DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

I've decided to get a set of OEM 18" LS430 wheels for my 98 LS400 as an interim solution until I find the wheels I really want (or maybe I'll like them enough to become the long term wheels).

Sticking with the OEM tire size of 245/45 R18 I've done some reading on the forums and on Tire Rack and have narrowed it down to a few tires. I like what I read about the Michelin
Pilot Sport A/S but the $248 price puts me off for my 'beater' car.

The LS400 is driven in all weather, not garaged. Sees a little snow but we really don't get that much in Charlotte. I drive it reasonably hard, but it isn't raced. The car has L-sportline (Eibach / Bilstein) suspension and is lowered a bit.

In the Tire Rack Decision Guide, I assigned the following ranking

1 = most important Ride/Noise Comfort
2 = important Handling
3 = least important Treadlife

Any direct experience with these tires, caveats or other recommendations?

Thomas C

If they were temporary or winter tires, I would just get something cheap. I voted for the Dunlops because they are cheap. I also think Falkens are great tires for the money.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Thanks! If I like the way they look, they may be on the car for a year or more (or until the tires wear out) so I probably shouldn't have made them sound so short lived

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Was considering those same choices myself.

For your criteria, the Pirelli.

That said I'll give a short on the BFG KDW-2's I have on mine.

The performance has been excellent. The trade-off is the road noise. At this point of driving them some 8K miles, I don't really notice it unless I come across a really rough road or one with perpendicular water grooves...then it makes a ruckus.

Tread wear has barley been detectable and just now I am beginning to see the effects of the negative camber. (-1.50 front and -1.25 rear.) I am planning on replacing these at 20K miles but if they go a bit longer. I don't remember the tire weight but it was almost the same as the Michelin MX4V 225/60-15. Something like 26.2X

Next set possibly the Pirelli P-Zero Nero M+S but I am taking a liking to the performance aspects of summer rubber so I may just put another set of these back on.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

get the ps2, their ratings are incredible. ask rmmgs4, he just got them, very very quiet stuff

if i have the money to spend, i will get it too

chuckb

I thought you loved your P-zero neros Henry?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

yeah i do, but i read on dave's recommendation and he said first is noise/ride and then handling. he didn't mention about price. the noise/ride rating of the ps2 is better than the nero, and the ps2 handles far better than nero. that's why i recomended that

it always depends on priorities

Lexusfreak

One tire that tirerack carries that you should consider IMO is the Avon Tech M550 A/S (I voted for 'Other').

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

Has got excellent reviews (no personal experence however) & is very good value for the money with a long treadlife & the company has been around for decades as an OE supplier for high end european vehicles. You just might want to have a little closer look before you make your decision on the rest.

From personal experence though, the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S is fantastic but very pricy!

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

I would get the Falken Ziex 512. #1 rated, smooth qiet ride, rim protector built in, smooth ride, great price. i have them on my Gs4. Out performs Dunlop sp sport 5000, and on par with the ps2

DXC

Pirelli is my all-time favorite

juniorsdad

michelin pilot a/s
better yet, the ps2

Lexusfreak

The Falken 512's do not come in the size Dave is looking for or I would have suggested them. It's too bad they are not offered.

Lexkost

For what you want the Continental ContiExtremeContact is your best bet.................Pilot Sport is too much money for that size tire................also with the drop you have I think 245/40-18 maybe better.

chuckb

Those LS430 18s are nice Dave, one of my favorite oem wheels, it should look good. I have a similar trick up my sleeve for my GS.......

I plan to get 245/40/18 P-zero neros. They are only $154 in that size, I wonder why the 45s are so much more.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Thanks everyone, I decided to go with the Pirelli Pzero Nero M&S. Gave some serious thought to all suggestions, especially the Avons which appeared to have great bang for the buck and good reviews. I just have never heard of that company before and I've got to think that the R&D from a larger company, especially in an item as complex as the tread design, compounds, etc in tires is significant and I'd rather have a big company doing the build. For all I know Avon could be built by a big company and repackaged, but don't have time to do all that digging right now to find out. I also didn't want a full blown summer performance tire for my LS which discounted a couple of others suggested... I'll reserve those for the GS .

The wheels are on the way and the LS looks a bit stupid rolling with the L-sportline kit, lowered and 16s. Pzero M&S have the best ratings on all the tires listed, esp in areas I'm most concerned about.

Chuck I've been waiting for someone to do the OEM LS430 18s on a GS, I think it'll look quite nice. So will the new GS 18s

A reminder to folks when they order from the Tire Rack to PLEASE use the URL in the sticky Brandon has up on CL so our forum gets credit for the order. Here's the link link just in case you need it Thank you