Intro
The Lexus IS F represents Toyota’s first dedicated performance model under the Lexus F performance division, launched in 2007 as a direct competitor to German luxury sports sedans like the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG. As the final production year of the first-generation F model before its discontinuation, the 2014 IS F culminated years of refinement and engineering excellence.
In JDM culture, the IS F holds a special position as Japan’s answer to European sport sedans, embodying the precision engineering and attention to detail that define Japanese performance vehicles. While Toyota was known for reliability, the IS F demonstrated that Japanese manufacturers could create thoroughbred performance machines that balanced daily usability with track capability.
This particular build transforms the already capable IS F platform into a street-legal track weapon that honors the vehicle’s motorsport heritage while pushing its performance envelope. By combining period-correct modifications with contemporary performance upgrades, this build represents the evolution of Japanese performance culture – respecting tradition while embracing innovation.
Builder Profile
Born in Osaka but raised in Southern California, Hiro Nakamura developed his passion for automotive engineering while working as a suspension specialist for a Japanese racing team. After fifteen years in motorsport, he established Nakamura Performance in Torrance, where he focuses on creating balanced, track-capable daily drivers.
Hiro’s tuning philosophy centers on complementary modifications rather than chasing headline numbers. “Power means nothing without control,” he often tells clients. His IS F build reflects this approach—subtle exterior modifications, carefully calibrated suspension, and engine work that enhances the naturally-aspirated V8‘s character without sacrificing reliability.
A respected figure in the SoCal Lexus community, Hiro hosts quarterly track days at Buttonwillow and contributes technical articles to several enthusiast publications. His builds have been featured at Wekfest and SEMA, earning recognition for their thoughtful execution and attention to detail.
Why We Love It
The IS F stands as Lexus’s first true salvo in the BMW M3’s territory—a surgical instrument crafted during an era when Japanese performance cars were reinventing themselves with digital precision. What captivates is not mere straight-line theatrics, but the harmonious tension between Yamaha-tuned 5.0L V8 aggression and Lexus refinement.
Its stacked quad exhausts and subtly bulged fenders speak in whispers rather than shouts, embodying the Japanese philosophy of restrained potency. The high-revving 2UR-GSE powerplant—hand-assembled by dedicated Takumi craftsmen—delivers 416 horsepower with a mechanical symphony that crescendos at 6,600 rpm before the 8-speed direct sport shift transmission fires off its next ratio.
The hydraulic steering system offers analog communication increasingly absent in the digital age, while the chassis—significantly reinforced over standard IS platforms—delivers precise weight transfers through the Fuji-inspired corners of your choosing.
What truly distinguishes the IS F is its positioning as the thinking enthusiast’s alternative—a machine that rewards technical precision over brute force, delivering performance without the social penalties of its German counterparts. As the last naturally-aspirated V8 sports sedan from Japan, it stands as a collector milestone from an era when driver engagement still dominated the engineering brief.
Mods
Engine & Drivetrain
- HKS Hi-Power exhaust system with titanium tips
- AEM cold air intake system
- Greddy oil cooler kit
- PPE Engineering headers
- RR Racing ECU tune
- Cusco limited-slip differential
- OS Giken clutch kit (for manual conversion)
- Samco silicone hose kit
Suspension & Brakes
- KW Variant 3 coilover suspension
- Cusco front and rear sway bars
- TEIN EDFC electronic damping controller
- Brembo GT 6-piston front, 4-piston rear brake kit
- Project Mu brake pads
- Goodridge stainless brake lines
- Cusco front strut tower brace
Wheels & Tires
- Volk Racing TE37 SL forged wheels (19×9.5″ front, 19×10.5″ rear)
- Advan Neova AD08R tires (255/35R19 front, 285/30R19 rear)
- Project Kics R40 lug nuts
- Rays wheel locks
Exterior / Aero
- TRD carbon fiber front lip
- Seibon carbon fiber hood
- APR carbon fiber GT wing
- J’s Racing carbon fiber side skirts
- Varis carbon fiber rear diffuser
- Lexon carbon fiber trunk
- Tom’s tinted LED tail lights
- 3M Crystalline window tint
Interior
- Bride Zeta III racing seats
- Takata 4-point harnesses
- Personal Neo Grinta steering wheel with Works Bell hub
- Cusco roll cage (4-point)
- Alcantara dashboard and door panel trim
- Carbon fiber interior trim kit
- ARC titanium shift knob
- Auto Power Industries harness bar
Electronics / ECU
- AEM wideband air/fuel gauge
- Defi Advance control unit with gauges (boost, oil temp, water temp)
- Ecutek ProECU tuning package
- Pioneer AVIC-8200NEX head unit
- JL Audio subwoofer and amplifier system
- AIM MXL2 digital dash display
- Valentine One radar detector (hardwired)
- Viper SmartStart remote system
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
The 2014 Lexus IS F modifications create a harmonious package that strikes a deliberate balance between street usability and track capability. Each component works in concert to enhance the vehicle’s natural strengths while addressing its factory limitations.
