MedicalDoc

Hi CL,
I would appreciate your opinions about what wheels to get.
I have had my black with tan interior 2002 GS430 for 15 years, 102K miles. It's stock, with OEM 17 in. chrome wheels (8 in. diameter, + 45 offset, 235/45 tires ). I am wanting to change to 16 inch wheels (OEM is 7.5 in. diameter, +50 offset) to try and achieve a softer ride. The suspension is still good. The driver's seat has normal wear for the age of the vehicle, it's less cushiony than when new, but I have compensated by having more cushion myself.
I have decided to go with Pirelli's P7 A/S plus, 225/55-16 95H for the tires.
For the wheels I have decided on Enkei, and this is where I am stuck. I have narrowed it down to:
1.- PFS, 16x7 gray. Offsets are 38 and 45.
2.- Draco, 16x7 anthracite. Same offsets.
Both of those wheels are around $135.00 each, with the Draco providing center caps.
If I can get away with keeping the price from the wife, the RPF1 (less weight than the two above), comes in silver, with the following specs:
1.- 16x7, offsets: 30,35,43
2.- 16x8, 38 offset.
Which wheel do you think would look better? Which offset? Do you have any other suggestions?
Thanks to all. Happy holidays!

MedicalDoc

This is how my car looks right now.
I don't know in the pictures on www.enkei.com are copyrighted. The first two are under the performance category and the RPF1 is in the racing.
Again, thank you for any input.

My car with the OEM wheels

liazon

iTrader: (1)

I think it’s a bit crazy to spend money on 1” smaller wheels trying to achieve a softer ride. Money might be better spent on suspension parts. Personally I never had a problem with ride quality in my GS cars. The fact that you are having one might suggest you have some old shocks or something. I do think Michelin‘s are quieter tires long term if you haven’t already purchased the Perelli‘s.

MedicalDoc

Thanks, liazon. I'm on my 4th set of Michs, since I bought the car. It came with some --expletive-- Toyo tires that lasted 15,000 miles. Currently on MXM4, 7/16 thread. They are loud.

bloodMoney

You really think MXM4s are loud? I run them on my LS and love how quiet they are.

Debonair

I think both will look too small for the car. Aftermarket wheel in small OEM sizes always look weird in my opinion.

Why not OEM 16's? Like THESE

MedicalDoc

bloodMoney, yes I do think that my tires are loud, specially when compared to my other Lexuss (Lexi?Lexusus?--I am ashamed to admit this but, I do not know if there is a plural to this name--). It could very well be that I am running on 97 XL, with an H speed rating. Of course, you are driving the Lexus flagship and there is no comparison on comfort. I missed my chance of owning a new one due to the grill redesign--I think it is hideous and the people who came up with it should climb Mount Fuji twice, naked--. If you don't mind, what are the specs on your MXM4s?

Debonair, thank you for your reply. I have seen these wheels for as low as $200.00 a set,for example, these.

I could also try the Konig Interflow which is closer to OEM, 16X7.5, + 45mm ET which will leave me with only a +5mm scrub radius.

Any opinions on Konig?

Brickbeats

Are you selling your 17" wheels??

MedicalDoc

Once I am able to buy the new setup I will not be needing the 17 inch wheels and tires. I'll have the four mentioned above, with gold Lexus center caps. Also, a full size spare that has been used twice for a total of approximately 20-25 miles.

Brickbeats

Please keep me posted, I would like to purchase them

MedicalDoc

No problem. As soon as I've decided what to buy I'll PM you. I am still waiting to see if anybody post opinions on Konig wheels.

n1ck

I really don't think going an inch smaller in diameter is going to do much, if anything, for you. Other than worsen the handling and styling.

With that being said, OEM 16s or bust. Small aftermarket wheels look silly, especially on a big four door. I believe they came with a 60 sidewall as well (mine are at least).

MedicalDoc

n1ck, thanks for your opinion. That for me is the problem, deciding if a 16x7 wheel would look too skinny. Like I said, I'm on 235/45 tires on the oem 17x8 wheel. My previous tires were 245/45 but I did not like the ride. In a 16 inch wheel I have only found one oem size, 16x7.5, which is the Konig Interflow ; the Enkei RPF1 is wider, 16x8.
The 60 sidewall is for the 215/60R16 tire on 16x7.5 wheel for the gs300. According to Rim & Tire Size Calculator I could even run 225/60R16, 7.5 in width, ET +45.

newgsman

iTrader: (4)

I run 16" 1st gen GS300 wheels during the winter and 2nd gen IS350 18" wheels in the summer. The 16's with 225/55/16 no doubt provide a softer ride. I actually like the look of the 16 in wheels that I am using. I believe they were also available on the 1st gen SC400. You can get them quite cheap used. It's actually not too hard to refinish wheels yourself if there is minimal damage to the wheels. Just sand them down smooth and use a spray can of paint with some coats of clear and your done. With OEM 16" you don't have to worry about fitment or new lug nuts.

I don't think you would really notice that the tires are skinnier. The difference between 245's and 225's is barely 3/4". After a week or so you will never know you are running skinnier tires. If you go with wheels having lower offset the wheels will be sitting outwards a bit more so it will appear that they are filling the wheel well a bit more and you will see a bit less of the gap between the fender and top of the tire. This will also hide the skinniness a bit.

MedicalDoc

Thank you, newgsman. I really appreciate ur answer since ur running the setup I want and have 1st hand knowledge of their ride.
I see you are online and if I can bother, what do you think of those Konig(Interflow)wheels?.I like that they will be coming out 5 mm more.
Do you recommend another non oem wheel?
Thanks.