19" STERN ST-1 for SC430
Pole Position
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 291
Likes: 3
From: CA
I have 245/35/20 in the front...285/30/20 in the rear and have no problems rubbing (not lowered), no difference in acceleration and car drives 300% smoother than RFT's I just took off with stock wheels. Fuel economy the same.
I think every wheel/tire combination is different, along with driving habits, frequency, climate, road conditions. It's very hard to compare all these scenarios, unless of course you do a meta-analysis.
BTW-checked with Discount Tire, Tire Rack and the company that sold me the wheels and they all said 245/35/20 was the proper +2 size in the front (or at least one of the proper alternatives). I specifically asked each one if there would be a speedo difference and they said not. Not sure, but it "feels" right...much smoother than my 19's and 18's on previous SC's and this one.
I think every wheel/tire combination is different, along with driving habits, frequency, climate, road conditions. It's very hard to compare all these scenarios, unless of course you do a meta-analysis.
BTW-checked with Discount Tire, Tire Rack and the company that sold me the wheels and they all said 245/35/20 was the proper +2 size in the front (or at least one of the proper alternatives). I specifically asked each one if there would be a speedo difference and they said not. Not sure, but it "feels" right...much smoother than my 19's and 18's on previous SC's and this one.
This from the tire spec from Falken for the Fk452 (one of the few tires that make such small sizes)
http://www.falkentire.com/Tires/Passenger-Car/FK452-3
A stock 245/40/18 has an Outside Diamter of about 25.7
A 245/35/20 is 26.7
A 245/30/20 is 25.8
(which will give you ~4% error on the speedometer and milage)
When I had my 245/35/20s, things were pretty good till I lowered the car and I started rubbing the top of fenders as well as the inside and outside while turning.
So as long as you don't go super low, you should be ok. But even if slight, there will be loss of performance and true your milage my go up.. but my whole point is that there are reasons to not go 20s vs 19s other than looks and if you have to run your car higher, then the 20s are for nothing.. (IMHO).
Last edited by hipendicul; Nov 2, 2009 at 09:39 PM.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: CA
ERincal - IMO you can't compare the SL 550,55 ride with the SC430 - just not in the same "universe". I first drove several SC430's- 07's and 08's and felt the same that you did since I was expecting something closer to our LS, If you liked the SL ride why did you go with a SC -Cost?
Last edited by ERicincal; Nov 5, 2009 at 08:27 PM. Reason: spelling error
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: CA
from how I understand it the Unsprung weight is not related to the size of the rim its the WEIGHT!!!!
you can get 20's that weigh less than 19's and BINGO less unsprung weight,
for a car like ours I really don't think you should be too worried about unsprung weight, there are a lot more things that need attention like the boat like handling mush brake feel, and slow acceleration. So don't be too hard on yourself for the few pounds you might gain or loose...
you can get 20's that weigh less than 19's and BINGO less unsprung weight,
for a car like ours I really don't think you should be too worried about unsprung weight, there are a lot more things that need attention like the boat like handling mush brake feel, and slow acceleration. So don't be too hard on yourself for the few pounds you might gain or loose...
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: CA
This from the tire spec from Falken for the Fk452 (one of the few tires that make such small sizes)
http://www.falkentire.com/Tires/Passenger-Car/FK452-3
A stock 245/40/18 has an Outside Diamter of about 25.7
A 245/35/20 is 26.7
A 245/30/20 is 25.8
(which will give you ~4% error on the speedometer and milage)
When I had my 245/35/20s, things were pretty good till I lowered the car and I started rubbing the top of fenders as well as the inside and outside while turning.
So as long as you don't go super low, you should be ok. But even if slight, there will be loss of performance and true your milage my go up.. but my whole point is that there are reasons to not go 20s vs 19s other than looks and if you have to run your car higher, then the 20s are for nothing.. (IMHO).
http://www.falkentire.com/Tires/Passenger-Car/FK452-3
A stock 245/40/18 has an Outside Diamter of about 25.7
A 245/35/20 is 26.7
A 245/30/20 is 25.8
(which will give you ~4% error on the speedometer and milage)
When I had my 245/35/20s, things were pretty good till I lowered the car and I started rubbing the top of fenders as well as the inside and outside while turning.
So as long as you don't go super low, you should be ok. But even if slight, there will be loss of performance and true your milage my go up.. but my whole point is that there are reasons to not go 20s vs 19s other than looks and if you have to run your car higher, then the 20s are for nothing.. (IMHO).
