...it was found that I picked up a nail in one of my back tires (on the shoulder), and another has a weird sidewall tear, kind of like a flap of rubber hanging free. Both are holding air but I didn't want to chance anything, nor do I feel like driving on them any more than at lower speeds around town. I was hoping to leave them on for a while longer, possibly until it was time to get winter tires....oh well. This gave me all the excuse I needed to go ahead with the aforementioned wheel/tire and spring/shock plan.
I got everything through Tire Rack, and went with a package of 18x8 ASA AR1's w/225/40/18 Yoko S.drives. For lowering, I went with the Eibach "Pro Plus" kit of Pro-Kit springs, and their f/r swaybars. What really sold me on the kit (besides lots of positive reviews) is the fact that the Lexus "L-tuned" accessory springs/sways are re-branded Eibachs, so they're not anything overly harsh or aggressive. They advertise a 1" drop front/rear, and seem to settle to ~1.3 or so over time apparently. As I've gotten used to driving the car I've noticed where a bit more responsiveness and less body roll will be a nice addition, so I'm looking forward to it!
A few shots of roughly how the car should look (not as low as this, I think):
![[Image: 550f01d97fe26.jpg]](http://cloud.dloaded.com/i/550f01d97fe26.jpg)
![[Image: photo_.JPG]](http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/media/img/readerrides/photo_.JPG)
With nearing 80k I decided to replace the shocks/struts too - I went with the Koni STR.T's - basically an OEM replacement unit that can handle a lowering spring. TR had them on special and people who are just looking for a little "extra" seem to like them.
![[Image: konistrt.jpg]](http://www.racingbeat.com/images/items/350x280/konistrt.jpg)
And I nabbed that exhaust from ebay as well. Might have all this on by the MM show/auto-x. Now to let my wallet recuperate...
Well...it was found that I picked up a nail in one of my back tires (on the shoulder), and another has a weird sidewall tear, kind of like a flap of rubber hanging free. Both are holding air but I didn't want to chance anything, nor do I feel like driving on them any more than at lower speeds around town. I was hoping to leave them on for a while longer, possibly until it was time to get winter tires....oh well. This gave me all the excuse I needed to go ahead with the aforementioned wheel/tire and spring/shock plan.
I got everything through Tire Rack, and went with a package of 18x8 ASA AR1's w/225/40/18 Yoko S.drives. For lowering, I went with the Eibach "Pro Plus" kit of Pro-Kit springs, and their f/r swaybars. What really sold me on the kit (besides lots of positive reviews) is the fact that the Lexus "L-tuned" accessory springs/sways are re-branded Eibachs, so they're not anything overly harsh or aggressive. They advertise a 1" drop front/rear, and seem to settle to ~1.3 or so over time apparently. As I've gotten used to driving the car I've noticed where a bit more responsiveness and less body roll will be a nice addition, so I'm looking forward to it!
A few shots of roughly how the car should look (not as low as this, I think):
With nearing 80k I decided to replace the shocks/struts too - I went with the Koni STR.T's - basically an OEM replacement unit that can handle a lowering spring. TR had them on special and people who are just looking for a little "extra" seem to like them.
And I nabbed that exhaust from ebay as well. Might have all this on by the MM show/auto-x. Now to let my wallet recuperate...
Current: '20 Kia Stinger GT2 RWD | '20 Yamaha R3 | '04 Lexus IS300 SD
Past: '94 Mazda RX-7 | '04 Lexus IS300 (RIP) | '00 Jeep XJ | '99 Mazda 10AE Miata | '88 Toyota Supra Turbo
My MM Movies - Watch Them Here
Past: '94 Mazda RX-7 | '04 Lexus IS300 (RIP) | '00 Jeep XJ | '99 Mazda 10AE Miata | '88 Toyota Supra Turbo
My MM Movies - Watch Them Here