I'm a moron...first post and I do it to the wrong forum...so here is the post, and definitely in the right forum this time...once again, my apologies...

Hello everyone. I've been lurking on this site for a few months now, kicking myself after logging off each time because I didn't have a Lexus of my own. Now I do. I bought a 98 GS400 on May 10th, 3 days before graduating from college. I've been in love with this car since the new body style in 98 and promised myself I'd get one as soon as I could. I never thought I'd get one as my first wholly owned car. Needless to say, I love it.

On to the important stuff...in my lurking, I've discovered that everyone in here is both knowledgeable and friendly, which is what has prompted me to post here. I'm interested in getting some new rims and tires, a body kit and some HIDs (mine didn't come with those unfortunately). Anyway, I've found some rims I want and a body kit that looks beautiful, but I'd like some advice.

First, the rims: I'm looking at putting on 20" Giovanna Corsicas. I saw some on a GS3 on a lot in Phoenix the other day and loved them. Does anyone have anything bad to say about these rims? Also, what kind of tires would you suggest putting on these should I get them? Also, if anyone knows a roundabout price on these I'd appreciate some help.

Second, the body kit: I really like the RMM body kit. Anyone have any thoughts on this? I also really like the rims on the car in the demo photos on the rodmillen site, but I'm not sure what they are? Anybody know?

Last, the HIDs: I'm not sure what is required to go from standard headlights to HIDs. Should I go with OEMs, or go get some aftermarket pieces?

Thanks for your patience with this post. Like I said, I'm a new owner and I am sure to have lots of questions.

Chris

 

Chris,

welcome. it is OK, there is a first time for everything.
here we go:

1.personally i prefer other brand/made rims on the gs. giovanna is a bit much for me-i am 33. so i will leave the rim issues to others(this issue was widely debated, i suggest you read thru more old threads).

tyres: for 20s, i think only nitto, pirelli and toyo have the right size for them.
price ~$11-1300. get the nitto or toyos for longer lasting.

2.RMM kit is one of the most reasonablely priced and good quality kit available. the fit is good too.

3.HIDs, you can go for the real thing made by PHILIPS ~$800-1000. or, just get the PIAA Superplasma bulbs ~80-100(this is what i would do, save the $$$ for mods that are more important like suspension/wheels, IMHO). very good quality.
one of our members, Aristov300 sells them.

just ask away/look at the old posts if you need more advice.

william

 

Ok, well I just answered the OTHER post...here's a reprint...free of charge...

Giovannas - Don't recommend them. The Corsica isn't technically an exact knockoff, but it's basically the AME ModelArt Excellence with the hump on the spokes changed into dips. Like Globe said, played out (even the AME's)...but if you like the style, I recommend the real AME's instead asn they're made better...HERE is the link...

The wheels on the RMM car is the SSR Strusse Agle. Unlike the Giovannas, this is a high quality 3-piece wheel manufactured by Speed Star in Japan...click HERE to see the website. I believe it's a 19" that RMM is using...

The RMM kit is good. It's urathane so make sure your bodyshop knows how to do a good paint job on it (you'd be surprised how inept some body shops are...). I'm not a fan of their grille (plus, as Globe said, the fit is less than perfect). Overall, it's pretty good design (I wish the foglights were a little closer to the edge). It makes your GS look aggressive without looking "cartoonish".

Hope that helps....post if you need more questions answered....

 

Thanks manaray and gs4will...

manary, I guess I should have been more specific...the RMM demo photos have two different rims showcased. If you know who the 5-spoke rims are from I'd appreciate it.

Also, about 2 minutes after I posted my first message, I saw the L-sportline body kit for the first time...beautiful is all I have to say. Any comments on that kit?

 

looks + quality are good, but too much $$$$