jmack5150

I have a 1999 LS400 and I am thinking about going with a wheel and tire combo. I am just wondering if anyone has used the Zinik Wheels (http://www.zinikwheels.com/wheels.htm) before with the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S?
I am looking at bumping up the stock 225/60-16
to a 235/50-18.
I am looking at the Z16 Duet wheels http://www.zinikwheels.com/Z16.htm

Would there be anything to worry about brakes, calipers, etc?
I would eventually like to get a slotted rotor and upgraded pads to get my LS400 to stop a bit better.

Anyone ever use the Zinik Wheels or have heard anything about them before?

damon

Also making the move to 18's and have targeted that size. Can't speak to all your questions but here is some size comparison data.

225/60/16:
Diameter: 26.6"
Section Width: 8.9"
Sidewall Height: 5.3"
RPM: 758
------------------------
235/50/18
Diameter: 27.3"
Section Width: 9.3"
Sidewall Height: 4.6"
RPM: 740
---------------------------

Is there enough clearance for the increased diameter to 27.3"???

jmack5150

I am guessing that the clearance you are asking is ride height?
I am at stock height right now. I am not sure if I am going to lower it because of all the snow I have to drive through in Wisconsin (I have going to run Blizzaks on the stock 16" rims that are on there now).

damon

Wondering if the additional 9" in Diameter in a LS400's wheel well will allow the tires to be turned lock to lock with out rubbing?? I would like the 50 aspect ratio for ride quality purposes.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

If i were you, i wouldnt 235/50/18, but go with 245/45/18, or your call will be higher off the ground, kinda 4X4 looking. Not to mention the wider and better track the 245's offer.

Stefwilli

I hope that the wheels clear your, do they clear big brakes?

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

I strongly suggest against buying a lipped wheels in 18 with 50 series tires.

jmack5150

I'll take a look around at the 245/45/18 for that Rim.

I have also taken a liking to the ASA RT8 20X8.5
20" tires are pretty pricy and I drive a bit hard on the car.

Thanks for all the help from everyone.

damon

What am I missing? I'm trying to make sense of these measurements but can't turn it into a visual. To be more precise the diameter difference sounds huge to visualize but simple math tells me that revolutions per mile travelled on a 235/50/18 is less than 3% different than a stock tire. This would seem to translate into an almost imperceptibly higher stance???

I am going to be using SC430 rims,btw so no brake clearance issues for me on a 1st. gen. LS.

245/45/18
Diameter: 26.7"
Section Width: 9.6"
Sidewall Height: 4.3"
RPM: 756

Also weary of the huge increase in tire cost with the options available in 245/45/18's!!

damon

If I've done the math correctly a 740 rpm tire (235/50/18) has a circumfrence of 85.62".

A stock 94 LS 400 16" tire at 758 rpm's = 83.59" circumfrence. Very minimal difference.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Specification
225/60-16
245/45-18
Sidewall
5.3in
4.3in
Radius
13.3in
13.3in
Diameter
26.6in
26.7in
Circumference
83.7in
83.8in
Revs/Mile
757
756
Difference
0.0%
0.2%


It might not be bigger mathmatically, but its VERY noticeable. Not only is it going to make the car sit higher, but its going to make the 18's look like 17's.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

I definitely would go with 245-45-18...50 profile would look like an suv. Maybe even 245-40-18.
As for Zinik wheels, never knew anyone with them, never read anything about them. They look okay. IMO the Caroza or the Mazotti would look better on the LS. You're getting the best tire money can buy. I love my Pilot AS tires. They last very long and the ride is good and they grip like glue.

dolefee

Kumho ASX in a 235/50/18 worked for me and the ride comfort remained close to stock. My car doesn't sit any higher than the stock 225/60/16 (Michelin Energy Plus). Keep in mind that all tires are NOT created equal. For example, in comparing the Bridgestone SO3s vs. Kumho ASX both in a 235/50/18, the SO3s were noticeably wider. If you go with 245/45/18, or even 245/40/18 (which I don't recommend due to the lower profile), you MUST lower the vehicle to avoid the 4x4 look. Going 18s with a low profile tire w/o lowering it will look funny IMO. All LS have that 4x4 look in stock form anyway. It really comes down to what you're after, performance vs. comfort. My 2-cents...

RA40

iTrader: (6)

As dolefee stated, you have to be aware of the sidewall profile when matching tires and offset. Certain combos may have rubbing issues with the fender well liners/trim prices.

I noticed the last week that the black trim piece on my fronts both had rub marks and little curled shavings where there was tire contact. It wasn't enough to leave a mark on the tire but I'll have to check it periodically.

Get the lightest wheel you can afford. 28 pounds per wheel alone seems average for many 18's. The stock 16 inch tire & wheel combo comes in at about 48 pounds give take a bit. (That is what mine weighed in at.) The current combo is 52#'s.

I noticed the increased weight in compression and rebound in my suspension. I have a summer performance tire so while ride is good for that category, it is not close to the Pilot SPort A/S or Pirelli P-Zero Nero.

YMMV of course.

damon

Lots of good and appreciated info here. I am glad to hear that other than what some find cosmetically appealing there is no fitment issues with a 235/50/18 on a LS400.

I was going to try the Kumho SPT tire. I have had excellent performance from Kumhos in 16" size.