Tire setup to kill understeer
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 33
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
Tire setup to kill understeer
I realize this probably sounds crazy, but has anyone tried to swap their tires front to back on a staggered setup (AWD Fsport)? I don't really want to do this permanently, but I want to try it out and see if it gets rid of the continuous understeer, maybe by giving me some front end grip. Even though the tire diameters will still be the same, I'm concerned if it might impact the AWD system in any way or rub in the front, so any thoughts?
On a related note, would it be possible for me to mount 225/40/18 (or a 235) all round on the factory F sport rims, again keeping the AWD system in mind?
On a related note, would it be possible for me to mount 225/40/18 (or a 235) all round on the factory F sport rims, again keeping the AWD system in mind?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 2,577
You'd only really need to do this for the track. If so, just get a set of squared wheels and maybe stiffen the rear sway bar.
If you are getting understeer on the street, then that means you're exceeding the limit of adhesion on public roads. Which begs the question how often are you doing this and why. is it worth it? I like having fun too, but usually I'm not understeering around. that can land you in jail or get you hurt.
If you are getting understeer on the street, then that means you're exceeding the limit of adhesion on public roads. Which begs the question how often are you doing this and why. is it worth it? I like having fun too, but usually I'm not understeering around. that can land you in jail or get you hurt.
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,593
Likes: 4,784
From: GA
You'd only really need to do this for the track. If so, just get a set of squared wheels and maybe stiffen the rear sway bar.
If you are getting understeer on the street, then that means you're exceeding the limit of adhesion on public roads. Which begs the question how often are you doing this and why. is it worth it? I like having fun too, but usually I'm not understeering around. that can land you in jail or get you hurt.
If you are getting understeer on the street, then that means you're exceeding the limit of adhesion on public roads. Which begs the question how often are you doing this and why. is it worth it? I like having fun too, but usually I'm not understeering around. that can land you in jail or get you hurt.
Hopefully not.I realize this probably sounds crazy, but has anyone tried to swap their tires front to back on a staggered setup (AWD Fsport)? I don't really want to do this permanently, but I want to try it out and see if it gets rid of the continuous understeer, maybe by giving me some front end grip. Even though the tire diameters will still be the same, I'm concerned if it might impact the AWD system in any way or rub in the front, so any thoughts?
On a related note, would it be possible for me to mount 225/40/18 (or a 235) all round on the factory F sport rims, again keeping the AWD system in mind?
On a related note, would it be possible for me to mount 225/40/18 (or a 235) all round on the factory F sport rims, again keeping the AWD system in mind?
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 2,577
Also serves as to generally discourage hooning on public roads to the point you are losing traction
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 33
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
I just wanted to find out if a squared setup is possible, keeping in mind that the stock rims are slightly different sizes and also keeping in mind how it would affect the AWD. It also makes tire buying cheaper and offers the possibility for rotation.
I'm nearly down to 3/32 on my bridgestones and am planning to go for the michelin pilot sport a/s 3+, so I just wanted to check what the suggestions were for a square tire size which could improve performance during the occasional autocross.
I'm nearly down to 3/32 on my bridgestones and am planning to go for the michelin pilot sport a/s 3+, so I just wanted to check what the suggestions were for a square tire size which could improve performance during the occasional autocross.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 2,577
ok good.
set an example for all the kids out there. lol.
no public losing of traction! at least not on purpose.
then yeah get a set of squared wheels. or find two rears for the front. and get a bigger rear sway bar. that should set you up.
set an example for all the kids out there. lol.
no public losing of traction! at least not on purpose.
then yeah get a set of squared wheels. or find two rears for the front. and get a bigger rear sway bar. that should set you up.
Trending Topics
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 2,577
I just wanted to find out if a squared setup is possible, keeping in mind that the stock rims are slightly different sizes and also keeping in mind how it would affect the AWD. It also makes tire buying cheaper and offers the possibility for rotation.
I'm nearly down to 3/32 on my bridgestones and am planning to go for the michelin pilot sport a/s 3+, so I just wanted to check what the suggestions were for a square tire size which could improve performance during the occasional autocross.
I'm nearly down to 3/32 on my bridgestones and am planning to go for the michelin pilot sport a/s 3+, so I just wanted to check what the suggestions were for a square tire size which could improve performance during the occasional autocross.
ClubLexus Stories
Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation
Joe Kucinski
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?
Brett Foote
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler
Michael S. Palmer
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)
Joe Kucinski
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!
Brett Foote
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!
Joe Kucinski
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models
Joe Kucinski
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 462
Likes: 56
From: Texas
Will the rear wheels clear the brakes on a 350? I know on a 2IS 350 the wheel spokes are scary close to making contact with the caliper. The only reason I know that is discount tire is retarded and put my wheels on wrong when I bought tires years ago.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 2,577
I vaguely remember trying it on my 3IS when I had it and it worked. And someone else here ran squares. All OP has to do is go to the garage and try it.
very popular mod in my E46 BMW days. everyone ran square setup. common for M3 guys too.
very popular mod in my E46 BMW days. everyone ran square setup. common for M3 guys too.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 33
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
Thanks for the suggestions! I am leaning towards a 235/40/18 square setup. It also seems that the recommended rim width for these tires is 8-9.5", so won't they just fit on the OEM rims, even though the rears are larger?
The other thing I'm confused about is how it affects the AWD. The OEM tires are 25" and 25.1" in diameter. As far as I know, its the difference in tire diameter that harms the AWD. But since the 235/40/18's are 25.4" in diameter, could they affect the AWD in any way? I'm sure my speedo will be off a bit, not too worried about that.
I don't want any rubbing at all and really want to avoid the cost of wheels, so I'm probably not going to try buying rear wheels for the front anyway.
The other thing I'm confused about is how it affects the AWD. The OEM tires are 25" and 25.1" in diameter. As far as I know, its the difference in tire diameter that harms the AWD. But since the 235/40/18's are 25.4" in diameter, could they affect the AWD in any way? I'm sure my speedo will be off a bit, not too worried about that.
I don't want any rubbing at all and really want to avoid the cost of wheels, so I'm probably not going to try buying rear wheels for the front anyway.
Driver
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 51
Likes: 15
From: Ontario
I run 235/40 18 myself on stock rims square and no issues. I might rotate em with spacers 20mm and 15mm as i have gsf/rcf front bushings for inner tire wear. Hope those bushings helped, will check in a month or two. But my rears are still wearing hard on the inside, so to prolong the life of my Michelins pilot sport a/s 3 + I would have to rotate em
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 9,510
Likes: 2,577
agreed 1,000 a set tires every year is not fun. my CT200h is refreshing to have "normal" tire wear again. i won't have to even think about tires for the next 4-5 years or so. over my lifetime ive spent so much money on tires cause all my cars have had sporty summer staggered RWD rubber. 1,000 a year for 15 years or so. damn!
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 232
From: CA
Originally Posted by E46CT
agreed 1,000 a set tires every year is not fun. my CT200h is refreshing to have "normal" tire wear again. i won't have to even think about tires for the next 4-5 years or so. over my lifetime ive spent so much money on tires cause all my cars have had sporty summer staggered RWD rubber. 1,000 a year for 15 years or so. damn!
