GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

Newbie with questions!

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Old 11-12-03, 12:43 PM
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FutureGS400
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Default Newbie with questions!

Well, I finally found the car I've been looking for-2000 GS4 in white/ivory with Premium package (Nak. etc.) with extremely low miles in showroom condition (more about this later). I pick it up tomorrow!
I have learned so much from all of you at CL and really appreciate it. I have a couple of questions about my first mods:

1. I am considering the RMM exhaust. I heard it on their website and it sounds great-not too loud. Any personal experiences with this exhaust? How's the real world sound and the quality? Any other recommendations?

2. For those with different width wheels front/rear in either 18 0r 19" - I assume you can't rotate your tires every 5k miles. Has this been a problem with tire wear etc.?
Also, what is the correct rim offset and width for both 18s and 19s? Also tire size for both-I will be lowering the car eventually on coilovers of some type and I cannot tolerate any tire rubbing!

Thanks in advance for any advice! (Just realized I may have to change my username )
Old 11-12-03, 02:05 PM
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Johnny Mo
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future,

welcome to CL and congrats on the new car.

the RMM exhaust is pretty popular, so are the Borla, L-Tuned and Blitz to name a few. The biggest issue with the exhaust is the drone you'll get at 2k RPM, you need to be aware of it with all of the aftermarket exhausts it's there, but as long as you don't mind it you'll be happy with any of those above. Also, I should mention there is a thread about the exhaust hanger system, I personally can't stand the "cheapness" of the hanger system on my Borla, but that is compared to stock which is "bullet-proof", The L-Tuned is the same as stock. I have no experience with the other aftermarket hanger systems. See if you can hookup with someone on CL in your area to listen to exhausts, maybe at an upcoming meet if you are still unsure which exhaust you want.

If you go to 18-19 you will probably experience greeater treadwear than the 16", but not likely any worse than the 17". Offset will vary based on rim design, but a general rule I think was +38mm-+45MM works on most wheels for the GS, but again that will depend on widths and styles...you may want to consider big brake upgrade possibilties as you shop for rims - just take your time and do it right.

Lots of luck with the car!
Old 11-12-03, 02:13 PM
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B_Cruz
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Congrats on your future purchase!!!!

I don't mean to thread jack but is the RMM exhaust piping bigger compared to stock? what is the stock piping dimension? From what I remember, the stock system is pretty good quality with mandrel bends... What is proper/efficient size piping for a 400?
Old 11-12-03, 02:16 PM
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DaveGS4
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Congrats in advance! Just PM me when you're ready to change your name.
Old 11-12-03, 02:54 PM
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joel5150
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Sweet, another fellow Californian hooking up a GS!
Congrats, and get some pics on here so we can see the new family addition.

Start saving now, cause the mods will never stop once you start!

Joel
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Old 11-12-03, 02:58 PM
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FutureGS400
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Originally posted by DaveGS4
Congrats in advance! Just PM me when you're ready to change your name.
Will do, thanks Dave!
After my initial post, I read the thread about exhaust systems in the engine forum-very helpful. I have been modding cars for many years-actually everyone except my '94 ES300 a few years ago. I am looking forward to doing this car.

Do most people go with larger rear tires/wheels than fronts on the GS? I realize that on a rear wheel drive, it looks good and serves a valid purpose as well. If so, any advice on the correct tire size for 18" wheels and the wheel width? I am thinking of Volk LE37-K in 18x8 and 18x9.
Old 11-12-03, 03:51 PM
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Neo
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Originally posted by FutureGS400
I am thinking of Volk LE37-K in 18x8 and 18x9.
I would go 8.5 x 9.5 if you can. You can then fit comfortably a 245/275 combo which is pretty standard.
Old 11-12-03, 04:03 PM
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BayGS2200
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welcome
and i agree with neo on the size
8.5 and 9.5 is the way to go
Old 11-12-03, 04:11 PM
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bluelex
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welcome....if u stcik around u'll love the place....good luck..
Old 11-12-03, 04:39 PM
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cyberseano
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Great BIG WELCOME!!!

Great choice on the car!
Old 11-12-03, 04:52 PM
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FutureGS400
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Originally posted by Neo
I would go 8.5 x 9.5 if you can. You can then fit comfortably a 245/275 combo which is pretty standard.
OK, so the tire size would then be 245/40 and 275/35 is that correct? Any advice on offset for the wheels? Seems like 38 to 45 is pretty typical. I would really like to get the wheels and tires ASAP so thanks again for the help on this...
Old 11-12-03, 04:57 PM
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AlphaJZS
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welcome to the club

I have the Lexus "L-tuned" OZ Salina wheels, and Lexus set it up at 18x8 in front and 18.9.5 in back so if ur looking to do what lexus recommends ...go with those sizes. ... but again WELCOME TO THE CLUB!
Old 11-12-03, 05:02 PM
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Neo
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Originally posted by PandaGS430
welcome to the club

I have the Lexus "L-tuned" OZ Salina wheels, and Lexus set it up at 18x8 in front and 18.9.5 in back so if ur looking to do what lexus recommends ...go with those sizes. ... but again WELCOME TO THE CLUB!
I have these wheels too and the one thing I did not like was that Lexus did not go with 8.5. That's why they are running the 235/265 combo, a little small IMO. With the 9.5 rear, 275 is fine. With the 8 front, 245s will fit some wheels. When I emailed L-Tuned, they took the safe route and said not to use 245s in the front. When the TTE sports edition in Europe came out using these wheels, guess what was on it: 245.

So you know when my tires need replacement, I am going 245/275.
Old 11-12-03, 06:24 PM
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Originally posted by Neo
I have these wheels too and the one thing I did not like was that Lexus did not go with 8.5. That's why they are running the 235/265 combo, a little small IMO. With the 9.5 rear, 275 is fine. With the 8 front, 245s will fit some wheels. When I emailed L-Tuned, they took the safe route and said not to use 245s in the front. When the TTE sports edition in Europe came out using these wheels, guess what was on it: 245.

So you know when my tires need replacement, I am going 245/275.
yeah I was wondering wassup with them using a 18x8...but now I am informed. When my new rims come in im gonna send out the Salinas and have them chromed then use the 245/275 set up.
Old 11-12-03, 08:04 PM
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Neo
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Originally posted by PandaGS430
When my new rims come in im gonna send out the Salinas and have them chromed then use the 245/275 set up.
Huh? You are geting new rims and chroming the Salinas? Which ones are you going to use? Unless you mean when you are getting your new tires.


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