2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport: LS3 Swapped Power House

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Sasha Johnston

2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport

Instagram: @sashy2011 

TikTok: sashy2011

By Photographer/Author: Donnie Rochin
Instagram: @r0cean11

Facebook: r0cean11 Photography
Website: r0cean11.com

The Journey To Sema and Car Builds

I’m Sasha Johnston, a 32-year-old Colorado native with a full plate—balancing four jobs, two board positions (one on a hospital board and one on a charitable foundation board), and working as a contracted production manager and office manager for an independent LLC. My journey into the car world, however, started long before any of that.

A Childhood Built Around Cars

From a young age, I wasn’t your typical “Barbie girl.” I was the one playing with Hot Wheels, Legos, and PlayMobil sets, drawn to the technical and mechanical aspects of the toys. As I grew older, my curiosity evolved into a passion for taking things apart and putting them back together, trying to understand their inner workings. I was fascinated by RC cars, constantly modifying them to make them faster, and I enjoyed go-karts with my friends.

High school was where my interest really began to take off, thanks to a welding elective that opened up new possibilities and ignited a deeper love for cars. That was when I realized it wasn’t just about liking cars; it was about understanding what made them tick. In true enthusiast fashion, my toys only got bigger and more expensive from there.

The Lexus RC350: A Dream Come True

Larry, my 2015 Lexus RC350 F Sport, was an unexpected gift to myself in celebration of graduating from Metropolitan State University. Initially, I had been designing reasonable car options online, but when I designed Larry, I never imagined it would actually become a reality.

One day, my mom and I went to the Lexus dealership just to browse. As we pulled up, fate struck—Larry, the exact car I had designed, was being unloaded from a truck, still wrapped in plastic. I asked the sales rep if I could take a look at it. The specs were spot-on, matching my design perfectly. I was in disbelief. It felt like a dream. Without hesitation, I traded in my Honda Fit and drove off in Larry that very day.

My First Car: The 2008 Honda Fit Sport

I was incredibly grateful to my parents for helping me get my first car, a 2008 Honda Fit Sport. It was modestly modified with a Pioneer navigation system, which at the time, I thought was the coolest thing ever. But Larry was the first car I truly modified. In a way, it worked out better that way—having a car I could modify after my first car gave me a sense of progression and allowed me to learn what I truly wanted from a build.

The Humbling Impact of Larry

One of the most humbling experiences is when someone recognizes Larry, whether at a car show or just driving around. It’s incredible when people approach me with genuine questions about my car. I love sharing my journey with others, helping them with their builds, and inspiring them to follow their own creative visions.

What truly moves me, though, is when someone—especially a kid—tells me, "I want to be just like you," or "You've inspired me to build my own car." My goal with Larry was to build something personal, something that could inspire others to follow their passion, not just for trophies, but to create something meaningful. Larry is a stormtrooper-themed Lexus, which stands out not only for its unique style but for the creativity behind it. I want people to feel empowered to build their cars the way they want, without worrying about outside opinions.

Tips for Car Purchases and Builds

When buying a car, I always recommend taking someone with you for a second opinion—especially if it’s a make or model you’re not completely familiar with. It’s also important to focus on what you don’t like about the car to make sure it’s truly the right fit for you.

As far as modifications go, patience is key. The best builds take time, and rushing to settle for cheaper, temporary solutions will only hinder your vision. If you can’t get the part you want immediately, don’t settle for something less. Be patient—trust me, it will be worth it in the end.

Larry: A Car With Its Own Personality

Larry’s uniqueness goes beyond the modifications—it’s the story he tells. From the matte carbon fiber wrap on the hood, roof, and trunk to the groundbreaking LS3 swap, Larry is a car full of firsts. He’s also unique because, at the time, there weren’t many people modifying the Lexus RC350 F Sport platform, so I had the opportunity to carve new paths in the automotive scene.

When I first got Larry, I asked a college friend to help me name him. I expected something like "Lightning," but my friend came back with "Larry." I hated it at first, but over time, I grew to love it, and now, Larry has become more than just a car—he’s a personality. People refer to him as “Larry the Lexus” or “Larry the Stormtrooper Lexus,” and it’s awe-inspiring to have people approach me and say they’ve seen Larry at shows or that their kids love him.

The Build Process: Hands-On and Involved

Larry started as a completely bone-stock vehicle. Since then, I’ve done much of the work myself, especially when it comes to wrapping parts in carbon fiber and learning new skills along the way. I’ve also been lucky to have the support of a network of friends and fellow car enthusiasts who’ve helped me through the build process. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m incredibly grateful for their time and expertise.

