RC F Tech Articles

  1. HighSpark Ignition Coils: Why They're Sold as Matched Kits

    Blue Lexus IS 500 V8 sedan with NOVEL carbon aero parked by the water at dusk

    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,

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  2. When Should You Replace the Ignition Coils on a 2UR Lexus V8?

    Blue Lexus IS 500 F Sport Performance with NOVEL Racing Japan aero, front three-quarter view

    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

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  3. Lexus RC F Build Guide: Coils, Headers, Carbon Aero, In What Order

    Blue Lexus RC F with the NOVEL Racing Japan carbon fiber aero kit and black wheels, front three-quarter view in a warehouse

    A lot of RC F owners call us with the same RC F build plan. They want headers, coilovers, carbon aero and a tune, and they want it all done this month. Totally understand. The RC F makes you want to do everything at once.

    My concern with doing it all in one go is that you end up paying for some work twice. You set the ride height, then the aero goes on and you want it lower. Or the car gets louder and faster, and then a tired coil pack starts acting up and you're chasing a misfire on a car you just spent real money on.

    So let's walk through how we'd sequence an RC F build if it were our car. This isn't the only way to do it. It's just the order that, from what we see with customers, causes the fewest headaches.

    The biggest takeaway first: RC F build order

    Do the reliability work before the power work, and do the suspension before the aero. If you remember nothing else from this post, remember that. The rest is details.

    Step 1: Get the ignition healthy

    The 2UR V8 is a great engine. It's

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  4. Unveiling Aerodynamic Mastery with David Yansens x NOVEL Racing Lexus RC F at Global Time Attack

     

    Step into the heart of high-performance racing as we delve into the exhilarating world of Global Time Attack at Buttonwillow Raceway, California. In this MIJ Driver Feature, we spotlight David Yansens, sponsored by NOVEL Racing, as he unveils his awe-inspiring Lexus RC F. Equipped with a complete NOVEL front-end conversion and carbon fiber aerodynamic components, David's machine stands as a testament to automotive excellence and precision engineering. 

    David's journey with his 2015 Lexus RC F began in early 2019, marked by a vision to push the boundaries of performance and innovation. At the Super Lap Battle finals by Global Time Attack, David showcases the pinnacle of his efforts, demonstrating the transformative power of the NOVEL Racing Japan Aero Kit. From the striking front bumper conversion to the sleek carbon fiber rear diffuser, each component is meticulously crafted to enhance cooling, aerodynamics, and overall performance on the track. 

    As David navigates the challenges of

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  5. Unlocking the Power: Inside David Yansens' NOVEL Lexus RC F Build for SEMA 2023

     

    Embark on a journey of automotive excellence as we uncover the story behind David Yansens and his awe-inspiring SEMA 2023 Lexus RC F build.

    In this exclusive MIJ Driver Feature, we invite you to witness the culmination of passion, skill, and innovation as David, alongside Mod in Japan, NOVEL Racing, and Yokohama Wheels, brings a vision to life on the grand stage of SEMA. 

    David's journey with his 2015 Lexus RC F began in its stock form back in January 2019, but it was his relentless pursuit of performance and precision that transformed this machine into a true masterpiece. Picture this: a pristine RC F, untouched and waiting to be transformed. That's where David stepped in, armed with his unwavering dedication and a vision for greatness. As David takes us on a journey through his build, we’re introduced to the groundbreaking NOVEL rear diffuser, the revolutionary front bumper conversion, and the meticulously crafted carbon fiber aerodynamic components. The pioneering NOVEL aero kit represents

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  6. Drive Smarter: Exploring the ESCORT Max 360C Mark 2 Radar Detector & M2 Dash Cam Combo

     

    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

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  7. NOVEL Racing Japan GEN II Exhaust Manifold: A Symphony of Performance and Craftsmanship

    Blue Lexus RC F with NOVEL Racing Japan carbon fiber aero kit, rear three-quarter view showing exhaust and diffuser

     

    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

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

    NOVEL Racing Japan widebody Lexus RC F in blue, rear three-quarter view

    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

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