The suspension upgrades—featuring KW V3 coilovers and reinforced bushings—maintain daily drivability while markedly reducing body roll and improving corner entry. This pairs strategically with the wider, lighter Volk TE37 wheels and sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires that provide immediate steering response and higher grip thresholds without excessive harshness.
Power modifications remain measured and purposeful, with the intake, headers, and exhaust enhancing the naturally-aspirated V8‘s character rather than fundamentally altering it. The result is a build that prioritizes balanced handling and linear power delivery over raw numbers.
This IS F’s philosophy centers on creating a dual-purpose street/circuit car that excels at spirited mountain driving and occasional track days while remaining comfortable for daily use. The modifications preserve Lexus refinement while elevating the chassis’ capabilities beyond factory specification, creating a cohesive package that feels intentional rather than pieced together.
FAQ
How reliable is the 2014 Lexus IS F?
The 2014 Lexus IS F maintains Toyota’s reputation for reliability, with many owners reporting trouble-free operation well beyond 100,000 miles. The 5.0L V8 engine is particularly robust when properly maintained with regular oil changes. Most electrical components show excellent longevity, though the valley plate oil leak is a known issue that may require attention around 60,000-80,000 miles.
What are common issues with the 2014 IS F?
Valley plate oil leaks are the most notorious problem, occurring when the sealant between the engine block and valley plate deteriorates. The car’s clutch-type limited slip differential can produce occasional clunking noises when cold. Some owners report premature wear of lower control arm bushings. The fuel pump may fail in higher mileage examples, and carbon buildup in the intake valves can occur over time as with many direct-injection engines.
What is the tuning potential of the IS F?
The 2014 IS F’s 5.0L V8 responds well to modifications with untapped potential from the factory. Gains of 40-50hp are achievable with basic bolt-ons including a cold air intake, headers, and a tune. More aggressive builds utilizing forced induction can push power outputs to 600+ horsepower. The drivetrain is generally robust enough to handle moderate power increases, though the automatic transmission may require reinforcement for high-horsepower applications.
What are the best modifications for the IS F?
Headers and a high-flow exhaust system offer the best performance-per-dollar improvements, releasing both power and the V8’s natural sound. RR Racing and PPE make popular header options. A quality ECU tune complements these modifications for peak gains. For handling, upgrading to coilovers from KW or Fortune Auto greatly improves cornering capability while reducing body roll. Stickier tires and lighter wheels yield considerable improvements in acceleration and braking performance.
How is the ownership experience compared to German competitors?
IS F ownership typically involves lower maintenance costs and greater long-term reliability than its German rivals. Service intervals are more generous, and parts costs are generally lower. While the interior quality doesn’t match Audi or BMW in some details, many owners appreciate the straightforward control layout and dependable electronics. The naturally-aspirated V8 provides a distinctive character increasingly rare in the performance sedan market, offering linear power delivery without turbo lag.
Conclusion
The 2014 Lexus IS F stands as a compelling representation of Japanese engineering excellence, representing the final year of a model that bridged luxury and raw performance in ways that continue to resonate with enthusiasts. Despite newer models entering the market, the IS F remains relevant through its naturally-aspirated V8—a powertrain increasingly rare in today’s turbocharged landscape—and analog driving experience that delivers authentic feedback increasingly absent in modern vehicles.
As Japanese domestic market (JDM) culture continues its global influence, the IS F has secured its place in the pantheon of Japanese performance cars. While not as overtly celebrated as some of its compatriots like the Nissan GT-R or Toyota Supra, the IS F represents Lexus’s authentic contribution to JDM heritage—combining meticulous craftsmanship with thrilling performance. For enthusiasts seeking the hallmarks of JDM excellence—reliability, technical innovation, and distinctive character—the 2014 IS F delivers this trinity in a sophisticated package that ages with remarkable grace, ensuring its desirability in an era of increasingly homogenized performance vehicles.