New wheels and tires
11-18-03, 05:58 PM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
New wheels and tires
In the interest of getting a smoother, quieter ride and more style, I am seriously considering replacing the OEM wheels and run-flats with HRE 543s (polish finish) and Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires. Is there any down-side to doing this? I'm not worried about flat tires, so ignor that issue.
11-19-03, 05:01 AM
#3
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The HRE wheels certainly are expensive. They're going to be an Xmas present for my wife. I think of them as a form of jewelry; that makes it easier to rationalize the purchase! 
11-19-03, 05:12 AM
#5
Driver
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 174
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
11-19-03, 05:22 AM
#6
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think the TRD wheels are really ugly. You can see the HRE wheels at hrewheels.com. They run about $1000 apiece, or more, depending on options. Incidentally, I originally wanted the 544 wheels, but I found out that they aren't available in the 18" diameter, even though the HRE web site says they are. They are available in 19" diameter, but I'm not interested in doing anything that is going to make the ride harder. A lot of guys have put 19" wheels on the SC430, I'm aware of that.
11-19-03, 06:01 AM
#7
Super Moderator
I' ve chosen to put 18' wheels on mine to preserve a better ride with my SC430 also, which is meant to be a comfortable luxury car. But IMO, with the lips of the HRE's, the 18" would look too small on the car.
Most of the expensive high end wheels have deep wide lips. So if you want to go for those wheels with a size that looks good on the car, you almost always have to sacrifice some ride comfort.
Most of the expensive high end wheels have deep wide lips. So if you want to go for those wheels with a size that looks good on the car, you almost always have to sacrifice some ride comfort.
Last edited by Gojirra99; 11-19-03 at 06:40 AM.
Trending Topics
11-19-03, 07:56 AM
#10
Lead Lap
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colorado
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just put 540Rs (19") on mine with Michelin Pilot Sports. Ride is waaay better than 18" run flats. If you want to go with the HRE 18" wheels, get the R series. They don't look as small because they have the reverse lip. HREs are THE way to go. Very nice wheels.
Doc C
Doc C
11-19-03, 08:15 AM
#11
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It was a tough choice to make on style of wheel. I just placed my order this morning and decided on the 448Rs, polished, in 18x8 size. I'm told that HRE has never made this wheel for an SC430 before, so at least I'll have something unique! Doc C, did you get the Pilot Sport A/S tires? I don't really need all season tires here in Tucson, but I see in the Tire Rack surveys that the A/S tires rate higher than the summer tires with respect to ride comfort and noise. (If this is true, I wonder why they make the summer versions at all.) The 540Rs are beautiful wheels. I almost chose them.
Last edited by rcf8000; 11-19-03 at 08:17 AM.
11-19-03, 08:47 AM
#12
Super Moderator
Originally posted by Doc C
I just put 540Rs (19") on mine with Michelin Pilot Sports.
Doc C
I just put 540Rs (19") on mine with Michelin Pilot Sports.
Doc C
11-19-03, 10:26 AM
#13
Lead Lap
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Colorado
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, I'll try to get some soon. I always have trouble getting them posted. I can get them to the gallery, but it's difficult for dummies like me to get them posted here. I really wanted to post some pics, but I hate to ask anyone to help me post them. I'll at least get some in the gallery in the next few days.
Doc C
Doc C
01-08-04, 08:13 PM
#14
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Arizona
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I installed the new HRE 448R wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires today. The wheels are beautiful, and the ride of the car is noticeably smoother and quieter. Also, tramlining has been totally eliminated. My wife and I are very pleased with the improvements to the car that the new wheels and tires provide.
