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I know very few people like 16s on the '04-'06 LS430 (blasphemy!), especially fans of the 20s, but I'm still thinking of trying it for the comfort. After hearing back from members that the 16s will fit (same bolt pattern and caliper parts #, despite one out of 3 dealer parts managers stating that it will not), I came across a set of '02 LS430 wheels and a set of '98 LS400 wheels locally. I'd appreciate your feedback on each of these before deciding (sorry for the poor quality photoshop).
I understand that. My question was in reference to the actual tire size. Are you planning on going to an oversize tire, or will you be running the original 225/60-16 tire? Biggest issue I have with the 16s, is the gap it leaves in the wheel well...
I don't mind the wheel well gap. You will possibly get a more cushy ride at some minimal handling loss.
Everything else being equal, and decidedly a personal taste, I would go with an aftermarket wheel since I am not a fan of those models.
I don't know the answer to this, as my understanding of tires and wheels is limited. How large can you go beyond the 225/60-16? I understand that the tread width can be a little narrower for a quieter ride, but whatever wheel you go for, I thought the overall diameter of the tire/wheel HAS to be the same on the vehicle?
Choose "Tire Comparison" and put in the stock tire sizes 225/60-16 and 245/45-18 and you'll see that they actually aren't that much different in overall diameter. You're gaining roughly an inch in sidewall, however. Check what sizes are available in 16" and as you enter that size, you'll see how it compares to the stock 18" tire
Thank you Harrier. From my experience with owning 4 LSs, that one inch of extra rubber makes considerable difference in ride comfort, with or without air suspension. This is especially true with poorly maintained roads in NY.
This is especially true with poorly maintained roads in NY.
Boy, you ain't kidding. It's amazing how different the car feels. I've been down here in Atlanta driving and the roads are actually really nice to drive on. Going back home to Milwaukee is a reality check for 4 season driving and the effect it has on the roads...
I would try the OEM 17's (or even get better 18" tires made more for a smooth ride - research on tirerack).
The 16's won't look right. Whenever I see someone putting on different year or model wheels on their cars I feel it looks sad, however well intentioned.
One problem I’m finding is price: machine polished 16 inch rims are about $500 while the cheapest I can find for machine polished 17 inch LS 430 rims are $1k.
When you add on quality Bridgestone Serenity‘s or Michelin Primacy, you’re looking at another $800.
A local LS 430 owner offered to trade me his chrome 17s for my chrome 18s but his wheels are chipped and more worn than mine are. I don’t think they can be fixed, but only re-chromed, which I would imagine would cost ALOT.
I bought a set of remanufactured OEM wheels for our Sienna van in 2014 from Wheels and Capks to use with snow tires and they were absolutely like new and are still nearly flawless after 4 winters.
Wheels and Caps is part of the largest auto part recycler in North America with warehouses all over the U.S.including one less than five miles from where I live in Kansas. I'll be buying from them again the next time I need wheels.
I sold my 18 inch wheels pretty quickly and moved down to 17 in. The ride couldn't be better and the handling is just fine for me. I don't think you need to go to a 16 inch wheel to get a comfortable ride but I know it will be very hard to find 16 inch wheels that fit the LS430 that aren't Lexus LS wheels.
05-22-18, 04:19 AM
16s on an '05 LS430
