How much is it to turbo a Lexus IS300?

In short, turbocharging an IS300 generally starts around a few thousand dollars and can climb into the five- to six-figure range for premium builds. The exact cost depends on parts choices, labor rates, and how far you push the engine’s reliability. This article breaks down typical price ranges, what drives costs, and practical options for IS300 owners.

The Lexus IS300, produced with the 2JZ-GE inline-six, does not come turbocharged from the factory. Adding a turbo involves multiple systems beyond the turbo itself—manifolds, intercooling, fuel delivery, engine management, exhaust, and supporting upgrades. Prices vary significantly by path—DIY, mid-range shop installs, or a high-end, fully engineered setup—and by region, so this guide provides representative ranges and what’s typically included.

Cost pathways for the IS300 turbo project

Owners typically choose based on budget, mechanical skill, and the performance goals they have in mind. The following ranges reflect common configurations and what they tend to include.

• Budget/DIY route: Parts and minimal professional labor, with most tasks performed by the owner or a hobbyist.


• Mid-range shop install: Parts plus professional installation, tuning, and some supporting upgrades.


• High-end professional build: Fully engineered, high-performance setup with forged internals, larger turbo, and extensive tuning.

Prices vary by region, component quality, and whether you perform tasks yourself or hire a shop. The ranges below are rough guidance based on typical market offerings as of 2024–2025.

Budget DIY route

In this path you source most parts yourself and do much of the labor. Expect the following ranges for common components and services.

• Turbo kit (turbo, manifold, intercooler, piping, wastegate, bov): $700–$3,500


• Fuel system upgrades (pump, injectors, lines): $200–$800


• Intercooler and piping: $150–$800


• Exhaust downpipe and exhaust: $150–$600


• ECU/tuning options (stock ECU remap or basic piggyback): $0–$600


• Miscellaneous hardware and gauges: $100–$400


• Labor (self-performed or minimal shop help): $0–$1,000

Overall, a DIY-friendly build can land in the broad range of roughly $2,000 to $6,000 for parts, plus potential tuning time. If you bring in more complex tuning or have to replace worn components, costs can rise. Always factor in dyno tuning and reliability testing if you plan on daily driving.

Mid-range shop install

In this scenario you bring the car to a shop, buy some parts through the shop or supply your own, and receive professional installation and tuning. Typical inclusions are outlined below.

• Turbo kit (quality brand): $2,000–$5,000


• Fuel system upgrades: $300–$1,000


• Intercooler and piping: $500–$1,500


• Exhaust components: $300–$900


• ECU tuning (dyno tune or flash): $600–$1,200


• Labor (installation and calibration): $800–$3,000

Typical total for a mid-range, street-usable setup tends to sit around $5,000 to $12,000, depending on part choices and local labor rates. This path aims for a balance of reliability and performance without extreme internal modifications.

High-end professional build

For enthusiasts seeking significant horsepower, increased reliability at higher boost, or track-focused performance, high-end builds involve more extensive modifications and tuning.

• Forged internals (pistons, rods, hardware): $1,500–$5,000


• High-performance turbo(s) and manifold: $2,000–$8,000


• Upgraded fuel system (pump, injectors, rails): $600–$2,000


• Front-mount intercooler and advanced piping: $600–$2,000


• Exhaust upgrades: $400–$1,000


• High-end engine management (standalone or advanced tuning): $800–$2,000


• Clutch/transmission upgrades and peripherals (as needed): $400–$2,000


• Labor and dyno tuning (extensive): $2,000–$6,000+

Overall, a high-end turbo build for an IS300 can range from roughly $12,000 up to $25,000 or more, depending on how aggressively you aim for power, reliability, and track readiness.

What drives the price

Several factors determine the final cost of turbocharging an IS300. Owners should consider the following elements when budgeting.

• Power target and boost level: Higher boost and more aggressive tuning demand stronger fuel systems and cooling, plus more expensive components.


• Engine condition and internal upgrades: Stock internals can be adequate for modest boost, but higher power targets generally require forged pistons/rods and robust head studs.


• Fuel system readiness: Adequate fuel pressure, injectors with sufficient flow, and a reliable pump are essential; upgrades add cost but protect the engine.


• Engine management and tuning: Standalone EMS or advanced flash tunes cost more but offer better reliability and control.


• Cooling and aerodynamics: Intercoolers, radiators, and oil cooling help maintain safe temperatures at higher power levels, increasing price.


• Labor rates and geographic location: Shop rates vary by region; urban areas tend to be higher than rural settings.


• Regulatory and insurance factors: Street-legal builds must meet local emissions and noise rules; insurance implications vary with power modifications.

Owners should also budget for potential future maintenance, fuel, OEM part wear, and possible longevity concerns when increasing boost on an older platform.

Is it worth it? Practical considerations

Turbocharging an IS300 can deliver exciting performance, but it requires careful planning. If you rely on the car daily, prioritize reliability, supporting mods, and a proven tune. If you use the car primarily for weekend fun or track days, you may opt for a higher-power build with expanded cooling and a robust fueling strategy. Always work with experienced professionals who understand the 2JZ-GE platform and ensure you have a solid maintenance plan in place.

Summary

Turbocharging a Lexus IS300 is a substantial investment that can range from roughly $2,500 to $6,000 for a basic, parts-only DIY route, to $5,000–$12,000 for a mid-range shop-installed setup, and up to $12,000–$25,000+ for a high-end, rigorously engineered build. The final price depends on power goals, the condition of the engine and drivetrain, choices of turbo kit and fueling, tuning approach, and labor costs. Prospective IS300 turbo projects should plan for supporting upgrades (fuel, intercooler, cooling, exhaust, and tuning) and consider long-term reliability and regulatory factors. A well-planned build with professional tuning can deliver strong, dependable performance—provided you budget appropriately and maintain the vehicle carefully.

Does the IS 300 come with a turbo?

Yes, many recent Lexus IS300 models are turbocharged, featuring a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower. However, some older IS300 models used a naturally aspirated 2JZ engine, and an all-wheel drive (AWD) IS 300 option may have a different engine. 
You can watch this video to see a turbocharged Lexus IS300 and learn about the modifications involved: 59sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Apr 3, 2022

• Standard IS300: Many newer IS300 models are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. 
• Older models: Older generations of the IS300 were equipped with a naturally aspirated 2JZ engine. 
• AWD models: Some all-wheel-drive IS 300 models may have an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine instead of the turbocharged four-cylinder. 
• Aftermarket modifications: It is also possible to manually add a turbocharger to an older, naturally aspirated IS300 engine, as shown in this YouTube video. 

This video showcases an IS300 with a powerful twin-turbo setup: 59sClay WongYouTube · Feb 21, 2022

Can you turbo an IS 300?

However, with the right preparation and research, you can turbo your IS300 and make plenty of power. There are a few main considerations when choosing this platform.

Is it expensive to turbocharge a car?

On average, the cost to replace a turbocharger can be $2,000 or more. The turbo can cost at least $1,500, while labor will typically run $500 or more. However, the type of car you drive and the engine it has will impact the final price you pay.

How much does it cost to turbocharge a Lexus IS 300?

The average cost for a Lexus IS300 Turbocharger Assembly Replacement is between $6,124 and $7,213. Labor costs are estimated between $2,330 and $3,419 while parts are typically priced around $3,794.