To convert a Toyota Camry into a Lexus style, it is not at all necessary to visit a service station; your own minimal knowledge and skills are enough.
Transformation means:
- modernization of the front bumper;
- replacement of front optics, fog lights;
- sticking strips of polymer material on the trunk lid.
In auto stores you can purchase ready-to-install kits or do tuning in the Lexus style step by step. The owner chooses independently, depending on the size of the budget.
The price of the set ranges from 45,000 rubles and above. Not every owner is willing to pay that amount, so they modernize it on their own.
Important!!! It is not possible to install a kit on a pre-restyling Toyota Camry without replacing the standard headlights. The designs do not allow customization of the exterior.
Another minus is that the kit does not have an opening for headlight washers. At first glance it’s a small thing, but for some it’s significant. In conditions of bad weather, mud, and slush, washers improve visibility on the road.
The set comes with:
- front bumper with built-in grille chrome molding;
- fog lamp bezels;
- edging for the standard emblem. The logo is not included in the kit, you need to rearrange the old one yourself.
Lexus-style brake lights, a set of four, are available for an additional fee. Installation on Camry with body version: ACV40, AHV40, ASV40, GSV40, ACV45.
Installation sequence
- Toyota Camry 40 is in the transport position, on a flat, spacious area. Access is provided around the perimeter of the car, to the front bumper, side fenders;
- We hang up the front right side of the car, remove the wheel, unscrew the three clips that hold the front fender liner. We move the fender liner to the side;
- unscrew the bolts holding the right side of the bumper. Similar procedure on the left side;
- Unscrew the fasteners at the bottom of the bumper.
For complete dismantling, remove the clamps in the upper contour of the bumper. We remove it from its regular place. Before removing the optics, reset the Camry battery terminals. Mechanics recommend one - minus, but for safety reasons both are better.
We begin to unscrew the mounting bolts, remove the contact boards, disconnect the wires, and remove the optics. The final stage: dismantling the radiator grille. It is also removed after unscrewing the fastening joints.
Interior tuning
The main complaint about the XV50's interior is insufficient sound insulation. This issue can be resolved by contacting specialized car services. Advantages of soundproofing done in the service:
- speed, workshops offer to complete soundproofing of a car in one or two days. If you take on this work yourself, you will spend a lot more time.
- quality, experienced craftsmen will do this work professionally, because they do this every day.
- Tuning studios offer options for car soundproofing, taking into account the client’s financial capabilities.
- guarantee for the work done, trustworthy craftsmen are not afraid to give a guarantee for the work, if there is no current one, contact another service.
Camry door with vibration isolation
If you take on the soundproofing of a Camry yourself, you will save money and gain experience and knowledge, but you will spend a lot of time and effort.
The interior of the Camry V50 cannot be called a standard in wear resistance, so the owners have it altered. Specialized craftsmen will offer many options: leather with Alcantara, an interior of several colors, contrasting seams. An important factor in the successful transformation of the interior is the quality of the materials used; the leather must withstand low temperatures (up to -20, when the car is parked outside in winter) and high temperatures (up to +40, when the car is heated in the sun in summer). If you do not use high-quality materials, then “crickets” will settle in the interior, the leather will crack and wrinkle, and in places with high load it may simply tear.
The combination of leather and Alcantara is solid
Installing such seemingly insignificant elements as additional interior lighting, door sills, and pedal pads will become a feature of the car and will help create an atmosphere in the cabin.
Installing a tuning kit
We install a modernized bumper with a built-in radiator grille at the standard mounting points. We rearrange the logo of the Toyota Camry 40. The tuning is completed by installing optics from Lexus.
Thanks to the identical arrangement of fasteners, parts and components are fixed without problems. We connect contacts, terminals for optics, fog lights. We screw the bumper onto the fasteners, install the wheels, start the engine, check the functionality of the lighting and turn signals.
Camry under Lexus style has primarily an aesthetic meaning rather than a practical one. No benefit for the car, no increase in power, no reduction in aerodynamics.
Engine modification
A common option for improving engine performance is chip tuning, i.e. reprogramming the electronic engine control unit (ECU). The goal of such reprogramming is not always to increase power and torque; it is also possible to reduce fuel consumption and make the engine quieter and smoother. The Camry XV40 was equipped with two engines: 4-cylinder 2.4 2AZ 167 hp. and V6 3.5 2GR 277hp.
TRD - (Toyota Racing Development) a division of Toyota, a proprietary tuning studio for all Toyota and Lexus cars
Chip tuning of Toyota 2.4 2AZ engine
The electronic systems of modern cars are complex and demanding, so do not trust non-professionals to work with them. This can lead to incorrect reprogramming, incorrect operation of the motor, or damage to the ECU.
Do not believe if they promise an increase in the power of the naturally aspirated 2.4 2AZ by 30-40 hp or more, the real increase will not exceed 15-20 hp, and the increase in torque will be 20 n.m. If the technician states that he will perform the flashing using official dealer equipment and licensed firmware, then this work will be done without removing the ECU through the OBD2 diagnostic connector.
