2022 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Exhaust Guide

Hey there, car enthusiasts! Let's dive into the world of the 2022 Lexus IS 350 F Sport exhaust system. This guide will cover everything you need to know about upgrading, maintaining, and enjoying the sound of your ride. Whether you're a seasoned gearhead or a newbie, there's something here for everyone. So, buckle up and let's get started!

Understanding the Stock Exhaust System

The stock exhaust system on the 2022 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is designed to balance performance, sound, and emissions. Lexus engineers put a lot of effort into creating a system that meets the needs of a wide range of drivers. This means the stock exhaust is generally quiet and refined, perfect for daily driving but perhaps lacking that aggressive growl some enthusiasts crave.

Components of the Stock Exhaust

Let's break down the key components of the stock exhaust system:

Exhaust Manifold: This is where the exhaust gases first exit the engine cylinders. It's designed to efficiently collect these gases and direct them into the exhaust system.
Catalytic Converter: A crucial component for reducing harmful emissions, the catalytic converter uses chemical reactions to convert pollutants like hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides into less harmful substances.
Resonator: The resonator helps to reduce specific frequencies of sound, contributing to a quieter cabin experience. It's essentially a tuned chamber that cancels out certain sound waves.
Muffler: The muffler is the final component in the exhaust system, responsible for significantly reducing overall noise levels. It uses a series of chambers and baffles to dampen sound waves before they exit the tailpipe.
Piping: The exhaust piping connects all these components, ensuring a smooth flow of exhaust gases from the engine to the tailpipe. The diameter and design of the piping can affect both performance and sound.

Performance and Sound Characteristics

The stock exhaust system prioritizes a smooth and quiet ride. Performance-wise, it's designed to provide adequate exhaust flow for the engine's stock power output. However, it can be restrictive compared to aftermarket options, especially if you're looking to increase horsepower.

Sound-wise, the stock exhaust is very tame. Inside the cabin, you'll barely notice it during normal driving. Under hard acceleration, you might hear a bit of engine noise, but it's far from aggressive. For many drivers, this is perfectly acceptable. But for those who want a more engaging driving experience, an aftermarket exhaust is a popular upgrade.

Why Consider an Upgrade?

Upgrading your exhaust system can bring several benefits:

Improved Sound: This is the most common reason people upgrade their exhaust. An aftermarket exhaust can give your IS 350 F Sport a deeper, more aggressive tone.
Increased Performance: A less restrictive exhaust system can improve exhaust flow, potentially increasing horsepower and torque. While gains may not be massive without other modifications, they can be noticeable.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Many aftermarket exhausts come with stylish tips that can improve the look of your car's rear end.
Weight Reduction: Some aftermarket exhausts are made from lighter materials like stainless steel or titanium, which can reduce overall vehicle weight.

Exploring Aftermarket Exhaust Options

When it comes to aftermarket exhausts for the 2022 Lexus IS 350 F Sport, you've got plenty of options. Let's take a look at some of the most popular types and brands.

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Types of Aftermarket Exhausts

Axle-Back Exhaust: This is the simplest type of exhaust upgrade. It replaces the section of the exhaust system from the rear axle to the tailpipes. Axle-back systems are generally easy to install and offer a noticeable improvement in sound.
Cat-Back Exhaust: A cat-back system replaces the exhaust from the catalytic converters back. This includes the resonator, muffler, and tailpipes. Cat-back systems offer a greater improvement in both sound and performance compared to axle-back systems.
Header-Back Exhaust: This is the most comprehensive type of exhaust upgrade. It replaces everything from the exhaust manifold (headers) to the tailpipes. Header-back systems can provide the most significant gains in performance and sound but are also the most expensive and complex to install.
Mid-Pipe Exhaust: Replaces the mid-pipe section of your exhaust system, usually increasing performance and changing the tone of your exhaust. This is coupled with either an axle-back exhaust or cat-back exhaust.

Popular Brands

Borla: Known for their high-quality stainless steel exhausts and aggressive sound profiles, Borla is a popular choice among Lexus enthusiasts.
MagnaFlow: MagnaFlow offers a wide range of exhaust systems, from mild to wild. They're known for their durable construction and performance gains.
Invidia: Invidia exhausts are popular for their combination of performance, sound, and affordability. They offer systems in both stainless steel and titanium.
AWE Tuning: AWE Tuning is known for their precision-engineered exhausts that offer a great balance of sound and performance. Their systems are often dyno-tested to ensure maximum gains.
Tanabe: Specializes in exhaust systems and suspension components. It is known for its quality and performance upgrades.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Exhaust

Sound Level: How loud do you want your exhaust to be? Consider your daily driving environment and local noise regulations.
Performance Goals: Are you primarily looking for improved sound, or are you also hoping to increase horsepower and torque?
Budget: Aftermarket exhausts can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Set a budget and stick to it.
Installation: Are you comfortable installing the exhaust yourself, or will you need to pay a professional? Factor in installation costs when making your decision.
Material: Stainless steel exhausts are durable and resistant to corrosion. Titanium exhausts are lightweight but more expensive.

