When the IS300 was first introduced in the states, avid fans of the Japanese-spec Altezza were sorely disappointed. Missing some vital components for some real RWD fun, the IS300 was a tame luxury sedan on the stateside. Nevertheless, it gained popularity as an exciting new platform to tinker with, and inevitably it became a new donor for turbocharged fun.
Matt’s IS300 is one of those donors. Starting off with a Supra twin turbo short block, Matt decided to take control of his own scenario, breeding a street monster that performed better than it looked. Utilizing a SC300 non VVTi head on the 2JZ block, Matt began constructing his hybrid IS in a new fashion. To seal the deal between 2JZ block and SC300 head is a custom headgasket, fine tuning the compression ratio. Bolting on a PTE-67 turbo to a custom tubular manifold, the new hybrid motor was in for some heavy boost. To sustain the new boost pressures, the 2JZ bottom end was built with low compression JE pistons and heavy duty Crower rods. A Turbonetics external wastegate can be seen being the primary donor of high levels of boost. Venturing in and out of the system at excessive levels, the pressurized boost is cooled off thanks to a Spearco front mount intercooler. All the piping was specially chromed for Matt’s car, giving it a true show-car finish. Perfecting the motor package are HKS 264 series camshafts on both the intake and exhaust side. Expelling all the fumes out of the rear is a custom 3.5” straight pipe and out an HKS Carbon Titanium exhaust system. Running dual HKS Super Sequential blow off valves, this heavily built 2JZ hybrid is more than prepared for boost.
But to Matt, turbo alone wasn’t enough. As a daily driver and occasional quarter mile trekker, Matt tapped on a 75 shot from NX as well. An NX ntercooler rail can be seen as well. By now, we’re assuming this car has some insane fuel system and engine management. But of course, with boost and nitrous the 720cc injectors work double time along with the MSD DIS-4 ignition system. All fuel and timing is easily tuned thanks for the Haltech E6K system in the IS300. All the fuel is flown through an Auto Tuner custom fuel rail and pressure is regulated thanks to a fuel pressure regulator. Last but not least, a Supra twin turbo fuel pump swaps out the stock unit post-swap.
With its major emphasis on the custom engine mods, Matt also installed Titan cam gears to fine tune the HKS cams. Freeing up rotational mass in the power train, Matt installed an Unorthodox Racing pulley kit as well. In the drive train, the stock transmission was scraped for a 6 speed from the Supra. The stock clutch was promptly thrown away with an RPS Stage 3 clutch waiting as an active replacement. A Fidanza flywheel was thrown into the mix with the clutch keeping boost levels more than ready on tap. Since this car is Matt’s daily driver (and he commuted over 200 miles for a shoot!) a B&M shifter was only key for easy, quick flick of the wrists. Last but not least, a custom driveshaft was used to free up more rotational mass.
Electronically speaking, the boost levels are regulated and saved by a Blitz SBCi-D boost controller. Along with the boost controller is a DVD/Navigation system, and Playstation 2 in the cockpit. 4 60mm GReddy gauges were kept in tact to warn the driver what could possibly occur.
Enough about the power band, does the exterior of the car live up to its horsepower goodness? You bet. Lowered on HRE 446R series wheels, this IS300 flushes out its fenders with 19x8 in the front and 19.5 in the rear. Wrapping the wheels are Toyo T1S 235/35/19 and 265/30/19 in the rear. Dumped on JIC FLT-A2 coilovers, the IS300 has both dampening and height adjustability. To top it off, Area 51 sway bars were installed to balance different and aggressive track events. The rest of the vehicle is relatively calm but more than ready to roll in the fashion department. A JDM Hippo front bumper adorn the front of the car along with JDM Hippo side skirts and a C-West rear bumper. For the simple amenities, a JDM Altezza spoiler, headlights and C-West eyelids really brings out the best of everyone.
So there you have it. Matt purchased an IS300 and took matters into his own hands. Knowing that boost was where it was all about, Matt assembled one hell of a hybrid motor to terrorize the streets. With a finished product and an exciting driver behind the steering wheel, Matt looks forward to what’s to come with his car.
