TJazz

My new ES came with Michelin MXV4 S8 in 215/55-17. What are the upgrade options to retain comfort but add performance, and are there any plus-zero sizing options to consider?

ESsearch

I suggest you do a search on "The Tire Rack" web site. There is a lot of information there. You can likely find a 225 or 235 tire to meet your needs. The key is to keep the overall diameter (which dictate the revolutions per mile) as close as possible to the stock size. That will probably mean going to a /50 or /45 profile instead of the /55. Here is what the Tire Rack lists for the stock Michelin:

Michelin Energy MXV4 S8

215/55 VR17 Load Rim Sect Tread Diam. Revs
93V SL 1433 7 8.6 7.5 26.4 789

I went to 18" wheels as follows:

Yokohama AVS ES100

225/45 ZR18 Load Rim Sect Tread Diam. Revs
91W SL 1356 7.5 8.9 8.7 26.1 797

As you can see, the diameter is very close to stock. The section width (the widest dimension of the tire) is 8.9", .3 larget than stock. I would not go too much more than this as it starts getting close to the strut tower. You might get by with 9.1" max.

Happy hunting.

Pete

TJazz

Thanks for the reply.

I intend to replace the stock 215/55-17 tires with 225/50/17 Yokohama
Avid v4s. I hope it will give me a bit more handling precision without too much compromise on ride. The dealer sees no problem with the new size, nor does Tire Rack. Opinions?

Brandon@TR

225/50 or 225/55 will work just fine on the new ES.

TJazz

Brandon, thanks. Is there a way for Lexus to recalibrate the speedo/odo so that it will read true with the lower profile size? Otherwise it will read fast/far by 1.7% which will exaggerate the mileage over time. Also, what about the tire pressure sensor? Thanks. Tom

mitsuguy

iTrader: (2)

no way to recalibrate it without getting into the ECU and changing stuff... AFAIK, there is no way to re-program the newer ECU's (yet)

tire sensor is no problem...

TJazz

I upgraded to 225/50-17 Yokohama Avid v4S from 215/55-17 and now have crisper handling, more responsive steering, but no significant loss in comfort or quiet. Actually slightly better road feel, which is welcome in this car. Be sure to reset the tire pressure sensor and definitely choose an installer with a Hunter road force balancing machine. Thanks to Roger at the Tire Rack for his guidance on the tires.