Lexus IS-F Artisan Turbo

I've been very skeptical of any aftermarket forced induction on the Lexus IS-F. Word has circulated that Hennessey Performance took a stab at the IS-F and discontinued their work on the car. Greddy announced a supercharger product which mysteriously disappeared. Finally, Artisan have developed a full turbo kit available at turbochargers.com for a pricy $15,000. That's not all, the car has to be shipped to them for a full installation! This means if you are located nowhere near Texas and the car requires maintenance on the turbo work, you are paying out of your pocket for shipping again?!

Artisan Twin Turbo IS-F Video

The numbers are in:

538 whp 507 tq

That's nearly a 200hp increase! The turbo kit is definitely for serious performance enthusiasts, however the steep price tag may discourage buyers. $15,000 + $1,000 shipping along on top of the $56,000 price for the IS-F, you are paying $71,000 for a high performance sedan! This is not even factoring insurance / possible damage from extensive use of turbo.

Turbocharger.com advertises the kit coming with the following:

" Turbo kit includes:

• Twin GTK turbos
• Twin 38mm wastegates
• Twin intercoolers
• T304 polished stainless feeds pipes
• T304 polished intercooler pipes
• Modified fuel system
• Modified ignition system
• Artisan proprietary ecu reflash
• Retain Lexus catalytic convertors
• Artisan 3 ply couples
• Artisan stainless hose clamps
• Installation
• Before and after dyno tuning

Remember, if you destroy any part of your Lexus due to the installation of the turbo, you will be paying out of pocket for it, since Lexus will not protect it under warranty. Dragtimes.com has not reported any numbers of this vehicle with the turbo kit on yet, but it should be running in the 11s with a 34% horsepower increase.

Summary:

The Pros:

34% horsepower increase

Turbo does have manufacturer warranty

The only available turbocharger kit for the IS-F

Very distinct, powerful sound

Does not "throw a code" or set off any engine codes

The Cons:

A costly $11 per rwhp increase

Additional maintenance which is not covered by Lexus

Maintenance located in Texas, which may may too far

Uncertain reliability