jamesfabin

I'm about to become a Lexus RX350 owner and want to replace the stock wheels with some that are larger, chrome, and wrapped in tires that will give me some additional grip. Any recommendations? What have others done and how has it worked out for you?

Thanks everyone!
James

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

While I wont recomend a particular rim size or wheel size since everyone has different opinions and needs for their own car, I myself went with 20" rims with 255/50/20 Dunlop Grandtrek SP9000 tires. They work well for me along with a slight drop using Eibach springs. Now, the 255/50 tires are way oversized in diamter over stock, but like I said, it was a choice I made for a specific reason. Personally, I would probably go with something closer to stock diameter if you are worried about in accurate speedometer readings.

tkrussell

I put 245/45-18 on the stock wheels (18x7). Adds some tread width and lowers the car slightly.

TTE sells some nice wheels in 18x7.5 and 19x8, both of which will fit 255/45 tires, for an even wider tread. Tire diameter is closer to stock with these tire/wheel combos.

corradoMR2

Hi James,

If ever you want to just add fatter rubber on the stock 18in wheels and save a few bucks, I've added 255/55/18 with a 5mm wheel spacer over the standard lugs/studs. The spacers are about 10$ for each wheel, plus the cost of the tires and their installation. You can always get the stock four wheels chromed for about 400$ (check Ebay for example).

You can see the difference the upgraded size makes. The RX handles better and looks beefier, a-la X5/Cayenne!

http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/cor....beg=0&.src=ph

Good luck.
Joe

jasonw

Hi James,

I was looking for the BMW X5 look so I gambled and went with 275/40/20's, I recieved them today, intalled them and they work and look awesome. The clearance in the front is fine, the backs are close on the rear inner fender wells but don't touch. This tire and wheel combination is 1.736% different then the factory 235/55/18 set up, so at 60mph the speedo will read 58.9. The link below is a handy tool for calculating tire/wheel size differences as you fiqure out what you want to do. The recomended size to go with on 20's is the 245/45/20.


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

jasonw

CK6Speed,

Did you go with the Eiback springs that lower both the front and the back by 1.2"? How is the ride?

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

Yes, they lower about 1 or so inch front and back. Honestly, it is not enough for me, but the good thing is it does improve handling a bit by reducing body roll. Ride comfort wise unless you just jumped out of a stock RX I doubt most people will notice it being firmer. The largest impact on ride comfort for me was the 20" rims and stiffer side wall tires. Still though, not even my wife has any complaints.

Handling wise I'd say it is more in line with a luxury stock car in feel. There is still body roll since the CG of an SUV is just too high even being lowered, but I'm no longer worried about a roll over going around corners faster than I should. Over all it is still nowhere near typical sedans though.

jasonw

Thanks CK6, eibachs getting installed tomorrow.