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 10
From: NM
Thanks for this insight. I am a little unclear about your post. are you saying that its better or worse to go 20s over the 19s? So when you went to the 245/30/20s, did you have any issues when you lowered the car? Did your speedometer get messed up at all? I dont want to be "adding" more miles to the car by adding a larger wheel either. As it is I drive too much.
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 289
Likes: 0
From: cA
Haha - never heard that answer before. I'm astonished that you could like the 55 and afford the 55 and settle with the SC - Congrats on your self restraint.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: CA
Getting ready to make a move.
This is what I am looking to buy.
I have been eyeing these for a long time. Honestly, it reminds me a little of the LF-A 's wheels. On the ebay auction, it states they are 8.5 inches in the front and 9.5 inches in the rear. The offsets are 20mm/ 25mm. Based on what I have been reading in the forum, I am thinking I need to go 245/30/20 in the front and 255/30/20in the rear or maybe 275/30/20 ?? I am pretty much a newb, so I am trusting a lot of what I am reading here on the forum. I plan on lowering the car alittle next (not slammed). Is this a pretty good set up?
I have been eyeing these for a long time. Honestly, it reminds me a little of the LF-A 's wheels. On the ebay auction, it states they are 8.5 inches in the front and 9.5 inches in the rear. The offsets are 20mm/ 25mm. Based on what I have been reading in the forum, I am thinking I need to go 245/30/20 in the front and 255/30/20in the rear or maybe 275/30/20 ?? I am pretty much a newb, so I am trusting a lot of what I am reading here on the forum. I plan on lowering the car alittle next (not slammed). Is this a pretty good set up?
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Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: CA
It doesn't look like I have ANY room to drop! Must be the tire tread on these new Yokos
Love the wheels!!! Get 'em. go 245 and 275 at least. 285 might have more options.
That's why I went with the discount tire setup...$800 or so out the door. Free balance, rotate, air check, etc for life of tires. They will match tire rack too!!
Need for Speed is a GREAT seller on eBay. I bought my last RPM chrome mesh wheels from them in 19's on my 2002. My biggest regret is that I didn't get 20's. Try to negotiate a little with them. they may have some wiggle room on shipping. In this economy, I wouldn't pay more than $1k-$1200 for medium brand wheels.
My last wheels I bought from them, and the Verde Kaos wheels too were about 30-50% less than if you go to a wheel shop and order them out of a catalog. I felt like I was getting a PRETTY good deal, but honestly do some more searches with the brand name and see if you can do better.
Totally look like G35S wheels that were on my 2005 6MT. I loved them!!! Great wheels
Love the wheels!!! Get 'em. go 245 and 275 at least. 285 might have more options.
That's why I went with the discount tire setup...$800 or so out the door. Free balance, rotate, air check, etc for life of tires. They will match tire rack too!!
Need for Speed is a GREAT seller on eBay. I bought my last RPM chrome mesh wheels from them in 19's on my 2002. My biggest regret is that I didn't get 20's. Try to negotiate a little with them. they may have some wiggle room on shipping. In this economy, I wouldn't pay more than $1k-$1200 for medium brand wheels.
My last wheels I bought from them, and the Verde Kaos wheels too were about 30-50% less than if you go to a wheel shop and order them out of a catalog. I felt like I was getting a PRETTY good deal, but honestly do some more searches with the brand name and see if you can do better.
Totally look like G35S wheels that were on my 2005 6MT. I loved them!!! Great wheels
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 10
From: NM
thanks. it's lowered on tein comfort sport coilovers. here's a shoot i did a while back.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...age-shoot.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc-...age-shoot.html
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 669
Likes: 4
From: az
Initially ( for the past 3 months) had a personal problem comparing my new '02 sc with my past '06 Miata with ALL of the performance options...and as of 5:00 today, am finally happy with the SC. A Miata is a true pocket rocket, handles on rails, and can be scary when constantly pushed to the limit...which I did every time I drove it...and still miss the excitement...however...can't hear the radio, marginal A/C (here in Phoenix)paint chips at the touch of a breeze...and although the seats are comfortable...the plastic in the interior shows every single blemish possible. If I wanted to drive a race car..I would have the Miata..but the '02 SC is much more comfortable ( and is still fast) but is now after much thought and experience, a better car for me...the crazy thing is that the 'SC actually gets BETTER gas mileage than my Miata!!! Crazy, but True. Very, very hard to compare the 2....I will always miss my Miata, but must admit that the SC is better for my life at this point. Bob