The BEST Budget Drift Set-Up for a IS300
In my time spent drifting a stock IS300, I've experimented with various setups to refine it into a simple yet reliable configuration. Let's delve into the specifics:
Starting with the coilovers, I prefer a stiffer setup, opting for 18k front and 16k rear springs.
When it comes to front camber adjustments, there are several approaches. You can utilize JZX upper control arms or extend the lower control arm. Ideally, avoiding adjustment via the eccentric bolt is preferred, as it can affect both camber and caster simultaneously. Caster plays a crucial role in self-steering the car, so I aim for a caster range of 7 to 8 degrees. My camber is set as far positive as possible using the eccentric nut in conjunction with JZX uppers and adjustable caster arms, resulting in -5 degrees camber, 7 degrees caster, and 0 toe.
For enhancing angle, there are multiple angle kit options available. I've chosen one that corrects roll center and offers up to 59 degrees of angle. Installing an angle kit necessitates a cut ball joint and a different tie rod setup due to a new pickup point. In my setup, I utilize IS300 inner tie rods with GS300 outer tie rods.
For the rear suspension you want to get to 0 degrees camber and around 0 toe. With the stock suspension if you lower you car a certain amount there will be a limit to how much your toe adjustment can bring it back to 0 from factory. You will need after market toe arms to bring it back in range. As for camber you wont be able to bring your camber to 0 degrees without after marker upper control arms or lower control arms. From my experience most upper control arms interfere with the frame which lead to failure unless you purchase from a select few brands that accommodate the frame. The easiest would be to adjust through after market lower control arms.
This is all you need to have a solid reliable drift car with a stock IS300 and having great street ability.
Here are links to my current setup that are available on our site!
BC racing Coilovers
https://lunaticsco.com/collections/is300-coilovers/products/bc-racing-br-series-coilovers-for-1999-2005-lexus-is300-gxe10-jec10
Angle Kit
https://lunaticsco.com/collections/is300-angle-kits/products/sdrats-initiate-angle-kit
Cut Ball Joints
https://lunaticsco.com/collections/is300-oe-replacement/products/front-lower-ball-joints-cut-down-01-05-lexus-is300
Rear Toe Arms
https://lunaticsco.com/collections/is300-control-arms/products/xcessive-manufacturing-rear-toe-arm-pro-street
Rear Lower Control Arms
https://lunaticsco.com/collections/gs-control-arms/products/megan-racing-type-ii-rear-lower-arm-lexus-gs300-gs430-gs350-1998-2013