vsynergy

I'm installing some 18's on my Ls next week. It'll be 235/50/18 in the front and 255/45/18 in the rear, which is how the 7 series is setup. A few people say it'll rub, but I'm not convinced that it will. What are your opinions on this? Anyone with a similar setup?

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Why has it become such a trend to install 235/50/18’s? I mean the STOCK, (read: from the factory) comes with 245/45/18’s. So if you’re aiming for the look, your not really going to get it because your changing the variables

Its also not the best idea to run 255's on a 7.5rim. I mean it can be done depending on tire brand, and installer's experiance, but why not just put the same size, that way you at least get to rotate the tires every once in a while.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

This assume's you're putting on OEM 18" wheels (or 18" wheels of exactly the same size/width) not a staggered setup.

I made that exact same decision on mine, figured Lexus had done its homework on the ideal size for the OEM wheel and I can rotate as needed to extend the life of the tires.

Neo

iTrader: (3)

Are you going out of spec on purpose? Just because the sizes are OEM on a 7 series does not mean it is optimal for the LS. What are the specs of your rims?

vsynergy

Actually, I just happened to pick up the tires for a cheap price and the rims are 18 by 8. So that is why I wondering if it would be an alright set up on my car.

damon

Can't speak for vysenrgy but I will talk about some of my concerns.

I have a 94 LS with stock 16's at the moment. I have purchased some SC430 18" rims from a fellow CL poster.

1) I live in Dallas and am very concerned about bending or damaging tires & rims due to the abundance of potholes in my berg.

2) I would like to keep pretty close to a stock ride feel.

3) At least in the Kumho Brand the 235/50/18 is fairly affordable. As I have posted here in the past I have been extremely impressed with their products. I don't find $126.00 a tire to terribly offensive.

4) The 18" tires I'm buying will have a more agressive tread pattern than my current 16's along with a wider diameter & obviously a smaller aspect ratio. Yes I know they will not last as long as the touring tire I currently use that I went through in a little over 30,000 miles.

5) In my mind the handling performance of an LS, while smooth, does not warrant a staggered set-up and I would prefer to keep the ability to rotate among all four tires.

Despite the fact that they will have a larger overall diameter, I still expect to see an increase in the handling performance even though it won't be mistaken for anyones Lotus Elise.

Neo

iTrader: (3)

If it is 18x8 all around, I'd stick with the OEM 245/45.

ychachad

The biggest advantage of the 235/50-18 is the affordable price due to the 50 series profile and slightly less rubber. The 245/45 has more grip and a lower profile, and therefore the manufacturers charge a premium for it as the market will support it. Performance wise, there should be little you'll notice different between the two tyres. The difference will come more from brans, type of tyre and tread pattern, and conditions the tyre was made to serve in.

vsynergy

Yes, the rims are 18x8 all around. The tires are Michelin Pilot Sport. Heck, I got these for cheap so I don't think i'tll hurt to try them. I"ll post pics once I put them on.

93LS

damon:

I have same setup.... 93 LS400 with SC430 wheels 18X8 and tires are 245/40/18.

It looks really nice and ride is not bad atall...... only time I see big diff in ride is when I drive in sport mode (air susp) it gets very firm .

do you have star or circle caps?

93LS

damon

I currently have the circular "Pie-Plates" but may upgrade to the Stars.
Grapevine Lexus nearby ususally has an attractive deal for the star inserts.

Are these plastic or metal, btw?? I have not taken mine out of the box.

Update: Read in another post that these are made of ABS plastic. Just a tought, but it would be really cool to have some in a State of Texas shape cut out of Aluminum with a water jet machine.

93LS

Damon,

how much did you get them for? what colour is your car... can you please post some pictures so I know what the look like on LS.

Thanks,

93LS

damon

Mine are not on yet & I have not purchased tires.

Wheels were $300.00 but shipping was way to pricey from Canada to Dallas. I have occasionally seen them go for cheaper on ebay than my grand total.

If you search you will find pics of LS models with SC430 wheels here on the forum.

Mine is a Gold 94 LS, btw.

Pops just ordered some Kumho Solus KH16's for his 90 LS 400 with 15" oem wheels. $47.00 a tire! Those were the Days.

93LS

damon,
I was asking for the price of star caps from Grapevine Lexus..... I paid 340 for my wheels including shipping.
Tires are $$$..... I paid 600 for 4 but it is worth every penny.
love the new look....

93LS

dolefee

I agree with Neo. If the width is 8", 245/45/18 would be ideal.