As a result of chip tuning of the 2.4 2AZ engine you will receive:
- transition to Euro 2 (with removal of the catalyst),
- increase in engine power from 167 hp. up to 180-185 hp,
- increase in torque from 224 n.m. up to 244 n.m.,
- quick response to pressing the gas pedal,
- increase in dynamics.
Chip tuning of Toyota V6 3.5 2GR engine
We consider it inappropriate to chip the 3.5 engine in the Camry to increase power. For a sedan, stock power is sufficient; 2GR chip tuning is attractive due to lower fuel consumption and reduced engine noise.
Lexus style trunk lid
A popular way to upgrade the trunk lid with additional brake lights, as on the Lexus GS 300 model. This can be done by purchasing a prepared lid with cut holes or making openings for mounting brake lights yourself.
Lexus taillights are identical in mounting to the base Toyota Camry 40. Installation will not take much time. Connection diagram according to contact boards. New (embedded) brake lights are connected in series.
To ensure that the electrical wiring is laid in accordance with the requirements, we first remove the felt covering. As with most foreign cars, it is secured using plastic clips that can be easily removed with a flat-tip screwdriver.
Exterior tuning
Camry Lexus style
The appearance of the Camry V50 is balanced: moderately sporty and solid, but you can’t call it spectacular. Therefore, owners take up tuning the Camry 50’s exterior. One of the possible options for changing the appearance is Lexus style. To make a Camry look like a Lexus you need to purchase and install:
- headlights,
- front bumper,
- radiator grille,
- chrome moldings,
- trim around the grille and foglights.
The Lexus style kit will cost about 65 thousand rubles. Look at the photo of a Camry tuned for Lexus.
Airbrushing and tapography remain attractive options for changing the appearance of a car. Those. changing the color of the body by applying paint and film, respectively.
Refinement of headlights and lanterns
Light is an important component of safe movement, so replacing headlights, installing xenon and replacing lamps should be done by professionals.
Owners of the Camry V50 complain about the poor light from the stock headlights; there are several options to solve this problem:
- purchasing new headlights from a third-party manufacturer. You can purchase optics with diode running lights, in the Lexus style. When choosing new headlights, be careful; a beautiful design is not the main thing, it is important that the light is comfortable and does not blind oncoming and passing traffic.
- diode bulbs in the “original” headlights. Good LED lamps are expensive, so be prepared to spend money if you want quality light with a comfortable spectrum.
- halogen lamps from another manufacturer. Many different companies produce halogen bulbs for car headlights. In the Camry V50, the base of the low beam lamps is H11.
- put xenon in halogen optics. We talked in detail about this process in the Camry 40. If you decide on this procedure, then be prepared to buy not only ignition units and lamps, but also change the lenses. A halogen light lens is not suitable for xenon: it is not enough to disperse a powerful light beam (there will be a bright spot of light in front of the car, which will tire the eyes; nothing will be visible outside the illuminated area).
- installation of original, factory xenon headlights. If the Camry V50 has halogen optics, then you can buy and install optics from an expensive version with xenon. A new set of necessary elements will be expensive, so it makes sense to look for a used one.
BMW taillights
There are many non-original taillights on the market for Camry 50, stylized as Mercedes or BMW. Installing beautiful taillights on the Camry 50 is not so easy; problems may arise due to the fact that the non-original taillight segment on the trunk is slightly larger than the stock one. The solution is to grind off the chrome “saber” above the number. The problem with installing the tail light segment on the fender is that the mounting of the aftermarket headlight is displaced, which is why the bumper does not fit into place. Connecting a new rear light to the on-board network can be an unpleasant surprise; you will have to redo the “chips”.
Lights for Mercedes
Selection of disks
Large and beautiful rims are the key to a spectacular car. The Camry 50 was offered with two wheel sizes: R16 for simple trim levels and R17 for expensive ones. In North America, the Camry 50 was officially sold with R18 wheels. The largest wheels that will fit on a stock Camry R19. When buying wheels with tires for a car, you need to understand that they affect traffic safety, comfort and handling. The larger the wheels, the more controllability and less comfort.
Rear bumper body kit
In the standard Camry configuration, a special body kit made of polymer material is glued to the bottom of the rear bumper. The width is 5 - 7 cm with a prepared opening for the exhaust pipe nozzle on the right side.
Custom models are equipped with two cutouts for the exhaust pipe. Be careful with the body kit, as even a slight impact can lead to damage, cracks, and deformation.
Tuning the interior and exterior of the Camry v40
The main drawback of the truly beautiful Toyota Camry 40, both externally and internally, is the fabric interior. Whatever one may say, after a few years you can’t do without reupholstery. And if such a need nevertheless arises, we strongly recommend using leather rather than fabric.
The main advantages of this material are visual appeal, stylistic charm and even notes of aristocracy. There are a large number of specialized studios on the market that reupholster interiors. In addition, it is extremely important to choose good leather correctly, which in itself is difficult. It is better to turn to professionals for the corresponding task.
