Front brake comparison
If you look at the 350PHI kit, it outshines the rest from multiple points of view. The rear brakes can be upgraded to higher CoF (Coefficient of Friction) pads to mostly balance the brake bias back to stock. And if you manage to pull rotors and calipers from a junkyard for $75 each side, then you've got a killer setup for cheap! They're supposed to fit behind stock 17' wheels and some aftermarket 17', but they provide a paper cutout to "mock up" the fitment inside your rim before you purchase the brackets.
If price is no object, obviously the KSport would be the easy bolt-on solution for killer brakes, but you definitely need to upgrade the rim size.
This information draws from user experiences and fitment details for common performance upgrades.
It's important to verify fitment, especially wheel clearance, and consider brake bias implications when upgrading components.
• 350PHI kit stands out for performance and value
• Rear upgrades possible to help balance bias closer to stock
• Potential for very low cost using junkyard parts (~$75 per side for rotors/calipers)
• Designed to fit behind many stock 17" wheels and select aftermarket 17"
• Use provided paper cutout template to mock up fitment before buying brackets
• KSport offers excellent bolt-on performance if budget allows
• KSport typically requires larger wheel diameter upgrade
Always double-check fitment and bias: Incorrect setup → poor braking balance, pedal feel issues, or component interference.
EBC Brakes Redstuff 3000 Series Sport Brake Pad Set DP31589C to Fit LEXUS
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StopTech 950.44007 Stainless Steel Braided Brake Hose Kit Front
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A-Premium Disc Brake Caliper Assembly Compatible with Select Lexus Models - IS200t, IS300, IS350, GS200t, GS300, GS350, GS430, GS450h, GS460, RC200t, RC300, RC350 2008-2021 - Front Left Driver
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A-Premium Disc Brake Caliper Assembly Compatible with Select Lexus Models - IS200t, IS300, IS350, GS200t, GS300, GS350, GS430, GS450h, GS460, RC200t, RC300, RC350 2008-2021 - Front Right Passenger
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R1 Concepts Front Brake Kit For 2006-2007 Lexus GS430; 2006-2020 Lexus IS350; 2007-2011 Lexus GS350, GS450h| Slotted Brake Rotors| Performance Sport Brake Pads and Rotors Kit|Hardware included
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EBC Brakes Redstuff 3000 Series Sport Brake Pad Set DP31589C to Fit LEXUS
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StopTech 950.44007 Stainless Steel Braided Brake Hose Kit Front
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A-Premium Disc Brake Caliper Assembly Compatible with Select Lexus Models - IS200t, IS300, IS350, GS200t, GS300, GS350, GS430, GS450h, GS460, RC200t, RC300, RC350 2008-2021 - Front Left Driver
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A-Premium Disc Brake Caliper Assembly Compatible with Select Lexus Models - IS200t, IS300, IS350, GS200t, GS300, GS350, GS430, GS450h, GS460, RC200t, RC300, RC350 2008-2021 - Front Right Passenger
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R1 Concepts Front Brake Kit For 2006-2007 Lexus GS430; 2006-2020 Lexus IS350; 2007-2011 Lexus GS350, GS450h| Slotted Brake Rotors| Performance Sport Brake Pads and Rotors Kit|Hardware included
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| Kit/Upgrade | Rotor Diameter | Caliper Piston Dia. | Piston Count | Style | Pad Radial Height | OEM Pads CoF | Higher CoF Options | Bundled w/ Front? | Rim needed | Total Cost | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ksport Supercomp BBK Rear | 356mm (kit-specific slotted) | Aluminum (multi-size) | 4 | Fixed (Monoblock) | ~50mm | 0.46-0.53 (ceramic) | 0.5-0.6 (race) | Yes (matches front Ksport) | 18" | $2,386 | ksportusa.com |
| XAT w/ LS430 Calipers | 322mm (OEM Lexus LS430) | 43mm/38mm | 2 | Fixed (Monoblock) | ~48mm | 0.4 (OEM-style) | 0.5/0.55 (Hawk) | No (pairs w/ XAT front LS460) | 17" | $995 | xatracing.com |
| OEM IS300 | 307mm (OEM Lexus) | 40mm | 2 | Fixed (Monoblock) | ~45mm | 0.35-0.45 | Multiple | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Rear brakes are harder to pick a "great" kit, just please please be mindful of your bias while upgrading rear brakes, don't install brakes that drastically change the bias (even if they look amazing). Use my calculator on the other page, and plan out your brake upgrade.
oem brake upgrade options
| Pad Brand/Model | Position (Front/Rear) | CoF Rating | Material Type | Key Benefits | Total Cost (Pad Set) | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawk HPS | Front/Rear | 0.49-0.52 | Ceramic-enhanced | Low dust, street/track; better cold bite than OEM. | $154 | hawkperformance.com or amazon.com |
| Hawk HP+ | Front/Rear | 0.525-0.56 | Semi-metallic | High heat fade resistance; track-focused. | $183 | hawkperformance.com or autozone.com |
| EBC Redstuff | Front/Rear | 0.5 | Ceramic | Quiet, low dust; good for daily driving. | $152 | ebcbrakes.com or rockauto.com |
| EBC Yellowstuff | Front/Rear | 0.55 | Aramid fiber | High friction for spirited driving; more dust. | $140 | ebcbrakes.com or summitracing.com |
| StopTech Street | Front/Rear | 0.4-0.5 | Semi-metallic | Balanced street performance; NVH reduction. | $117 | brakes-shop.com or tirerack.com |
| PowerStop Z23 | Front/Rear | 0.45-0.52 | Carbon-fiber ceramic | Evolution coating for rust resistance; low noise. | $70 | powerstop.com or amazon.com |
It's important to keep in mind the purpose of your car when upgrading brakes. Some pads are noisy, others are dusty. If you have a show-car, you don't want to be cleaning brake dust off every week, and if it's just a street car and you want better brakes you don't want them to be loud. Factor that in. None of these brake pads are "better" than the others, each have pros and cons.
other cars that accept IS300 brakes
| Vehicle Model | Front Bolt-On? | Rear Bolt-On? | Recommended Rim Diameter | Total Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Chaser JZX100 (1996-2001) | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A | Direct swap; same JZ platform/suspension. |
| Toyota Mark II JZS155 (1996-2004) | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A | Bolt-on; shared Toyota sedan chassis. |
| Toyota Cresta JZX100 (1996-2001) | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A | Identical to Chaser; OEM interchange. |
| Toyota Altezza RS200 (1998-2005) | Yes | Yes | N/A | N/A | Same as IS200; direct OEM fit. |
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