Over the years with the popularity of the LS swap increasing, we’ve noticed certain import cars quickly becoming popular candidates. One of which is the Lexus IS300, and it’s easy to see why. The Lexus IS300 is a rear-wheel-drive sedan which came from the factory powered by a 2JZ-GE inline-six engine. While the original engine is nothing to scoff at, the IS300s are becoming so popular for LS swaps, that many companies have even designed swap kits for them.

Setting the stage

Take the gentleman in this video brought to us by High Tech Corvette for example. During a Quick 30 race at the Texas Speed Syndicate is where this twin-turbocharged 5.3 aluminum junkyard block swapped Lexus IS300 was found, and it does not disappoint.

For starters, this IS300 is a mid 8-second car flexing a remarkable 1,200 horsepower to the rear-wheels – which means you probably won’t want to lineup head-to-head with it. We all know that horsepower figures are impressive and all, but what’s even more extraordinary about this car (other than the fact that it’s running two 62/66mm turbochargers and is tuned for E98 fuel) is that it’s still on independent-rear-suspension using a modified and narrowed Ford 9-inch center section. Coupled with a Tremec TR-6060 6-speed manual transmission and a pair of meaty slicks, this IS300 definitely commands a certain respect when present at the strip.

As popular as these cars are becoming, it’s a shame we don’t see more LS swapped Lexus IS300s running around. It’s pretty clear that these cars make for great candidates for the swap – especially when it’s a twin-turbocharged 5.3 swap.