seanl

Thanks guys, I really appreciate all the input and comments.

I've been out making sales calls all day in my BMW and I can't wait to get back into a Lexus (for commuting). Don't get me wrong, I love the Bimmer but as memory serves the LS400 was such an easy car to work out of...

My previous LS400 was on 16s, and I was pretty happy overall with ride quality. I'm not looking for any real gains in traction/handling, I simply don't drive the LS that way.

That being said, the 17" LS430 wheels look pretty nice, as do the 17" GS430s.

Regards,
Sean

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

2nd gen GS wheels won't fit 95+ LS400s.

Och

iTrader: (3)

I've got my 94LS with 16's that came off a 2001 LS430, and I love the ride quality. With larger rims you will have to go with smaller profile tires, and while the ride quality wont degrade as much, you will loose the smoothness and the quietness.

seanl

Thanks Puredrifter, I thought I saw a pic of them on a Gen 2 LS4.

What about the current model GS 350/460, do those wheels fit?

Asia-H.T.

iTrader: (9)

I have the LS430 18's, and had Air Suspension.

Hardly any difference in comfort compared too the stock 16's. Off course they are a little stiffer giving more control, and adda little more road noise, but nothing shocking. These wheels look so good on a older LS, Updates the car in my opinion. a perfect 'in-between' and OEM look. I'm running 245/45R18 Bridgestone Potenza's.

If you're looking for the most comfort and quietness, you should stay with the 16's

steveski

I had Michelin's on OEM 16's and since have had Michelin, Nitto, Toyo and now Falken's on 18's (staggered with 245 front and 285 rear). Honestly ride quality IMO did not suffer with plus size wheels and tires on my OEM suspension. Sure, sidewall is reduced on plus sized wheels and tires however OEM suspension is so silky it soaks up much of the changes. At least for my car going from 16" to 18" staggered set up with OEM suspension made little difference.

With that said, ride quality changed dramatically when I lowered the car to reduce or eliminate fender gap. From there I ran into difficulties getting alignment dialed in which caused uneven wear which caused some noise.

I think on your car 17" or 18" LS wheels would be awesome. Many members have them on OEM suspensions.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

GS350/460 OEM 18"s should fit fine.

j three

Here are some other tires that are smooth, quiet and have a good tread wear rating. They are also asymmetrical so you can rotate side to side and front to back. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Sizes....za+RE760+Sport . It scored tops in the tire rack customer survey section. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/survey...y.jsp?type=UHP. They may fit the bill if you move to larger wheels.

seanl

So the current Gen GS wheels fit and are the right offset. Cool.

Thx

seanl

OK I bought the car. It's definitely ABOVE average clean, no accidents or paintwork. Perfect windshield. Good interior. There area a few small minor marks on the paint, some will even buff out. It was driven by an 80 year old retired educator. 100K miles. Same owner last 8 years. I have all the service records showing the car has been pampered at the local Lexus dealer since '01 as a CPO car. Timing belt done at 90K sharp, new hood struts, new starter, a few other minor things. Car def. needs tires ASAP. FYI I paid a bit on the high end IMO @ $7200 but I have been look for 2-3 months and this car is so damn clean.

First thing I gotta do is get rid of the chrome wheels and the gold kit...


Regards,
Sean L.
08 BMW 335i Sedan
97 LS400 Coach Edition Redux

jz4203

Good luck with your purchase. I own a `96 LS400, now with 220K miles and just went through the decision between the original 16" rims or changing to 17" of 18". I ended up staying with what I had since I love the car for the ride and the 16" tires were a lot cheaper. I spent a lot of time thinking about the 17" LS430 6 spoke wheels, but I decided I didn't really care for the look. I bought the Michelin Primacys (for $115 each plus shipping) from the Rack. My initial reaction to these tires are extremely quiet but handling isn't as good as a 17" or 18" version. So it's really what your need will be and for me, the 16s are fine. When I want to drive a little more agressively, I'll switch to my 2nd Gen GS400 or my wife's Bimmer.

seanl

I was able to find a set of 16" LS430 wheels locally (8 blocks away!) with good Michelins for $400. Yes, a bit boring but that's ok this ride is built for comfort not speed. I'll post up some pics once I swap them out.

Thanks everyone

lexondubs

Im with him on riding 20's with stock suspension the ride is still super smooth for me


nvm i see ur gettin 16's

dfkd

In my experience this totally depends on the tire.
Though having 18's means lower profile rubber, crappy tires can be significantly louder than quality tires.

I've currently have a set of Avon Tech M550 AS on my car's RX 18's. Before that I had some Goodyears on it.

The Avons are rated traction AA temp A. The Goodyears were traction A temp A.

The Avons are admitedly cheap crappy tires but they are REDICULOUSLY loud and harsh. I mean just stupidly loud. They likely have a much stiffer sidewall. The Goodyear, though a bit stiffer than the 16's were at least comfortable.

I do have to give it to the Avons though that they are great for cornering and reduced body roll significantly.

I think tire design can be much more important than the tire profile. You could have a 45 series that rides better than a 60 series if the 60 is crappy enough.