I have a '95 LS4 w/the stock 'Coach Edition' rims (chromed) , tire size is the original: 225/60/16 V-rated. I would like tires that are a little bit wider, preferably a 235/60/16 or 235/55/16. Will these custom sizes effect my ride, engine/transmission performance? Can someone give me some advice. Please keep in mind that I have Air Suspension, Thanks!

 

Stock 225.60.16:
Diameter = 26.62 in
Circumf. = 83.66 in

235.55.16:
Diameter = 26.17 in
Circumf. = 82.23 in
Speedometer error: 1.7% faster
Shorter side wall -> a bit better handling, also car will accelerate a bit faster due to smaller diameter assuming no significant weight change from a wide tire (but less side wall).

235.60.16:
Diameter = 27.10 in
Circumf. = 85.14 in
Speedometer error: 1.78% slower
Same side wall -> same handling. Car will accelerate a bit slower due to bigger diameter and heavier tire (engine/transmission will have to overcome more initial momemtum) - Your A/S will have more work to control the additional up/down bouncing force (weight) which is BAD given the age of the system.

Between the two, I like the 55 series better. The majority of people just want the look and go with big wheels and tires without actually knowing how much do those 17,18,19,20 in wheel weight? Suddenly, they found that their acceleration + gas mileage went down the drain...

 

Hi TN52!

You've helped decide alot, I was leaning towards the 235/55/16, but I wasn't sure of the effect it would have on my LS. You made it very clear to me .Thanks!!!

 

I'm glad that I can help. By the way, 235.55.16 is a "rare/unpopular" size. Even if you can find this size somewhere, they will charge you a fortune for these and I don't think they will worth that much. Cost/benefit talk you know... Not because the tires are fantastic or anything, you just have to pay super premium for a low production series.

 

Tuan,
I also like to change my LS '99 to have bigger wheels. I found these offers from tires.com. Will there be performance issues if I replace with the following:

(4) P255/45ZR-18 103W Nitto NT 555 Extreme Performance tires with (4) 18X8.5 5-114.3 35SM Fittipaldi Force wheels $1,732.00

(4) 255/45ZR-18 99W B Falken Ziex ZE-512 tires with (4) 18X8.5 5-114.3 35SM Fittipaldi Force wheels

Thanks,
Khang

 

Other than trying to post a formula to plug in the numbers, this site makes it really easy to figure the best fitment. Make note of the MPH change.

Here it is...http://www.csgnetwork.com/tireinfo4calc.html

This will take the guesswork out of the speedometer issue.

 

Tuan,

Check out these sites for tires, www.victoriatire.com and www.tires.com Compare prices between the two.

 

What's up Khang,

This is a good site I forgot all about, Thanks!

 

Khang,
The size is ok (D=27.03 in vs 26.62 in stock). I have no experience with the brand of wheel & tire you mentioned so I can't say anything much. If you can ask the store to give you the weight of a set (wheel + tire) then compare it to your current one before you buy. I will stay away if it's significantly heavier (say 15-20%). I can also tell you that 45 is a significant ratio change from 60. Make sure that you are ready for a much harder ride.

 

Nitto NT555 are nice sport tires that grips!

I would stay away from the Faulken, they don't last very long.

 

I am running Bridgestone Turanza LS-H 235/60/16s on 1999 wheels....IMO the 235/60s are too tall, I won't buy them again.

For the stock size wheels, I'd stick with stock size 225s.

Regards,