When faced with a sports sedan equipped with a non-turbo 2JZ engine that’s about as thrilling as watching your grandmother knit a sock, the folks at Zen Motors had a straightforward solution. They swiftly discarded the GE engine like an unwelcome stepchild who had just stolen their cookies and opted for a powerhouse upgrade. Zen Motors, well-versed in the prowess of the GTE motor that has left V8 owners awestruck worldwide, spared no expense when transforming this unexciting sedan into a shop car worthy of representing their brand.
Originally owned by a friend who initiated the project but lost the drive to complete it, the car found its way to Zen Motors after a year of negotiations. The first order of business at the shop was swapping out the overly modified heads and tails to align with Zen Motorsport’s vision for the car.
The lackluster GE engine was promptly replaced with a GTE, fortified with CP Pistons, Manley Rods, and HKS 272 duration cams with matching exhaust and intake gears. A GT40R Dual Ball Bearing Turbo, ported and reinforced tubular manifold, and a GETRAG V160 transmission capable of withstanding over 1,000 horsepower were incorporated into the setup.
Striving for a daily driver that is show-worthy and track-ready, the car received full TRD suspension, Fortune Auto 500 Series Coilovers, and a modified exterior, just shy of a complete wide body. DPE Split 5 Spoke 3 Piece Forged Wheels for show and SSR SP1 Professors 2 Piece Forged Wheels for race were chosen to complement the widened track.
To enhance launch and acceleration, a Kaaz 2way nestled inside an MKIV rear diff replaced the stock component. The interior boasts Bride Gias Low max Maziora seats for occupant safety. The car is controlled by a Haltech E6X Standalone EMS, producing 550rwhp on 93 octane and 661rwhp on e85.
Acknowledging the demanding nature of the build, Zen Motors extends gratitude to their employees, the original owner De, Torrey and his wife Katherine, Fortune Auto, Davidlee/Gripp Performance, and Vince Spadea for their track support.
Specifications:
- 2001 Lexus IS300 Turbo Widebody
- Zen Motors
- 3620 Burnette Park Dr. Suite D
- Suwanee, GA 30024
- 770.904.2868 (w)
Body:
- Custom Widebody flared front and rear fenders molded
- L-tuned Rear Bumper
- L-tuned Front Bumper
- D-Speed Side Skirts
- Custom Metallic Blue Paint
- Shaved Rear Door Handles
- Hand Made Hood Cutouts with Reinforced Subframe
- Blacked out Headlights
- Trunk Lip Spoiler
- Bride Gias Low max Maziora Seats (driver/passenger)
- Rear seats covered in Bride gradation material to match front seats
- Torque Dampener From block to subframe for limited engine torque movement
- Front Tow Hook
- Cusco 6 point Cage
Wheels:
- DPE Split 5 Spoke 3 Piece Forged Wheels. Rear 19×10” Front 19×8.5”
- SSR SP1 Professors 2 Piece Forged Wheels. Rear 18×9.5 Front 18×8 (race wheels)
Brakes:
- AP Racing 4 Pistol Aluminum Big Brake Kit with 13” rotors. New Pads and Rotors
- Slotted rear rotors and some aftermarket pads
- SS Braided brake lines and relocated ABS System
Suspension:
- Fortune Auto 500 Series Coilovers
- TRD Sways
- TRD Front/Rear Crossmember Braces
- TRD Rear Strut Bar
- TRD Front Trailing Arms
- Custom Rear Control Arms
Transmission:
- V160 6 Speed Swap
- Blitz Twin Disc Clutch
- MKIV Supra Rear Diff Case with Kaaz 2 way
- Converted from Auto to Manual
- Agency Power Shift knob
Engine:
- 2JZ-GTE block
- CP Pistons
- Manley Turbo Tuff IBeam Rods
- Clevite 77 Main/Rod/Thrust Bearings
- ARP Harmonic dampener
- Factory Head with full race port
- Supertech Intake Valves 1mm oversized
- Supertech Exhaust Valves 1mm oversized
- Supertech Dual Valve Springs
- Supertech Titanium Retainers
- HKS 272 Intake/Exhaust Cams
- HKS Intake/Exhaust Cam Gears
- ARP L19 Head Studs
- SRT CNC Intake Manifold
- SRT Fuel Rail
- Accufab 90mm Throttle body
- Powdercoated Valve Covers
Fuel:
- Dual Walbro 155lph fuel pumps in a custom CNC Hanger
- Dual Stainless feed lines (-6) and single Stainless return (-6)
- Aeromotive Rising Rate (1-1) Fuel Pressure Regulator
- 1260cc Siemens Injectors
Engine Management:
- Haltech E6X Standalone EMS
- Haltech Ignitor
- HKS DLI
- J&S Safeguard Knock Sensing Unit
- Relocated Factory ECU from engine bay to passenger footwell
Electronics and Gauges:
- Hand Made J&S Knock Display built into AC Control Panel
- AEM Gauge Wideband wired up to datalog with Haltech’s Wideband Input
- Blitz BLM (Black Light Meter) gauges. Boost, Fuel Pressure,
- Blitz SBC iD V3 mounted in a body-matched hand-made pod in the center console
- Blitz Turbo Timer mounted up near the sunroof
- Eclipse Double Din Tilt Screen Nav Unit/Stereo/DVD Player
- Engine Start Button in Cigarette Lighter Socket
- Battery Relocated to Trunk
- Haltech Idle Air Control Valve
Turbo Stuff:
- New GT40R Dual Ball Bearing Turbo (approximately .86 hotside)
- Dual Blitz Dual Drive BOV (Located in factory fog light openings)
- Aluminum intercooler piping
- Coolant lines run to factory coolant lines or welded nipples
- -10 Return line
- Modified, ported and reinforced tubular manifold
- Tial 44mm wastegate
- 3” exhaust with HKS Hiper
- DMH electric cut-out
