A well-planned street build does not always need major engine modifications to transform the way a vehicle looks, sounds, and feels.
Recently, a returning Speed Projects Laboratory client brought his new 2026 Lexus IS350 F Sport to our SPL1 Performance Division for a combination of suspension, exhaust, and fitment upgrades.
The project included:
- RS-R Performance Lowering Springs
- Remark USA Axle-Back Exhaust
- BONOSS Forged Lightweight Plus Wheel Spacers — 15mm front and 20mm rear
- Four-wheel alignment following installation
What makes this project particularly meaningful to us is how the relationship with the client started. He originally came to our SPL2 Paint Protection Division for PPF and ceramic coating services. After experiencing our work, he returned to trust SPL with the ongoing maintenance and performance side of his vehicle as well.
It is a good example of what Speed Projects Laboratory is built around: helping clients protect, maintain, and improve their vehicles under one roof.
RS-R Performance Lowering Spring Installation
The first part of this Lexus IS350 F Sport build was the installation of RS-R Performance lowering springs.
Lowering springs are a popular upgrade for owners who want to reduce the factory wheel gap and give their vehicle a more planted appearance without moving to a complete coilover suspension system.
A properly selected lowering spring setup can provide several benefits:
- Reduced ride height
- More aggressive vehicle stance
- Reduced visual wheel gap
- Lower centre of gravity
- More responsive handling characteristics
For a vehicle like the IS350 F Sport, the lower stance helps emphasize the Lexus’s already aggressive body lines while retaining a street-friendly suspension configuration.
Suspension modifications, however, should be approached as a complete system rather than simply installing springs and returning the vehicle to the road. Changing ride height can affect suspension geometry and wheel alignment, which is why an alignment was an important final step in this project.
Remark USA Axle-Back Exhaust Installation
To give the IS350 F Sport a more noticeable exhaust character, we also installed a Remark USA axle-back exhaust system.
An axle-back exhaust replaces the rear section of the factory exhaust system. For many owners, it is an ideal starting point when the goal is to enhance exhaust sound without replacing the complete exhaust system.
Depending on the application, an aftermarket axle-back can provide:
- A deeper and more aggressive exhaust note
- Improved exterior appearance
- Larger or more distinctive exhaust tips
- A more engaging driving experience
For a daily-driven performance sedan, the goal is often not simply to make the vehicle as loud as possible. The right exhaust setup should complement the personality of the vehicle and the owner’s preferences.
On this Lexus, the Remark system adds more character to the driving experience while pairing naturally with the vehicle’s sportier appearance.
BONOSS Forged Lightweight Plus Wheel Spacers
Lowering a vehicle often changes how the factory wheel fitment looks relative to the fenders. With the reduced wheel gap, wheels that sit further inward can become more visually noticeable.
To improve the overall stance of this IS350 F Sport, we installed BONOSS Forged Lightweight Plus wheel spacers in the following configuration:
Front: 15mm
Rear: 20mm
The purpose of properly sized wheel spacers is to move the wheels outward for a more flush appearance relative to the body.
When correctly selected for the vehicle and wheel setup, spacers can help create a wider, more planted visual stance without requiring an immediate change to aftermarket wheels.
Fitment is important. Spacer thickness should be selected based on the specific vehicle, wheels, tire dimensions, suspension setup, and available fender clearance rather than choosing a size based purely on appearance.
For this particular Lexus, the staggered 15mm front and 20mm rear configuration complements the lowered ride height and creates a more cohesive overall stance.
Why a Four-Wheel Alignment Is Important After Lowering a Vehicle
After completing the suspension installation, we performed a four-wheel alignment.
This is an important part of any properly completed lowering spring installation.
Changing a vehicle’s ride height can alter alignment measurements such as:
- Toe
- Camber
- Steering wheel position
- Overall suspension geometry
Driving with incorrect alignment after modifying the suspension can contribute to uneven tire wear, poor straight-line tracking, and undesirable handling characteristics.
An alignment allows the vehicle’s geometry to be measured and adjusted within the available factory adjustment range after the new suspension components are installed.
For this reason, we generally consider a post-installation alignment part of completing the job properly rather than an unrelated optional service.
A Complete, Balanced Street Build
What works particularly well about this Lexus project is that no single modification overwhelms the vehicle.
The RS-R springs improve the stance.
The BONOSS spacers bring the factory wheels outward to complement the new ride height.
The Remark axle-back gives the car a more engaging exhaust character.
The four-wheel alignment completes the suspension work and ensures the vehicle is properly set up after being lowered.
Together, these modifications create a more personalized IS350 F Sport while maintaining the usability expected from a modern daily-driven Lexus.
From PPF and Ceramic Coating to Performance and Maintenance
This project also highlights one of the advantages of working with Speed Projects Laboratory.
This client originally came to our SPL2 Paint Protection Division to protect his new vehicle with PPF and ceramic coating. He has since become a returning client, trusting our SPL1 Performance Division with his performance upgrades and ongoing maintenance needs.
Our two automotive divisions allow us to assist clients throughout different stages of vehicle ownership.
SPL2 – Paint Protection focuses on services including Paint Protection Film, ceramic coatings, window tint, and vehicle protection.
SPL1 – Performance & Maintenance handles services including scheduled maintenance, diagnostics, suspension, exhaust systems, wheels and tires, alignments, performance modifications, and ECU tuning.
For our clients, this means they can build a long-term relationship with one shop that already knows their vehicle and their goals.
Lexus Performance Upgrades in Richmond and Vancouver
Speed Projects Laboratory provides professional installation and vehicle setup services from our Richmond, BC facility for clients throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
For Lexus IS350 F Sport owners, we can assist with upgrades including:
- Lowering springs
- Coilovers and suspension
- Exhaust systems
- Wheel spacers and fitment
- Wheels and tires
- Four-wheel alignments
- Brake upgrades
- Maintenance and diagnostics
The best modification package depends on how the vehicle is used. A daily-driven street car has different requirements from a dedicated track vehicle, and selecting components that work together is an important part of building a well-rounded setup.
Final Thoughts
This 2026 Lexus IS350 F Sport now has a lower, more aggressive stance, improved wheel fitment, and a more engaging exhaust note thanks to a carefully selected combination of RS-R lowering springs, BONOSS wheel spacers, and a Remark USA axle-back exhaust.
Just as importantly, the project was completed with a four-wheel alignment to properly finish the suspension work.
For us, this build represents more than a single installation. The owner first trusted SPL2 to protect his vehicle and has now chosen SPL1 for its performance upgrades and ongoing maintenance.
From protecting a new vehicle on day one to maintaining and modifying it for years to come, that is exactly the relationship we aim to build with our clients.