LS - 1st and 2nd Gen (1990-2000) Discussion topics related to the 1990 - 2000 Lexus LS400

Thinking about 18s...thoughts?

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Old 02-01-08, 07:26 AM
  #16  
steveski
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I have 18's on my 95 and think they look alright although 19's or 20's would obviously look better. I thought more about replacement cost as you know the bigger the tire the cost increases dramatically. As for ride quality if a quality tire is selected it should not be too harsh IMO. I have a staggered fitment which looks really cool however I cannot rotate my tires. I now have some pretty crazy howling going on up front and am stuck with it until I replace them.

I use Nitto NT 555 and they last around 30,000 miles. Here's an old pic showing the gap(s):
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Old 02-01-08, 08:32 AM
  #17  
19psi
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i liked my 18s, they fit the looks of the car fine,because of the big lips, but of course i was slammed 4". even at a modest drop, tehy'll look good.
Old 02-04-08, 03:56 PM
  #18  
nolyaw
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Originally Posted by flogdpup
My wifes 97 LS and my 94 LS are getting dedicated summertime 18's this spring and I would like to know from you guys:

For each model year, what is the optimal rim back spacing to use to effectively fill in the gaps and...

For each model year, what would be the best looking and most functional 18 inch tire size to use that would fill the gaps without rubbing.

Just to let you know, both cars have 1 in. suspension drops on H&R sport springs.

My thoughts on the subject: I was considering using 235/50R18 but understand through TireRack that it would require the fenders to be rolled to avoid rubbing, so now I am considering 235/45R18 or even 235/40R18. Please tell me what you've tried and liked or even didn't. Pics would really be convincing along with your opinion.

Thanks guys. I love this site.
I have 235/50/18's on my 93 and I think they are perfect for 3 reasons: great ride quality is maintained ( thats why you drive a lexus, right?), they eat up the fender gap, and I ahve 18x8's with a + 40 mm offset, so they are almost even to the edge of the fender lips. They just BARELY miss the fenders, front and rear, when the suspension is compressed. 20's would destroy the ride quality, and 19" rubber is not economically feasible to replace, so for me this is the perfect size. Plenty of meat on the sidewall, with a perfect offset.
Old 02-04-08, 04:07 PM
  #19  
nolyaw
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Here is a pic
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Old 02-04-08, 04:17 PM
  #20  
nolyaw
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rear wheel gap
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Old 02-04-08, 04:18 PM
  #21  
nolyaw
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rear view from side
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Old 02-04-08, 04:19 PM
  #22  
nolyaw
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front from side
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Old 02-04-08, 04:20 PM
  #23  
nolyaw
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pass. side stance
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Old 02-04-08, 04:21 PM
  #24  
nolyaw
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driver side stance
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Old 02-04-08, 05:13 PM
  #25  
JFLACO610
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Damn! I cant wait to get some rims for my LS, Im rockin GS stocks on mine right now...by the way, that's a CLEEEEEEEEAN LS!
Old 02-04-08, 05:57 PM
  #26  
jcrome04
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Lookin good guys! I had 20" TSW Mondello's on my old 91 LS AND it was dropped with Tanabe DF210's

Contrary to popular believe. The ride quality was barely sacrificed at all and they NEVER rubbed in routine driving.







Old 02-04-08, 06:15 PM
  #27  
nolyaw
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Originally Posted by JFLACO610
Damn! I cant wait to get some rims for my LS, Im rockin GS stocks on mine right now...by the way, that's a CLEEEEEEEEAN LS!
Here's the int. The seats, steering wheel, and shifter are perfect...
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Old 02-04-08, 06:32 PM
  #28  
jcrome04
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Very nice!
Old 02-04-08, 06:41 PM
  #29  
909LS
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i got 18s on mine and i like them but i want to upgrade to 19s with a really aggressive offset for my next set of wheels but i will post a pic of mine for reference when i get a chance.
Old 02-04-08, 08:10 PM
  #30  
j stuff
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Im in houston and plan to do 18s on mine as well, i have 19s on the GS and with thin rubber its not good


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