Installation Tips and Considerations

Installing an aftermarket exhaust can be a rewarding DIY project, but it's essential to do it right. Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind.

Tools You'll Need

Socket Set: You'll need a variety of socket sizes to remove the old exhaust and install the new one.
Wrench Set: Wrenches are essential for tightening bolts and nuts.
Penetrating Oil: This can help loosen stubborn bolts that are rusted or corroded.
Jack and Jack Stands: You'll need to lift the car safely to access the exhaust system.
Exhaust Hanger Removal Tool: This tool makes it easier to remove the rubber exhaust hangers.
Torque Wrench: A torque wrench is essential for tightening bolts to the correct specifications.
Safety Glasses and Gloves: Protect your eyes and hands from debris and sharp edges.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide (General)

Prepare the Car: Lift the car using a jack and secure it with jack stands. Make sure the car is stable before proceeding.
Remove the Old Exhaust: Use penetrating oil on any rusted bolts. Remove the bolts connecting the exhaust sections and use the exhaust hanger removal tool to detach the rubber hangers. Carefully remove the old exhaust system.
Install the New Exhaust: Align the new exhaust sections and connect them using the provided hardware. Make sure all connections are secure.
Tighten the Bolts: Use a torque wrench to tighten all bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. Over-tightening can damage the exhaust system.
Reattach the Hangers: Reattach the rubber exhaust hangers to support the new exhaust system.
Lower the Car: Carefully lower the car and remove the jack stands.
Test the Exhaust: Start the car and listen for any leaks or unusual noises. Check all connections to ensure they are secure.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Stripped Bolts: Be careful not to strip any bolts. Use penetrating oil and the correct size socket or wrench.
Exhaust Leaks: Ensure all connections are tight to prevent exhaust leaks. Use new gaskets if necessary.
Incorrect Torque: Tightening bolts to the wrong torque can damage the exhaust system or cause leaks.
Safety Issues: Always use jack stands when working under a car. Never rely solely on a jack.

Maintaining Your Aftermarket Exhaust

To keep your aftermarket exhaust in top condition, regular maintenance is essential. Here are some tips to help you prolong the life of your exhaust system.

Cleaning and Polishing

Regular Cleaning: Clean your exhaust tips regularly with soap and water to remove dirt and grime. This will help maintain their appearance.
Polishing: Use a metal polish to remove oxidation and restore the shine to your exhaust tips. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for best results.

Inspecting for Damage

Check for Leaks: Regularly inspect the exhaust system for leaks. Look for signs of exhaust fumes or unusual noises.
Inspect for Rust: Check for rust, especially in areas exposed to salt and moisture. Treat any rust spots with a rust inhibitor.
Check Hangers: Ensure the exhaust hangers are in good condition and properly supporting the exhaust system.

Addressing Issues Promptly

Repair Leaks: If you find an exhaust leak, repair it promptly. Exhaust leaks can reduce performance and cause damage to other components.
Replace Damaged Parts: Replace any damaged parts, such as mufflers or resonators, as soon as possible.

The Sound Experience

The best part about upgrading your exhaust is the enhanced sound experience. A new exhaust can transform the way your 2022 Lexus IS 350 F Sport sounds, making every drive more enjoyable. Let's talk about what you can expect.

Stock vs. Aftermarket Sound Comparison

As we discussed earlier, the stock exhaust is very quiet and refined. It's designed to minimize noise and provide a comfortable driving experience. An aftermarket exhaust, on the other hand, is designed to be louder and more aggressive.

Startup: An aftermarket exhaust will typically have a louder and more pronounced startup sound.
Idle: At idle, an aftermarket exhaust will have a deeper and more noticeable rumble.
Acceleration: Under acceleration, an aftermarket exhaust will produce a more aggressive and sporty sound.
Cruising: Some aftermarket exhausts can be loud at cruising speeds, while others are designed to be relatively quiet. Choose an exhaust that matches your preferences.

Factors Affecting Exhaust Sound

Exhaust Design: The design of the exhaust system, including the diameter of the pipes and the design of the muffler and resonator, significantly affects the sound.
Material: The material of the exhaust system can also affect the sound. Stainless steel exhausts tend to have a brighter sound, while titanium exhausts have a more exotic tone.
Engine Modifications: Other engine modifications, such as headers or a cold air intake, can also affect the exhaust sound.

Managing Drone

Drone is a low-frequency humming sound that can occur at certain RPMs. It's a common complaint with some aftermarket exhausts. Here are some tips for managing drone:

Choose a Resonated Exhaust: Exhausts with resonators are designed to reduce drone.
Install a J-Pipe: A J-pipe is a tuned resonator that can be added to the exhaust system to cancel out specific frequencies.
Use Sound Dampening Materials: Adding sound dampening materials to the interior of the car can help reduce drone.

Conclusion

Upgrading the exhaust system on your 2022 Lexus IS 350 F Sport is a great way to enhance its sound, performance, and appearance. Whether you're looking for a mild improvement or a complete transformation, there's an exhaust system out there for you. Just remember to do your research, choose a quality product, and install it properly. Happy driving, and enjoy the enhanced sound of your ride! I hope this guide helped you out, guys. Drive safe!