upgrading wheels...
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Silicon Valley
upgrading wheels...
How big of an impact do upgrading the wheels have on the ride quality of the car? I'm thinking about upgrading the stock 16s to some 19s, but I don't want to ruin the smooth luxury feel of the car.
Thanks.
Thanks.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 344
Likes: 1
From: BROOKYN N,Y TO CENTRAL FL,
I have 19s
I have 19s in a staggered set up and love them my wife drove my car the other day and said she couldnt feel a diference as well
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,072
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From: PA
Most here will tell you that the best upgrade in wheel size without ride degradation is 18's. You will notice some differences with a larger wheel, not neccasarilly while rolling but going over bumps, pot holes etc. Do you have any suspension mods? Your tire set up will also make a slight difference.
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 344
Likes: 1
From: BROOKYN N,Y TO CENTRAL FL,
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
From: Silicon Valley
Most here will tell you that the best upgrade in wheel size without ride degradation is 18's. You will notice some differences with a larger wheel, not neccasarilly while rolling but going over bumps, pot holes etc. Do you have any suspension mods? Your tire set up will also make a slight difference.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,072
Likes: 3
From: PA
Well again, if your primary concern is ride quality 18's are probably the way to go. 19's and 20's are usually more attractive and give you the look that you are trying to achieve. The larger the wheel, the less sidewall, the less the sidewall, the more you are going to feel on the road. I personally found that the 19" set up that I have is still very comfortable, did I loose ride quality, yes. Was it worth it, absolutely. It's all a matter of personal comfort.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,072
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From: PA
Chuck has a great point, if you go with a larger wheel and no suspension mods you will have a large wheel gap and it probably won't look right. You may want to do some searching throughout the gallery and get some ideas on how different wheel sizes look with different ride heights, and how this plays into the look that you're trying to achieve.
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 989
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From: CA
I upgraded to 19's staggered and I don't feel a difference at all. I felt most of the difference when I installed my HA's and slammed them. But if you are going to go 19s staggered or not atleast lower it 1-2"s or it will look a little funny.
Heres a pic of my GS on 19's ...
Heres a pic of my GS on 19's ...
Driver
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 177
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From: Brunei Darussalam
I upgraded to 19's staggered and I don't feel a difference at all. I felt most of the difference when I installed my HA's and slammed them. But if you are going to go 19s staggered or not atleast lower it 1-2"s or it will look a little funny.
Heres a pic of my GS on 19's ...
Heres a pic of my GS on 19's ...
Rookie
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: IL
Either of you have vibration or alignment problems? I just traded an 02 Mustang GT for an 03 G430. The Mustang came with really low profile 17s and sorely needed an 1" or so of lowering. Evidently the after market caster/camber plates allowed enough adjustment that never heard any lowered Mustangs having problems contrary to this board where you read of quite a number of vibe/alignment problems that give folks fits.
I have the stock chrome 17s and like them ok - but will wait until I need tires and get a package so wife won't notice.
I have the stock chrome 17s and like them ok - but will wait until I need tires and get a package so wife won't notice.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 989
Likes: 0
From: CA
Front
19x8.5 +28mm offset w/5mm spacer
225/35 Toyo Proxy4 tire
Rear
19x9.5 +22mm offset w/no spacer
245/35 Toyo Proxy4 tire
My tires are stretched which helps in no rubbing alot. I also trimmed the litte 1" inner fender trim off the rears and rolled the fronts with a bat. Even with the car with 4 people, luggage I still don't rub. The mufflers do but wheels dont at all..hope this helped.