Modifications -

Performance -

• 1of1 LS3 swap 1xxx hp (FullyBuilt)

• MonsterBuilt 4L80e (FullyBuilt)

• All Custom Fabrication 

• Haltech iC7 Dash

• Sikky AirFilter & Performance Pack

• Elite 2500 ECU

• Tuned E85  HPtuners

• Induction Solutions (dual lined 100shots: 200shot)

• MSD LS3 two-step Module 

• Yank torque converter

• Stage 3 BTR cam

• Stage 3 stall

• DragonsBreath flame kit

• Custom built gearbox 

• Custom built headers 

• Custom built exhaust

• Summit racing plugs

• 104mm Throttle body

• Cutouts

• Low-profile front sump oil pan

• Infinity 508

• Digital display CD-7

• Flex plate

• 340LPH FUEL PUMP

• Radiator

• Shift linkage kit

• Custom driveshaft

• R&R rear axels 

• R&R rear Differential 

• Dual catch can

• DBW throttle pedal

Exterior - 

• Pandem rocket bunny GEN.1 widebody kit

• Airlift bagged suspension (Fully enclosed in a bulletproof case)

• Anilla satin wrap

• Custom GhoztLighting Color changing head halos and check lights

• Custom Diode Dynamics color-changing lighting systems (Full body/engine bay/interior/trunk)

• Seibon carbon fiber hood

• Battle Arrow carbon fiber chassis mount wing 74" V4 force

• Full carbon fiber trunk

• Carbon fiber roof

• Carbon fiber mirror caps & door handles

• Carbon fiber front splitter and red color shift carbon fiber front interior lip

• Carbon fiber side skirts

• Carbon fiber rear diffuser

• Carbon fiber canards 

• Carbon fiber exterior detail pieces

• Full chrome delete 

• Front Lexus Emblem Conversion

• Brembo Big Brake Kit (RCF Conversion)

• 1of1 Full carbon fiber wheels VFC Performance (I designed the wheels with their design team) + Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2Tires (front 13.5" 325/30/20) Michelin Cup 2 R Tires (rear 14.5" 335/30/20)

Interior -

• Custom HALTEC iC7 dash

• Fully reupholstered red/black suede + white leather + opposing colored stitching + handstitched stormtroopers

• Carbon fiber steering wheel 

• Carbon fiber center console

• Carbon fiber window switches

• 1of1 Carbon fiber dashboard 

• Stormtrooper shift knob 

• Diode Dynamics lighting system (Full interior)

• Carbon fiber cluster gauge accent piece 

• Carbon fiber accent pieces

• Carbon fiber glove box piece

• Carbon fiber engine bay pieces 

Looking Ahead: Plans for Larry

As for Larry’s future, his build is far from finished. There are always plans for upgrades, and within the next year, I’ll be tackling some major performance work that will revolutionize the Lexus community. I also plan on adding more carbon fiber and possibly reupholstering the interior. Custom programmable tail lights are also on the horizon. Building a car is a long-term commitment, and I’m ready for the journey ahead.

Shout Outs

My Car Family

• @bechtechauto
• @diodedynamics
• @elev8d_motorsports
• @vfc_performance
• @lexani 
• @ktcaudioandcustomwheels
• @speedefxusa
• @nelsonracingwheel
• @blackopsautoworks

The Power of Car Clubs and Community

Car clubs have been instrumental in connecting me with like-minded people who share my passion for cars. Through clubs like Simply Society, Slush, and others, I’ve forged friendships that have turned into a true automotive family. The sense of camaraderie is one of the most fulfilling parts of the car scene. We support each other through builds, events, and everything in between.

What the Car Scene Means to Me

The car community is a celebration of uniqueness. It’s a place where people from all walks of life come together through a shared love of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. I’ve met incredible people who’ve impacted my life in profound ways. The car scene has also allowed me to experience the thrill of building, showing, and racing my cars. Every event I attend is an opportunity to bring my personality into the world and celebrate what makes each build special. Every car is a reflection of its owner, and every build tells a story.

Living the Dream: Larry as My Dream Car

Honestly, Larry is my dream car. He’s evolved from a car I originally intended to be a daily driver into something much more—a symbol of my journey, my passion, and my ability to inspire others to follow their own creative paths. A dream car is more than just a vehicle—it’s something that brings joy, sparks creativity, and fosters connections with others. For me, that’s exactly what Larry has done.

Building for Yourself

If there’s one piece of advice I can give, it’s this: build your car for you. Your car is an extension of your personality, your interests, and your passions. Don’t let anyone tell you how your car should look or what it should represent. If you put your heart and soul into your build, others will feel that passion too. Don’t worry about pleasing everyone—focus on making yourself happy. The rest will follow.

Call to Action:

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