ScottNY

Hi everyone, it seems some people have switched to 18s on the IS F for performance reasons, but I now need to drive on some really crummy roads in the city, and after three years think I need to improve ride quality on my IS F. Has anyone found a wheel/tire combo that is more compliant on potholes than the stock setup? I've cracked two wheels so far, and the stock wheels are costly! Has anyone gone full hog and changed the springs or shocks in a way that improves ride but doesn't destroy the handling? Thanks in advance for any ideas.

Diesel350

Buy a 2012+ model :-)

But seriously you probably just need new tires and some high quality coilovers.

jdmSW20

iTrader: (12)

hundreds threads on this one, a good coilover setup might help resolve your ride issue. as far as 18's ive only seen a couple ISF with 18's and 40 series tires

MAizz

iTrader: (8)

I still have my 18" rims from my IS350 so I am planning on getting some thicker snow tires as a winter setup. I would assume it will make potholes less damaging and jarring but suspension would be better for changing ride quality.

cjblair

Learn how to drive around the potholes instead of over them? Much cheaper than buying new wheels and suspension haha.

ScottNY

Thanks everyone! I should have noted I have a 2013, bought new. I have to think more sidewall is better than softer springs for protecting the rims, just want to know anyone's experience.

supersonic

iTrader: (2)

coilovers for best ride and performance would be the KW V3. people swear by how tolerant the suspension becomes. look into that.

bnizzle87

While the 2012+ suspension is far more compliant than the previous years, it still cannot entirely compensate for road conditions. Things like potholes and jagged roads make any commute difficult, but they're especially magnified with a high performance vehicle with low profile tires. A few of my friends have increased sidewall for the sake of their daily commute, and because it's not about performance or maximizing certain areas of the car from just street (LA county) driving, the added sidewall really does wonders.

For the OP, I'd recommend at the very least springs and a 40 sidewall to be safe. Needing to occasionally replace a wheel and tire is never fun, but can be somewhat avoided. I am running a full set of 18s with 35 profile tires strictly for the track, but that's because I don't want to deal with the hassle of installing and reinstalling between street tires and R-comps for track days.

tas02

iTrader: (2)

I recently upgraded my '08 f to a "square" setup with 265/35 tires on 18" rims all around. Installed coilovers at the same time.

After around 1k mi. on the setup, I'm still amazed at the improvement in the car's ride, even though it's been lowered and is running significantly increased spring rates (16/12).

Rickna

iTrader: (3)

For every pothole you avoid, there's one with your name on it.