medsc430

Since I rarely use my skid pad anymore, I went with the slightly narrower(from 245/40) and taller sidewall 235/45R18 Michelin Primacy for comfort. The resulting difference in ride quality, over the old run flats, was Greatly improved. And, btw, the difference in speedo reading, due to tire size change, was plus/minus (I forget which) 1 mph at 70 mph.

thombiz

I have the 17" wheel/tall sidewall solution (fantastic), but I've often thought the 45/ 50 sidewall would work on the 18" wheels. I've also thought that wheel offset to the outside would help as it lengthens the lever arm of the suspension/coilover lever.

LexBrett

Would a 45 series make for a softer ride?? Isn't that the width of the tire?

thombiz

It is 45% of the width. The tires I have are 55% of the tire width. Taller sidewall means more flex, more compliance over bumps, softer more luxurious ride.

LexBrett

I guess the trade off is a bit less traction? Can you really notice an improved ride quality with 45 over 40?

thombiz

Almost imperceptible loss of traction. Consider Porsche had 50's until 2005. But the fashion police are all over this big time!

medsc430

In the immortal words of a certain 60's troubadour, "Oh the tires they are a changing!" I think thombiz nailed it with his" fashion police" observation. The inner city street scene, where bigger wheels and shorter (sidewall) tires began, has trickled-up and out to suburbia. Those larger rims and resulting shorter tires deliver a bumpier ride. This is us trying to ameliorate the quality of that ride by increasing sidewall height, however we can.

stilrox

I bought a used a 2008 LS600hL and noticed the ride is not as smooth as I hoped for. Specifically I feel the road thru the steering wheel and get vibrations unless the road is perfectly smooth. Multiple alignments and balancing's did not reduce the problem. I put new Bridgestone Turanza "sereneties" on the car and that helped a bit. Anyone have any other ides? Thanks

430keeper

Anyone have taller profile tires (45 or 50 series) on OEM 18" wheels ?
Just wonder how much room there is in the wheel well before rubbing could be a
concern.

mrblister

your question is in the wrong forum

JMDEE79MAC

I put 16" 1998 LS400 wheels on my 2005 SC430 with Michelin Premire AS 92H 225 60 R16 tires. That helped take potholes a little better. The 18" OEM wheels would not hold air. I had the center circles painted a dark gray to accentuate the Lexus logo. I have a black Pebble Beach with red interior. Also replaced struts with stock.

JMDEE79MAC

I put 16" 1998 LS400 wheels on my 2005 SC430 with Michelin Premier AS 98H 225 60 R16 tires. That helped take potholes a little better. The 18" OEM wheels would not hold air. I had the center circles painted a very dark gray to accentuate the Lexus logo circle, which was left as is. I have a black Pebble Beach with red interior. Also replaced struts with stock. I have a full size spare in the trunk unless the top is down. GPS shows 2mph faster than speedometer. About an inch higher with the 225 60 16 tires. I am 79 and like the extra ground clearance.