I'm looking for just a tad bit more cushion from my ride. Currently, i sit on the factory 18's with some horrible sounding hancook tires sized at 245/45-18. What size in the "primacys would i have to get to ride a lil softer? I love the look and handling of the 18's. They give the conservative look of the LS a stately if not aggressive look and couldn't see it with the 17's(no pun). Any ideas fellas?

 

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

That is a HANDSOME tire...and I bet you that tire would ride softer than those Chinese Hankooks. Read the description...the words "harmony" and "blending responsive handling" indicate to me, it's a softer riding tire.

Also, instead of the the OEM size 245/45-18, replace the 245 with a lower number (235 or 225?). That will give you a softer ride because the smaller that first number is, the less WIDE your tire would be, compared to the OEM 245/45-18.

Or...you could replace the 45 with a HIGHER number (55?)to something like 245/55-18. That would increase the height of the sidewall and give you a softer ride also.

I would think that making modifications from the OEM size would alter your speedometer accuracy slightly though, even though the rim diameter is the same.

Keep in mind with the creative/custom sizes that you dream up, may not be that "popular" of a size, and the prices will flucutate a lot.

Those Michelins look sweet AND soft...like those soft n chewy chocolate chip granola bars...

AND YOU GET A REBATE FROM MICHELIN!

 

Honestly, I would really stay away from altering the factory diameter. Either go with a smaller wheel size, or just buy better tires.

You will not be disappointed with the Primacy rubber in factory size, especially coming from hankooks.

Use this calculator to find the size closer to spec:

http://www.1010tires.com/tiresizecalculator.asp

 

fyi... hankook tires are korean...

and while ls430inde is right in that increasing the 45 to a 55 will get you a softer ride, keep in mind that your odometer and speedometer will now be incorrect...

i just got the primacys for my ride and they're pretty good... i give it a 8/10 even tho i was expecting a 9/10...

good luck

 

Primacys or Pilot Exaltos if they come in your size

I've owned everything, seriously, and the only tire I buy when I have my choice (after initial auto purchase) is Michelin.

Tires are the single-most important accessory. So many people don't realize that 9 of 10 problems you think are suspension, steering, bushing or driveability-related come down to tires. Hankooks on a Lexus is like wearing Keds with a tux. You could put Pilot Sport A/S (my all-time favorite "harsh" hi-po tire) and they'd still feel like butter compared to crap tires

 

No doubt, Michelins are great. What you have now is lousy. The OEM Bridgestones that came on my LS are still my favorites; although I have Michelins now.

I had BF Goodrich (owned by Michelin) Z rated tires on the LS, they were firm, but very forgiving over bumps, etc. Handled well too.

 

Strange to come across this post.

I just had to put a new set of these tires.
I went with http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....rtnum=255VR7TS

$728 for a set of 4 tires.

I got roofing nails in both of my front tires and FIRESTONE said could not PATCH them. The car was taken
there by AAA so no choice. I have no contacts down here and sears was worse.

I got 41K miles out of my lously goodyear assurance tires and all 4 worn on the edges.


just an FYI, I have lost 3mpg and the ride as of 800miles is awesome compared to my old goodyears.
****** do not buy these tires if you have to drive thru snow ******


~Carmine

 

I'm on 235/50/18 (oem for LS460), BF goodrich. Super smooth

235/55/18 is in RX territory.

 

Wow! Thanks for the replies and advice. I think im goin with the michelins fellas. Got to get those hancooks off as soon as i get the cash to. Very noisy on the inside of the car as if i were in 92 dodge spirit. If its that loud to penetrate thru an LS interior then they must go. I may stick with the original size and see how brand change turns out. Got $1330 quote from NTB today that includes tires($246 ea.),disposal fee($12),tire recycling fee($3.20), stems,lifetime balancing, lifetime rotation, road hazard,($163), and an alignment($80). PLus tax($70). What do you guys think of that price?

 

got mine for $930 (incl $70 rebate) with tax and everything from costco... same size tire as yours... $1330 is outrageous... check out your local costco...

 

also check discount tire if you have them. They are good about matching/competing, and they offer lifetime rotation AND balacing

 

Thats what I did since im no longer with costco. Came out to $900 (after mail in rebate) and had them installed at the nearby local Toyota dealership for $50 bucks since we dont have any local discount tire. However the sale was tax free, and shipping them to my door was free.

So about $950 give or take for a set.

 

Do you know if they offer any kind road hazard protection with that?

 

That's what I meant. Thank you.

LOVE that calculator gizmo!!!!

 

Costco installed mine,, low $900 area for Michelins best,,

Derry