jwillis123

I have a 2004 LS430 with standard 17 alloy wheels:

Opinions needed:

A. Should I upgrade to 18in Sport wheel and tires? Any drawbacks?

B. should I keep my tires and just upgrade to chrome 17's?

Any feedback or advice greatly appreciated!

ancdmd

I think you should do this

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/n.../DonkLexus.jpg

Why don't you just do what you feel like, who cares what anyone else thinks you should do.

jwillis123

That's freakin great! Thanks...I think...

Michifan12

iTrader: (2)

You won't go wrong with the 18" OEM Wheels. Hardest decision will be deciding between chrome and hyper silver!

Ride quality shouldn't suffer really, just get a good tire like the Michelin MXV4.

Stu

True, but its still OK to ask right ?

I had the 18" wheels on the LS when I bought it. They looked great, but I wanted a more comfortable ride, so I sold the wheels and bought new 17 inch wheels. No regrets. The ride is definitely smoother on 17 inch wheels.

Chrome wheels are OK if you like the bling .... I don't. You should know that when chrome wheels age they corrode, and start to leak air. It can be fixed by removing the tires, grinding out the inner lip, re-chrome them (if needed) and re-install and balance the tires.

bmore430

I have the factory 18s and think the ride is very very smooth. Test drove some other ls430s on smaller factory wheels and could barely feel the difference. I am on Dunlop sp 5000s.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

The only downside to 18's is a little extra weight and tire tread life. They are also slightly more firm on a 50 sidewall.

Tom57

I've driven 16's, 17's and 18's - all on Michelin MXV4. As others note, I found an incremental, noticeable difference moving to larger size wheels (smaller profile tire) - most significantly from 16's to 17's. If you are looking for a very reasonable compromise between soft ride yet sporty feel and handling, the 17's are the choice IMO. They are great for both extended interstate highway travel as well as city roads.

tallcaguy

Car color is flashy enough that 17 chromes work well. Nice balance. Factory UL (Chrome) looks terribly on Cypress Pearl. All you see are the wheels.

Salsaman06

Great. A clown car with Jiffy Pop wheels.

tallcaguy

Lots of time and money to make a perfectly good Lexus look like an amusement park ride.

Johnhav430

I like the look of the optional oem 18's with 245/45's......I don't look forward to putting on my 17's with 225/55 snow tires.....