Lexus IS 300 Build: A True JDM Street-Track Legend

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Carlos Torres - Toyota Lexus IS300 

Instagram: @soltor1974

Photographer: Marvin Recinos

Instagram: @Mr2mivin

How I Got into Cars and the Lexus IS 300 Scene

My name’s Carlos Torres. I grew up in Reading, Pennsylvania, and I’ve been into cars for as long as I can remember. These days, I live in Southern California with my family, working as a mechanic and staying active in the local modified car scene.

I’ve owned my 2001 Lexus IS 300 since 2002. That’s over two decades of building, refining, and truly making it my own. As a member of HNRS Car Club, I love connecting with other enthusiasts at local meets and shows—especially those who appreciate stanced cars and quality builds.

I got into cars thanks to my family. My dad and uncles were always wrenching on muscle cars or heading to drag races. One of my earliest memories is sitting in the stands at Maple Grove Raceway, completely locked in, watching the action. That’s what really sparked it all.

Around the same time, I was also drawn to the early hip hop scene. The culture, the music, the attitude—it all had this raw energy that stuck with me. Between that and my family’s influence, cars became a huge part of my identity.

Why I Chose the Lexus IS 300 as My Platform

When I first saw the IS 300, I was instantly drawn to it. I had just started a family, so I needed something practical—but I also wanted something with rear-wheel drive, style, and potential. The IS 300 checked every box. It looked sharp, had a solid layout, and felt like the perfect foundation for a fun and reliable build.

My vision was a street and track-style setup. I’ve done a mix of engine upgrades, suspension tuning, interior refinement, and cosmetic upgrades to get it where it is today. It’s functional enough to drive daily, but with enough edge to take to the track or show.

Lexus IS 300 Modifications and Performance Upgrades

Performance Specs:

• Engine: 3.0L Inline-6

• Horsepower: 215 hp @ 5800 RPM

• Torque: 218 lb-ft @ 3800 RPM

Engine Mods:

• SRT intake with ECU tune

• GReddy air filter, oil dipstick, hose clamps, and dress-up kit

• GReddy cat-back exhaust

• Koyorad stainless steel radiator

• Prolex Performance header heat shield and radiator cover

• Powerhouse Racing (PHR) radiator hoses and oil cap

• JIC Magic strut tower bar

• Stainless steel dress bolt kit

Interior Mods:

• SPARCO R100 seats with SPARCO seat rails

• Cipher Racing harnesses with harness bar

• Nardi steering wheel, shift boot, and shifter

• Works Bell hub with paddle shifters

• Alpine head unit with Infinity Kappa speakers and subwoofer

• OEM Lexus rubber floor mats

• Broadway rearview mirror

Exterior Mods:

• Full color respray to Melbourne Metallic Red

• Vertex JDM front bumper

• Full custom Street Aero kit

• Altezza front grille

• ARP carbon mirrors

• TRD JDM rear spoiler

• Shaved corner markers

• Lexus OEM front bra

Wheels & Tires:

• 5Zigen FN01R-C staggered setup (18x8 front, 18x9 rear)

• Falken Azenis RT660+ tires

Suspension Upgrades:

• TEIN Flex Z coilovers

• Hotchkis front and rear sway bars

Brakes:

• Brembo big brake kit

• First-gen IS F rotors

A Build Focused on Balance and Longevity

What makes my IS 300 unique is the attention to detail. Every part I’ve added was selected for a reason. I’ve always prioritized quality over quantity, aiming to keep things clean, functional, and well-balanced.

Even with 218,000 miles on the clock, the car still feels tight and solid. That’s because I’ve been religious about maintenance from day one. It’s time-consuming, sure—but absolutely worth it.

Lexus built the IS 300 to rival the BMW 3 Series, and I genuinely think they nailed it. Even after all these years and modifications, it still drives smooth, feels right, and always puts a smile on my face. It’s the kind of build I’m proud to call my own.

Built With Heart—And a Little Help from Friends

This car has always been a personal project, but I didn’t do it all alone. I co-built it with my good friend Angelo Arrieta. He handled the paint and bodywork, transforming the original silver finish into the Melbourne Metallic Red it wears now. He also helped install the big brake kit and assisted with some of the more involved exterior upgrades.

Everything else—the bolt-ons, suspension, interior work, and all those small upgrades—I handled myself. I’ve always loved turning wrenches, and doing the work with my own hands makes the car feel that much more personal.

Future Plans for My IS 300 Build

I’ve got some solid plans lined up for the next chapter of this build. First on the list is an FRS limited-slip differential and a lightweight driveshaft to improve response. I’m also eyeing a transmission swap to support more aggressive, track-focused driving.

Beyond that, I plan to upgrade all the bushings and add an under chassis brace and throttle lock kit to tighten everything up. Since California’s strict smog laws keep me from going turbo or supercharged, I’ve shifted focus toward handling and control.

Right now, I’m in the middle of installing a rear dual caliper setup and a hydro e-brake for better track dynamics.

Shout Outs and Community Support

I want to give a huge shout-out to my friend and photographer Marvin Recinos—his eye for detail always captures my build in the best light. Check him out at @mrmivin.

Big thanks to the HNRS crew at @hnrsoc and to Brian Yoshino, aka @super_agent_yoshi, who’s not just a good friend but also the leader of the club. Shout-out to @falkentire for the support, and most importantly, thanks to my wife and family for the constant love and encouragement.

To the entire Southern California car community—you all keep this scene alive. I appreciate every one of you.

My Dream Car and Automotive Inspiration

I’ve always had a thing for cars from the 1960s and 70s. That era had such a strong sense of style—clean lines, balanced proportions, and design that spoke for itself without being loud.

The 1969 Ferrari Dino 206 GT is one that’s always stood out to me. The stance, the curves, the simplicity—it’s the kind of car that still feels timeless. That’s what I strive for in my own build: something clean, classic, and full of character.

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