We are very pleased to note that Jeff Wilson's turbocharged Lexus IS300 is featured in an article titled A Path Less Traveled in the October 2006 issue of Modified Mag(azine). If the name doesn't quite register, then it will when you realize that Jeff is none other than my.IS Mid-West Regional Moderator (and Twisties Addict extraordinaire) bgwillyBadassIS31.
The article's author, David Prattle, as the title of the story hints at, compares Jeff's endeavors with his one-of-a-kind IS300 to the classic Robert Frost poem The Road Not Taken, which most, if not all of us were exposed to in High School English classes.
Jeff started out with a 2004 Lexus IS300 he ordered in the "enthusiast's preferred configuration" of manual transmission, limited-slip differential and no sunroof. It was meant to be Indigo Ink Pearl but, due to dealer error, came in Bluestone Metallic instead. He loved the color once he laid eyes on it, however, and kept it. No sooner did he bring it home that the modification process begin. First came the simple stuff, like replacing the standard grille and taillights with SportDesign ones (comically described in the article as "rare JDM parts". And what's the deal with the JDM air freshener?!) Then, as many of these projects tend to, it became ever more elaborate, unique and sophisticated. A Garrett GT35R turbocharger with a T4 exhaust housing, TiAl 44mm wastegate and a 25"x12"x3" front-mounted intercooler was installed by Maryland's TurboEast. There's no way the IS300's weakish standard 5-speed manual transmission could handle the resulting 432 rear-wheel-horsepower and 404 lb/ft of torque, so it was replaced by a Getrag V160 6-speed manual with a custom 1-piece driveshaft, Supra Twin Turbo rear end conversion and HKS GD-Max clutch, pressure plate and flywheel. The single most unusual piece of under-hood decor, however, is the valve cover with "Lexus" custom-cut, partially exposing the Unorthodox cam gears.
More "cosmetic" mods were made, such as "Sophie's Customs" painted headlights, the distinctive small APR carbon-fiber outside rearview mirrors and, as proof of how "hardcore" Jeff is, the rear seat was removed, and a Rigid Race Cars 8-point roll cage installed. It's also an interesting "sport" of sorts noting that turbocharged IS300s tend to have "turbo" or "T" badges, and figuring out what cars they were "borrowed" from. Jeff went really far, across the Atlantic Ocean, to source his: from General Motors' British subsidiary, Vauxhall!
The Modified Mag(azine) article's last page is truly priceless, for a couple of reasons: First, the Five Stages of Grieving (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance), as applied to Jeff's smackdowns of unsuspecting BMWs, are funny. Then, there's the picture of three modded Lexus IS300s. Their owners are no strangers to our site, either. The silver one on the left is owned by Phillzpeed, and the Intensa Blue one in the middle is Greg's, a.k.a. Doodlebug. The latter two, by the way, were the subject of photoshoots during last year's Lexfest in Baltimore, Maryland by our very own Webmaster, Tony Schreiber. The photos for Phil's IS300 and Greg's IS300 can be viewed on the Tony Schreiber Photography website.
Congratulations, Jeff, on following the road less traveled. And our thanks to my.IS member chado, for bringing this news to our attention in a General Discussion thread.
__________________
Industry Editor, Moderator, All-around Car Nut and the official my.IS Grandpa
"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use."—Soren Kierkegaard
Sorry if I come off sappy or like I'm writing a high school yearbook dedication or something, but this story has special resonance with me, since I had the privilege of meeting all 3 of the IS300 owners mentioned here, and I can't help but add some personal comments:
Jeff (bgwillyBadassIS31): From one twisties addict to another, it was only appropriate that we met twice for the annual Club Lexus/my.IS Tail of the Dragon drive. In 2005, I remember that the Saturday drive was a bit frustrating, with heavy traffic and one particular Ford F-150 pickup slowing us down. You were in front of me, and getting exasperated. The truck finally let us by, and I was LMAO as you were passing and giving him a heartfelt and well-deserved one-finger salute. Sunday was much better, thank God. When you and the Ohio crew decided to leave via the Cherohala Skyway, I jumped at the chance to drive a road I'd heard so much about but hadn't actually been on in my two previous Dragon visits. Towards the end of the Cherohala, we stopped, I shook your hand, and headed south on Georgia 68 while the rest of you headed north. Little did I imagine how fate would intervene or that you would be one of the very last people to see my IS300 in one piece.
Phil (Phillzpeed): We met over breakfast at the hotel on Saturday of last year's Lexfest. Later, I was truly fortunate to be able to ride with you in your awesome IS as we headed to the photoshoot site with Tony, and then back to the hotel.
Greg (Doodlebug): As was the case with Phil, we met over breakfast at Lexfest. I couldn't believe my ears when you identified yourself, since I still vividly recalled your beautiful "work-in-progress" mural of your Intensa Blue IS300 that you were painting in your garage, and that you posted on the site. Later, I was also around for your "Webmaster photoshoot".
Thanks for the good memories, guys.
__________________
Industry Editor, Moderator, All-around Car Nut and the official my.IS Grandpa
"People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use."—Soren Kierkegaard
Willy, Phillz and Doodle, way to go fellas. It's well deserved. I always enjoyed Robert Frost and I can just see Willy in his car "stopping by the woods on a snowy evening" See you gents in Atlanta.
__________________
Mayo
2003 TCM 5MT W/LSD
"You don't have to worry about me, I won a contest"
The AutoGuide.com network consists of the largest network of enthusiast-owned enthusiast-operated automotive communities.
AutoGuide.com provides the latest car reviews, auto show coverage, new car prices, and automotive news. The AutoGuide network operates more than 100 automotive forums where our users consult peers for shopping information and advice, and share opinions as a community.
» Wheel & Tire Center
We are very pleased to note that Jeff Wilson's turbocharged Lexus IS300 is featured in an article titled A Path Less Traveled in the October 2006 issue of Modified Mag(azine). If the name doesn't quite register, then it will when you realize that Jeff is none other than my.IS Mid-West Regional Moderator (and Twisties Addict extraordinaire) bgwillyBadassIS31.
More "cosmetic" mods were made, such as "Sophie's Customs" painted headlights, the distinctive small APR carbon-fiber outside rearview mirrors and, as proof of how "hardcore" Jeff is, the rear seat was removed, and a Rigid Race Cars 8-point roll cage installed. It's also an interesting "sport" of sorts noting that turbocharged IS300s tend to have "turbo" or "T" badges, and figuring out what cars they were "borrowed" from. Jeff went really far, across the Atlantic Ocean, to source his: from General Motors' British subsidiary, Vauxhall!
