Diesel11

I have a 2001 LS430 with the stock Dunlops on it. Recently we had some heavy snow and I was surprised how well the car performed. I had expected to slip and slide all over the place but I really had no problems. Next winter I am going to put snow tires on the 16" blah wheels that came with the car (I bought this car 6 months ago...CPO). Thus I want to buy new rims and tires for summer use only.

I like quiet and comfortable performance, but I would like better handling and feel as well.

My questions are:

1. Would the 17" or 18" rims be a better choice... I know they would look a lot better! Do 17s handle a lot differently than 18s?
2. what would be a good compromise tire for performance and quietness?

Thanks, Fred

Lexusfreak

Fred, I think you can get either / or 17's or 18's that will fit.....other members will be able to suggest & recommend better as far as wheels are concerned. Tires are my speciality.....any idea what the exact size you want? Give me that info & I'll be better able to help you out. I know you mentioned the tires were going to be for 'summer use' does that mean you prefer a 'summer' tire as opposed to a premuim 'all season'? Let me know.....you will get more longevity if you go the premium all season route. Any thought's on what kind of snow's you want? & in what size?

Diesel11

Thanks for the reply.
The tire sizes I would be lookig at would likely be 225/55-17 or 235/50-18. I think 18s would look better, but I don't want to lose all of my ride comfort. As far as snows, I have had Nokkian's (Q's I think?) which were great, but am open to other ideas.

Fred

Lexusfreak

Personally, I'd put 16's or 17's on for snows. The Nokian's are very good as is the Hankook Ice Bear W300 or the Michelin X-Ice which replaces are the Alpine line of tires. Good Luck! Do you wnat choices on the 18's for all season performance or summer?

Diesel11

Yes, I was mainly hoping for summer tire, or all-season tires (to be mainly used in summer) recommendations. I am going to use my crappy 16" rims for the snows, and I think I will be ok figuring this out. When I buy the new 17 or 18s next year I will be lookin for the tires.

Thanks, Fred

Lexusfreak

If your looking for quietness......go all season over summer & you still have excellent performance.

Diesel11

What specific all-season tires would you recommend?

Fred

Lexusfreak

In the sizes your looking at, I would consider the following:

225 55 17 - Falken Ziex ZE-512 - if you do a search on this forum you can get specific details. Awesome rain, snow & ice traction......first place over all in a recent consumer report test of 20 high performance all season tires, 60,000 mile warranty & very good value overall for the price! Send a PM to silvermate as he has them on his car & loves them!

Toyo Proxes TPT.......fairly close to the comments above except a notch down as far as ice traction is concerned, but fantastic in heavy rain & snow. 60,000 mile warranty & I've been VERY happy with mine over the last year & would buy them again.

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S - Excellent & very aggressive 'ultra high performance' all season, however quite pricy compared to the others, some have complained they wear fast & to be honest, it's overkill for a vehicle like an LS 430.

235 50 18 - The only 'decent' choices are the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S (very expensive in that size now) OR the BF Goodrich G-Force T/A KDWS. I have no experence with that tire, but it has fairly good reviews on tirerack. Good Luck!