Editor’s Note: This blog follows the latest build from RoyalJZ. In this video, He walks through the process of transforming a factory-soft Lexus GS300 into a properly planted street build using a set of adjustable MaXpeedingRods coilovers, all while maintaining a budget-friendly project.Check out the full videofor the complete install and driving review.
Fixing the Factory Suspension Feel
Under braking, the front end dives too much. Through corners, the chassis leans excessively. At highway speeds, the car feels disconnected and overly soft.
That “luxury float” might be comfortable for daily commuting, but it’s definitely not ideal if you enjoy spirited driving.
The goal was for the car to feel:
More responsive
More predictable at speed
Lower without sacrificing drivability
Capable of handling future wheel and brake upgrades
That’s where the MaXpeedingRods coilovers setup came in.
First Look at the MaXpeedingRods Coilovers
The finish featured:
- Satin black shock bodies
- Light blue springs
- Textured anodized hardware
- Fully adjustable ride height
- Adjustable damping control
The dampers are also fully adjustable, allowing you to dial the suspension softer for street comfort or stiffer for more aggressive driving.
Installation Process
For anyone installing coilovers on a Lexus GS300 or IS300 chassis, here are a few helpful tips:
Disconnect both sway bar end links first
Remove the sway bar mounting brackets
Loosen the knuckle bolts for additional clearance
Pull the upper control arm free if needed
Pre-measure all four coilovers before installation to keep ride height consistent
Most owners likely will not need to remove as much suspension hardware, but the additional clearance makes the install process significantly easier.
Once everything was bolted in, it was time to adjust the ride height and stance.
The New Stance
- No rubbing front or rear
- Improved wheel fitment
- Better chassis balance
- Clean street stance without sacrificing drivability
As soon as the car touched the ground, the difference was immediate. The GS instantly looked lower, wider, and significantly more aggressive. The car now sits exactly how a GS300 should from the factory—low enough to look aggressive, yet high enough to remain practical.
First Driving Impressions
This was honestly the biggest surprise.
A lot of budget coilovers tend to ride harsh, bouncy, or noisy—but this setup genuinely felt composed.
The dampers were adjusted to:
- Front: 15 clicks
- Rear: 15 clicks
And immediately noticed:
- Reduced body roll
- Faster steering response
- Better highway stability
- More confidence during lane transitions
- A noticeably more connected chassis feel
At freeway speeds around 80 MPH, the car remained stable and predictable without feeling overly stiff. Compared to many older budget suspension systems on the market, this setup felt significantly more refined.
Conclusion
The Lexus GS300 responds incredibly well to suspension upgrades, and this coilover setup completely changed the character of the car.
Instead of driving like a soft luxury sedan, the chassis now feels tighter, sharper, and far more confidence-inspiring.
For anyone building a budget-friendly VIP setup, street car, or drift-oriented GS project, suspension should absolutely be one of the first modifications on the list.
