Hello everyone. I have a friend with an 03-04 sc430 and he has the optional dunlop sport run flats from the factory. He's looking to replace the tires with something other than run flats to save a little money, and he's also looking for a nicer ride. I have two questions:

1. what's a good non-runflat tire for these cars that has a nice ride ( factory 18s I believe)
2. Can you put a non- runflat on a car that was originally equipped with them ( i thought you could, the only problem is a lot of vehicles with run flats don't have spares...but apparently his dealer said he cannot )

Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions

-george

 

Yes, you can. I've replaced runflats twice on my '03 SC430 and on my '06 SC430 with Michelin Pilot Sports. The non-runflats still work with the tire sensors. My '03 had the Dunlops and my '06 had Bridgestones. Wouldn't recommend either.

Following is lots more info...

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...t=pilot+sports

 

This has been discussed many times regarding the switchout of the runflat w/ the non-runflat.

Most go w/ Michelins and many others have on other brands and anything but the Dunlops.

To answer your question, Yes....you can run non-runflats w/ the 18's and still get the sensors to work as stated above.

I have that same setup on mine right now. I saved a good substantial amount of money by getting non-runflats compared to the runflats.

I used to have the runflat Dunlop DSST and those wore out like a mother.
I have Michelin Pilot A/S w/ 18's all around w/ functional sensors and easy rotation. By far, the ride is like night and day and lasts way longer than those factory Dunlops.

 

Awesome, thanks guys

 

tirerack is your friend....quick delivery to your local tire shop and great quality cause that's where I gots mine.

 

even though the Michelin Pilot Sports are cheaper they still run $300 per tire.

the guys at my local Allen Tire Company are always careful of the pressure sensors, so $20 to mount and balance is well worth it. You don't want rookie Costco guys prying into your sensors!

Generals and Kumhos can be had for just over $100 on tirerack, have them shipped to your local Allen Tire and $ave.