I'm looking to change the stock look of my '97 LS400 Coach. I want to buy wheels and tires without going into the lowering, spacers and technical aspect of a major modification. How wide of a tire can I go without the tire rubbing on the inside of the fender? How important is the weight of the wheel with regard to changing how the car performs? Thanks.

 

Tirerack.com sounds like a great place for you since all you want are wheels.

 

The weight of the wheel is an issue. More weight, more the suspension has to work to dampen, brakes require more force to slow the car and the overall ride characteristics when dealing with big wheel low aspect ratio tires. Bottom line harsher ride character. Safe with stock suspension and not losing too much ride, although this is a YMMV, 17" IMO.

You'll need the wheel specs and proposed tire size for us to tell you if it will rub or not.

 

I'd like to go with 18s (225/45/18), but if that size causes friction problems, 17s(225/55/17) will do. Tire Rack provides wheel weight in their specs, ranging from 19 to 30 lbs. How heavy is to heavy? Has anyone dealt with wheelfire.com? Thanks again.
Enkei Falcon
Size: 18x8
Offset: +40mm
Backspacing: 6.06"
Bolt Pattern: 5-114
Rec. Tire Size: 235/50-18
Weight: 25.2lbs.
Finish: Hyper Silver w/Machined Lip
Construction: 1 Pc. Gravity Cast w/ MAT Technology

 

Is our bolt pattern 5 x 114 or 5 x 114.3?

 

bolt patter is 5x114.3

 

the bolt pattern is 5x114.3.

before i got around to lowering my ls (and a little after) i rode 19x8.5/9.5 +39/45 wheels. at stock height it was pretty good fitment.

 

My '00 LS at stock height with 20x8.5/9.5 with 245/35 & 275/30 tires. No rubbing on fenders. Only fronts rubbed at full lock on fender liner. And that would have been taken care of if I had used 235/35 tires on the front instead.

 

offset brett? i didn't relize it was a 20 so your specs are more helpful.

 

Just find a set of the LS430 18's. They fit no muss no fuss.

 

@ 7shultz - you're right - those 18's from an LS430 look really good. thanks for all of the responses. looks like 18's are the way to go!

 

front +40 and rear +25