neomatrix

Hi,

I just came across this site today and now I need your help so I can decide on the tire size. I am thinking of getting the Carlsson 1/6 Evo 18 x 18.5 from tirerack.com.
The recommended tire size there is 235/50-18 and there is very limited selection. I went to discounttiredirect.com and when I checked the optional sizes for 18 inch wheels, another size is available for the LS 400 - 255/45-18. There are a lot more tire choices here and the Yokohama AVS db is even available. Will this size be ok with my 98 LS400? How is the ride, noise and handling affected here? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

LOTC

Welcome neomatrix,I love carlsson rims.Those sizes you stated are okay.The LS has monsterious fender walls.They can almost goble up any tire size.

As for noise I dunno about Yokohama's,but the Nitto's that i have do have a little howl at high speeds,but they have mad grip.

With 18's you might wanna lower your car too,becuase 18's still leave a few inches of wheel gap on the huge LS.

Manaray

Carlsson is a Mercedes-Benz wheel...don't put those on a Lexus...

neomatrix

Thanks for the replies guys! If Carrlsson isn't fit for a Lexus, what other brand should I consider? Any links other than tirerack.com. I want to stay at about $2400 for tires and wheels and Carlsson is on sale right now at about $289 a piece.

Manaray

Neo - Don't buy wheels just based on PRICE. Many members have regretted "rushing" into wheels just to find out that they made a mistake. Take you time, do some research and THEN buy your wheels.

Don't get me wrong, Carlsson makes GREAT wheels. It's just that they're a Mercedes-Benz tuner. Why would you want to put a WELL KNOWN Mercedes wheel on a Lexus? Don't you think that's kinda cheezy?

If you like that "Dish" style, why not do the OZ Operas (1 piece version)? They're a little bit more, but at least they're not Mercedes Tuner wheels.

zushwa

I agree with Manaray, don't rush into it. You won't regret it. What would you rather do, spend $2500 now and not like your wheels in a year or save up and decide on something you really like?? I've been looking for wheels since March and still haven't decided. Look around, find something you like. Check these sites out.

www.gtautosports.com
www.swiftracing.com
www.superbuytires.com

If you really want to get into the JDM scene just ask. There are plenty of people here that can point you in the right direction.

Lou, where you been???

LOTC

Do not rush into it,that what i did with mine.These were the first rims i bought at the first store i went to.Did not know much about knock offs and real rims either until i came to this fourm.

Now eveytime i see rims i feel bad.

I really want the OZ racing operas or Lowenhart LD-1's.

neomatrix

Thanks for all your replies. I will think about it again and will check the OZ Operas.

Manaray

Hey, here are some other wheels you can get...in 18" or 20"...they're one piece wheels...You can get them in silver or chrome...

These are made by the same people that make the DazzMatiz (Intensive Hunks)

neomatrix

Somebody offered me a Lexus LS430 2001 17" chrome wheels for a very attractive price. Will this fit OK on my 98 Lexus? What do you think about the looks of this especially on a 98?

Thanks again and I am still looking and checking around.

LOTC

Neomatrix they will fit the LS,but 17's are still to small for the LS.you need 19's or bigger, since the LS has a monstorius fender wall like no other.

The 18's I have look puny on it.

neomatrix

Edogg what brand and size of tires do you use on your 18"?

LOTC

Neomatrix,the tires i used for my 18's are
Nitto-235/40/18-zr-555

They have a slight howl,but have mad grip on the road.

whitels

With regard to the noise and ride quality of the Yokohama dB, check out the consumer feedback at www.tirerack.com

It was rated number 1 in the Ultra-High Performance All Season category.

I ordered a set in the 16-inch size. Once installed (next week), I'll find out. I currently have Toyo Proxes. These Toyos have excellent grip but emits pavement noise above 35mph and does not really absorb even the tiniest bumps out there.

The 16-inch Yokos are WR rated, that is, it's good for 168 mph.

What I'm hoping to achieve is total silence and cushioned ride but not at the expense of good cornering and braking performance.

neomatrix

Let me know how those yoko's are. I really want to get them but the size available on 18" is 255/45 and most of the one's I have seen on the Lexus LS400 are 245's. I know that 255/45-18 is not a problem in the rear but I haven't heard or seen anybody using this size for the fronts and I do not want to make any modification just to fit it.

Thanks.