When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I NEVER said there's no difference in sidewall. That's ridiculous. To answer your first question, the reason we all go to larger wheels is to maximize the performance of the vehicles handling by lowering the side-roll of the tire. That only being achieved by using a larger diameter wheel, and a lower profile tire. Now let's address the difference between 20" and 21" on this (or MY) 4th gen GS350. My suggestion first of all on MOST going with 20" vs. let's say a 21" is like I said before, more options in 20", and less out of pocket expense. This exclude anyone willing to special order multi-piece offerings. Now addressing your other statement. You're correct in that sidewall does translate into more driving comfort. If you CAREFULLY read my post it'll explain in detail that I chose to go with 35 series fronts, and 30 series rears. I too feel like you do regarding comfort. I could have basically achieved the same overall diameter of a 20" wheel by using 30 series fronts, and 25 series rears. But I chose to sacrifice some handling performance for comfort and less possible damage to the wheels from bad roads and debris. I've been in the motoring field for 20+ years. From a tire tech to management to even ownership. There's not to much I don't know about this subject. Currently I can be reached at Butler Tire Co. (Austell GA.) most days if you'd like to further this conversation. I handle projects such as this most everyday that extend up to the some of the most luxurious or performance type vehicles that on the road today. Ones that can not tolerate any type of mistake. Visit the gallery if you will at butlertire.com to get an idea. Some wild and some mild, but all done professionally. Thanks
Haha. I would have said most people do it for looks and the performance increase is a nice side-effect. I bet some people's setups make their cars perform worse than they did factory even if they "feel" like the car handles better.
I agree with you about the difference in sidewall being marginal between 20-21 inch wheels.
I look forward to seeing your car when it's done. Looks like you have a good start.
I'm not feeling it. I guess different strokes for different folks. The GS 350 can look like an "executive's car" or a drag racer's car. I suppose the versatility is a good thing. Maybe, I'm getting old because I prefer the clean, non-F, executive look. Yep, I am getting old. LOL The OP must be a young cat.
I'm not feeling it. I guess different strokes for different folks. The GS 350 can look like an "executive's car" or a drag racer's car. I suppose the versatility is a good thing. Maybe, I'm getting old because I prefer the clean, non-F, executive look. Yep, I am getting old. LOL The OP must be a young cat.
Yup your getting old for sure! Its funny because I think the Non F sport looks sooooo boring.
Yup your getting old for sure! Its funny because I think the Non F sport looks sooooo boring.
Yup, old I am. But I just couldn't pull into the executive parking lot with a sports sedan with big black wheels. I have to watch my image. Executives at my company do not mod their sedans. They keep a two-door sports car at home for that purpose. The commuter car has to look sharp, conservative, dignified. One lady at the company commutes in a Caddy CTS, unmodded. On weekends she takes a modded Porsche 911 Turbo to the track. She won't drive that thing into the company parking lot. Everybody's watching their image at work.
I'm loving this car! Getting lots of envious looks from Caddy owners, Volvo owners, and even BMW owners. Eat your hearts out!