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With the Project GS400 completed with new for
2005 iFORGED Trial wheels, updated Aerodynamic Enhancements, and
In-Car-Entertainment, it was time to look towards the next platform
to enhance. The natural progression through the Lexus Line-up of
Vehicles led us to the 2004 Lexus LS430 (Celsior in the Japanese
Domestic Market). This vehicle was chosen as it exemplifies, luxury,
comfort, and prestige. With that being said, in stock form, it is
also quite a "tame" automobile. We set about formulating a plan to
add a bit of aggression to the car while maintaining its overall
nature of luxury. |
The first area to be addressed as always was
wheels and tires. We decided early on that with this being Japan's
premier luxury platform, that we would utilize all JDM sourced parts
to complete this transformation. WORK Wheels was chosen, as they are
one of premier custom crafted wheel manufacturers in Japan, with a
proven track record of quality, great craftsmanship and custom
fitments. The 3pcForged Equip being the model, sized 20x8.5 / 20x10,
Chrome Finish, and Custom fitted WORK ITS center caps. In the vain
of ever popular "VIP Style Tuning" we specified custom offsets that
are considerably more aggressive than the normal setup, to give a
more aggressive stance and fill the wheel well. However no
modifications of any sort were made the fenders, tabs or any other
ancillary body parts on this vehicle. For tires we went a proven
standard, Toyo T1-S sized 245/35-20 front and 275/30-20 rear. |
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The next area to receive attention was the
suspension. As with all Lexus vehicles, the Celsior is primarily tuned for a comfortable and compliant ride. Of course this comfort comes at the expense of reduced dynamic performance. A coil over suspension was determined to be the best choice, as we needed the dampening adjustment, as well as the ability to fine to the ride height for the best aesthetic, dynamic balance. TEIN was called on once again, this time with their Comfort-Spec (CS) Coil over system. It is no secret that TEIN is one of the most respected JDM suspension tuners, so the choice was a easy one! From the beautiful anodized gold strut housings, to the stout adjustment perches, this system is the perfect complement to a premium luxury sedan. The ride was set at approximately 2.5"front / 2.25"rear lower than the stock height, and the ride is almost as comfortable as stock. However the handling is greatly improved, with a considerable reduction in dive, sway, and float while negotiating curvy roads. |
With the wheels and suspension sorted out it was
time to address the aerodynamic enhancements for this vehicle. We
did not want a overly aggressive or outlandish kit, we simply wanted
to enhance the overall clean lines of vehicle while adding a hint of
sportiness. The WALD Executive Aerodynamic Package was the perfect
choice. With a front valence, side skirts, rear valence, and trunk
wing, the WALD package was the perfect complement to the wheels, and
lowered suspension and truly "completed the package". The clean
lines of the Aero-Kit gave just the right amount of added flair,
while the Poly-Urethane construction and perfect fitment ensured the
substance was there as well. WALD is a highly respected JDM tuning
outfit, that offer full "Program Type" modifications for a wealth of
luxury vehicles such as: Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Lexus, Mercedes
Benz, Infiniti, and more. |
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To complete the vehicle, we had a "VIP" window
tinting done with 20% on the FRONT and REAR windscreen, and 5% on
all side windows, and added D2-AUTOSPORT custom chrome exhaust
finishers. For the interior of the vehicle, a full In-Car
Entertainment System was installed, complete with Alpine flip out
head unit, Sony i-POD interface, 3 Rockford Fostgate Amplifiers, 3 IDmax Subwoofers, and upgraded component speakers. |
| This vehicle has truly taken on a whole new aesthetic and dynamic demeanor, while staying true to its luxury roots, stay tuned for our next project vehicle! | |