9000revs

Hopefully picking up my 2000 tomorrow. I am looking to lower the car very mildly maybe 1-1.5" and looking for 17" OEM wheel options from other Lexus models. Doing primarily for looks and not to compromise the ride too much. I have other cars in the household that are there for sport - NSX, H22A swapped Accord etc. I read about 18" wheels from LS430s, but I feel going to a 45 profile tire would hamper comfort too much. With 17s, I can stay 245/50 size. Any recommendations? Thanks.

Stroock639

i have the 45 profile 18" LS 430 wheels and the ride quality is largely unchanged, its still a pretty fat tire. the car is just ever so slightly more jittery, but its hardly noticeable. i imagine the 17" wheels would be even better on the comfort front though. an added benefit of the 18s though compared to the stock 16s is that the car now handles corners considerably better, and doesn't feel quite as sloppy i guess i could say. honestly unless you're someone who really notices little things im sure the 18s won't disappoint. i personally would have to recommend the bridgestone turanza serenity plus as a tire

Kansas

The "Best setup for ride/comfort" is to stay with the stock suspension, wheel and tire size. If you want better handling, buy high performance summer tires which was what was original equipment on the 2000 LS400. All season tires was a no-cost option. A 2000 LS400 was my daily driver for 10 1/2 years and it was a lot more fun with high performance summer tires.

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

What he said times infinity...

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

I have the 17;s on mine and if anything it is smoother than before

9000revs

Please share details of wheels/tire specs and drop if any. Thanks.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

those are simply LS430 wheels with OEM tire sizing 225/55/17 iirc. this car is also not lowered.

NSX and H22A-accord? sounds like my dream garage, with the LS400 in there as well. if you owned these cars, then i'm sure your comfort level will vary with most of the folks on here. i also have an H22A-accord with high spring rates and i think my LS400 with bags/coilovers is comfortable. give us an OEM car that you are aiming to feel like. i feel my parent's RAV4 sport is more stiff than my LS (of course apples to oranges)!

Kingsoup

I had 255/40/18 and 263/35/18 and they had plenty of sidewall to give good ride quality.
The 265/30/19 chinese tires on the other hand are a nightmare.

17" 225/45/17 works great too although go a bit bigger sidewall to make the proper diameter and an even better ride!

GH5T

KYB shocks H&R springs stock 04 LS430 17inch wheels and tires

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

Timmy answered it for me.. 100% right on. w/michelins

9000revs

I am just looking for a slightly better non-boat handling, like a 02-04 Acura RL, I used to own one before . So 1-1.5" inch drop with close to stock smoothness but bit more responsive on corners. You have to pay attention to take corners at high speed in this car. I am not looking for very sporty and harsh This car will be used for long trips and may be daily driven.

BTW, 245/50-17s should work too, right? No rubbing I hope. I would lower before wheels anyways .... also want to stay at 17s, OEM or aftermarket.

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

here is your best bet, but remember the car is heavy with all rubber bushings so the ride will not get too stiff and still remain comfortable as all shock/springs combos bring.

245/50-17 looks to be the correct outter diameter to keep the speedo accurate, but the OEM wheels might be too narrow to fit such wide tires. i suppose tire brand matters too.

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

Get the shocks from sewell the aftermarket kyb are valve a little stiffer. Unless you want stiffer

9000revs

So, what spring/shocks combo or coilover do you recommend for my needs? I have always preferred Eibachs but not available for this model.

Daspyda

iTrader: (1)

The folks at Tirerack.com can help you with tire/wheel combos/sizing.