After having continuous vibration in the front end after my blow out (back tire) last summer, I replaced my wheels. Both the lexus dealer and the tire shop said both front wheels are bent (noticibly). I have been told that they are repairable (heated up) and am considering that.
I bought the upgraded wheels from an IS 350 CL member. The ride is MUCH better, but still have the vibration at 60+mph. I asked Lexus to check the front end before the switch which they blamed on the wheels.
I love the looks of my old wheels much better than the new, but didn't like the ride.

My old thread mentioned the size of the tire the tire shop recomended. 245/40-18 on front and the backs were controversial at 275/35-18. I think they look fine-but that could just be me. The close-up is the rear wheel. What do you think?

The first two pics are my old wheels and the others are the new ones. The close is to show what the 275 looks like. Does it look oversized?

John

 

The after is much much better! Congrats for the choice!

Been lurking and thinking about an SC430...

 

A friend of mine chose this option on his GTI. Paid $125 a wheel in arizona to have it done. Happy with results.

 

the rear actually looks fine with that 275. definitely looks better then your first set

 

looks a lot better! better sizind offsets

 

Well, I guess I am the only one here who thinks the rear tires (275 on 8.5") look oversized.
I can easily see there is just too much bulge there even that pic was taken at that angle.

Last time I checked, the tire store told me that my setup wouldn't fit my sc and I couldn't turn my car with those tires I ordered.
Do your homework and do it right.

Here is the link to your Pilot Sport A/S Plus
Click on the SPEC and then MORE.

http://www.michelinman.com/tire-sele...s/tire-details

Pilot Sport A/S Plus
Size: 275/35ZR18 95Y | Options Available: 1
All-Season Tires

Rim Width Range
(Min/Max)
9" - 11"

 

I am surprised to see that everyone prefers my new wheels compared to my old ones (first ones in the above pics). Talwang, I respect your opinion enough to actually email Michelin and have asked their opinion of this situation. I will let you know what they say. If they agree with you, I am pretty sure the dealer will swap them out,since I warned them prior to installation. Coming from Michelin, what choice would they have? I will let you know when I hear back.

John

 

Talwang-you are the authority! Sent email to Michelin and the response was "It is considered a misapplication to mount a 275/35rz18 on a 8 1/2 rim. This size requires a 9-11" rim. The tire will not SEAT properly on a 8 1/2" rim."

They recommended 255/40. The tire shop had them in stock and I had them on my SC one hour later. and $85 refund.

Thanks for your expertise Talwang

John

 

Very nice!!! I didn't have a chance to post but I did see the pics and yes, they did look meaty to me as well. Send us some pics John when you get at chance.

Very nice wheels BTW! I too like them better than your originals.

Have you had your control arm bushings looked at? When is the last time you had an alignment? I just had an alignment and it made a WORLD of difference!!! Somethings to think about...

 

The before wheels look way better because the wheel appears larger. The inside lip of the IS wheels make them appear smaller. It's just my opinion, but I think the IS wheels don't look good at all on your car. Are you as happy as you though you'd be with the look? I know your wheel problems are resolved with the swap.

 

Maybe everyone was just being nice? I think the 1st set of wheels look WAY better!

And I have no idea wh your shop thought the 275's would be ok for 8.5s. I'm using 275's on my 10.5s. I'm very glad to see the shop do the right thing in the end

 

Sorry, but I am in the group that likes the OEM looks of the IS wheels. The aftermarket rims remind me of... well... um... I guess being politically correct, something that would be seen on a car that came from the other side of the tracks.

It's just an opinion but I think it is a substantial improvement.

 

Hey Solman,

I must say the Maya's look better, way better....

If you need the wheels repaired, give me a call, we can take care of it at our shop.

 

i think you should do a 245/40 and 255/40 on the wheels. even so. the IS stocks look great on the SC

 

and thats what they are now. Pics are on the way. California weather today is 87 degrees-yes that is SC weather!

I still prefer my Maya's and will have them heated and repaired. They fill in the gap between the fender and tires beautifully. will keep the IS as back-up. Will first get to the bottom of the vibration in the front though.

John