Do you want to turn your Toyota into a springboard of aesthetic pleasure? We advise you to take a closer look at the following lighting options:
- dashboard and machine controls;
- buttons;
- floor perimeter;
- hatch.
A tuned sedan from Japan is transformed before our eyes, turning from an unremarkable car into a luxurious “carriage”.
Trunk lid spoiler
In order to add aesthetics to the car, a plastic spoiler is installed on the trunk lid. Depending on the modification, it may have a built-in brake light, the contacts of which are connected to the general electrical power circuit.
Fixation to the Camry trunk using double-sided tape or metal clips with bolts. To install electrical wiring, first remove the trim in the luggage compartment. For safety reasons, to prevent a short circuit in the network, we reset the battery terminals.
Body work
Visual tuning is a springboard for creative self-realization in the process of working on a vehicle, and it’s hard to argue with this statement. There are a lot of options for modernization here:
- cosmetic update of the exterior;
- minimal repainting;
- radical rethinking of the body.
If you believe the statistics, then in the Camry v40 tuning primarily affects the updating of the body paint. And if you are pretty tired of black, we recommend paying attention to more catchy options. It is necessary to focus on quite popular trends in recent years:
- installation of additional body kits;
- tinting of lamps and headlights;
- lowering the car.
Experts strongly recommend improving the visual and stylistic perception of the Japanese sedan by:
- Trunk lining, spoiler.
- Replacing discs with forged or cast ones.
- High-quality hood airbrushing (you can use special decorative stickers).
- Installation of xenon and LED headlights.
Replacing disks
When abandoning standard disks in favor of more modern ones, you should take into account the practical side of the problem. Naturally, no one has canceled the visual appeal, but the key criterion remains the reliability of the tires, especially considering that they will have to plow kilometers of domestic roads.
Airbrush
The issue of painting a Toyota Camry 40 should be approached extremely carefully and responsibly. There is no point in delegating such creative work to the first master or artist you come across. This is the very option when it is better to seek help from a professional and pay more. Remember - painting carries not only an aesthetic meaning, but also a practical function.
If you believe statistical data, cars decorated with body patterns are 2.5-3 times less likely to be stolen than cars with factory paint. Don't skimp and you won't have to pay twice. Only professionals will be able to breathe visual originality and uniqueness into your vehicle.
What is chip tuning Toyota Camry
Chip tuning of Toyota Camry, and not only this brand of car, is done with the goal of adjusting the operation of controller modes. This is achieved by correcting the internal programs of the machine.
Chip tuning is most often done in order to:
- Increase the power of the machine's engine.
- Reduce fuel consumption.
So, for example, GAN blocks can be installed for Toyota Camry of different years of production and different types of engines:
- For turbocharged engines.
- Gasoline or diesel.
- For naturally aspirated engines.
- For engines that run on biofuel.
The temperature range in which the device operates reliably is from -40 0C to +60 0C. Its use allows you to save fuel when driving correctly. Although, in principle, the ECO or Dynamic mode can be set.
Modification of the interior
One of the simplest options for upgrading the interior with your own hands is to install backlit buttons. In this case, the driver's seat looks stylish, and the readability of the keys increases.
Setting the button backlight
In addition, footlights for the driver and passengers can be installed in the cabin. For these purposes, LED strip or special neon lamps are usually used. Wood or chrome trim can also be used in the interior.
Relevance of tuning for Toyota Camry
Quite often, owners of this brand of car resort to car tuning. But they do it at their own discretion and are guided by financial capabilities. In principle, this work can be partially completed.
But the most important thing is to remember that this work should only be done by qualified specialists. And various photos of Toyota Camry tuning on the Internet will allow you to navigate what will suit your taste and what will become unnecessary.
Suspension tuning
The Toyota Camry 40 suspension is designed for the average user. Therefore, many car owners decide to modernize it. The most common options for changing the suspension are shown in the table below.
| Tuning option | Main advantages | Main disadvantages |
| Increased clearance | Improving cross-country ability; Ability to drive on bad roads | Poor handling at high speeds |
| Car landing | Stylish | Difficulties when driving over obstacles on the road, for example, speed bumps |
| Increased rigidity | Improved handling | Transfer of all road irregularities to the body |
| Soft suspension | Comfort | Suspension breakdown when hitting significant road surface defects |
| Adjustable ground clearance and stiffness | Possibility of individual adjustment | Less reliability and durability |
The cardinal option for changing the suspension is the use of pneumatics. In this case, you can easily change the ground clearance and stiffness. According to reviews from car owners, the reliability of the air suspension is lower than that of original parts.
Why do Toyota Camry tuning?
If we talk about the appearance of the car, then the work of Japanese designers is, in principle, impeccable. The shape and appearance of the contour lines are quite attractive.
But since there are quite a lot of cars on the roads from this manufacturer, those who want to somehow stand out have to resort to tuning their iron horse.
