Lexus GS F Tech Articles

The GS F is the sleeper of the F family. Four doors, a 2UR V8, and a lot of people don't notice it until it pulls away. GS F owners tend to want to keep that personality, just sharper, and that shapes how we'd plan a GS F build.

We already have a NOVEL GS F aero install guide. This post is the bigger picture: how we'd plan a whole GS F build, from coils to carbon.

The biggest takeaway first

A GS F is heavier than an RC F, and it's often a car people drive every day. So my order is coils, then exhaust and headers, then brakes and suspension together, then aero. Brakes move up the list on this car more than people expect.

Step 1: Coils

Same 2UR family as the IS F, RC F and IS 500. Coils are a wear item, and the GS F is a car that sees a lot of heat cycles. HighSpark sells their Lexus V8 coils as matched boxes of four, Standard and Premium.

Why HighSpark over stock coils? HighSpark rates the spark output at 2 to 2.5 times more powerful than an OEM coil, and they stabilize the voltage coming

One question we get about HighSpark all the time is why the coils come in boxes. Why can't I just buy one? It's a fair question, and the answer says a lot about how HighSpark ignition coils are designed.

So let's talk about HighSpark as a brand, why they push matched sets, and what the upgrade over OEM actually gets you.

Who is HighSpark?

HighSpark Ignitioncoil Japan makes performance ignition coils in Japan, and Mod in Japan imports them. HighSpark has been part of our SEMA booth more than once, including SEMA 2024 and our Central Hall booth at SEMA 2025 alongside NOVEL Racing and GROW Design.

The coils are built with premium German copper wire fused with Japanese Kyocera resin. That combination is about heat resistance and durability, because coils live on top of a hot engine all day.

What the upgrade actually gets you

Why HighSpark over stock coils? HighSpark rates the spark output at 2 to 2.5 times more powerful than an OEM coil, and they stabilize the voltage coming out of the coil,

Short answer: replace your 2UR coils when you've confirmed one is bad, or before you add power if the originals are old. If one has already failed and you plan to keep the car, I'd do all eight. If you're selling soon or money is tight, replacing the bad one is fine. Just know the others are the same age.

That's the whole answer. The rest of this post is the details: how to tell it's actually a coil, the one-vs-eight tradeoff, Standard vs Premium, and why I always bring up coils before someone buys headers.

Some background on why I'm writing this. At Mod in Japan, we're the North American master distributor, and a lot of our customers drive IS F, RC F, GS F, IS 500 and LC 500 cars. 2UR coil questions come up more than you'd think. Sometimes it's a misfire code. Sometimes it's someone about to install headers who wants to make sure the engine is ready. The question is basically always the same. When should I replace them, and do I really need to do all eight?

What the coils actually do

Looking to enhance your driving experience and stay ahead of the curve?

Look no further than the ESCORT Max 360c Mark 2 radar detector and M2 dash cam combo! In our latest episode of MIJ Tech, Steven takes you through the features and benefits of this cutting-edge accessory system that has been a game-changer for our MIJ Tacoma over the past 8 months. 

Join Steven as he shares his personal experiences and insights into the ESCORT Max 360c MK2 radar detector. With exceptional range, lightning-fast notifications, and directional arrow indicators, this radar detector ensures accurate detection of X, K, and KA bands, keeping you informed and prepared on the road. 

Discover the convenience of features like the GPS memorized lock, which allows you to permanently silence false alerts from recurring locations, and the built-in speedometer, perfect for vehicles with oversized tires. 

But the benefits don't end there. Steven also dives into the seamless integration of the add-on 1080P M2 dash

Are you ready to take your Lexus F model to the next level of performance and sound? Look no further than the NOVEL Racing Japan Exhaust Manifold, a masterpiece of engineering and craftsmanship that promises to elevate your driving experience to new heights. 

In our latest YouTube video, we delved into the world of aftermarket exhaust systems, focusing on the highly anticipated NOVEL GEN II Exhaust Manifold designed specifically for Lexus 2UR engines. Join Steven from Mod in Japan as he takes you through an in-depth review of this renowned exhaust manifold, shedding light on its unique features and the unparalleled driving experience it offers. 

Crafted by only two artisans in Japan using traditional bending techniques and meticulous attention to detail, the NOVEL exhaust manifold is more than just an aftermarket upgrade – it's a work of art. Each tube is painstakingly formed by hand, resulting in a manifold that not only delivers exceptional performance but also emits a signature sound

Ultimate In-stock Street+ Brake Pads for Lexus RC F / GS F

If you don’t want to read, check out the video here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvjA1G6aA1c&t=3s

Making a decision on which brake pads to go with is like looking for your future wife or husband,  you need to be real honest about what you actually need and not what you maybe… might want… later… in the future… kind of sort of.  Trust me be honest at the beginning and you wont needlessly suffer.  From the factory the Lexus RC F and GS F have fairly strong brakes but they tend to be on the dustier end of things. of course that's the natural characteristic of a pad that has a strong grip you will naturally have more dust and potentially more noise especially during colder environments. Which brings us to the choices that are listed below is there such a way that you can get an improvement in their braking performance as well as enjoy a cleaner and quieter brake pad. The answer is a resounding yes you don't need to clean your