ZippyGuy

iTrader: (9)

OK, I've REALLY been doing my homework on fitment and the best bang for your buck winter tires that will retain a modest amount of handling and the lowest amount of road noise possible with consideration of the fact that it's a winter tire. My winter wheels are 18 Lexus L-Tuned (18X8 front, 18X9.5 rear).

My question is two fold:

1. Based on my wheel size is there any concern with running 225/45-18 front with 245/45-18 rear?

2. I've down selected to Michelin Pilot PA3 (TireRack.com #1, ConsumerReports.com #3) as my first choice over the Bridgestone LM-60's. Does anyone have validation for me on the tire selection or have I missed something?

Brandon@TR

This is a 99 GS300 correct? 245/45 would be too narrow for a 9.5 inch wheel probably, but I agree the tire is an excellent winter tire.

ZippyGuy

iTrader: (9)

I was actually pulling the tire spec from a fitment I noticed in a Tire Rack blog covering Wider is better some of the time, Tuesday, July 28, 2009 by Luke Pavlick (http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/perfor...me-of-the-time).

In the article he mentions that the Mustang used for the test was fitted at one point with "Car #2 was on 18x9.5 Ford wheels with 245/45-18 tires." Would love to know if that will work for my wheels.

Brandon@TR

Well I haven't read that blog but sounds like it was for track use. Generally we don't recommend going outside of the tire manufacturers recommended rim width range for street use, though admittedly some people do it. I believe Luke is going to respond to this thread as well with an explanation, but if this a 99 GS then I would say 255/40 is a better size choice for the rear. Unfortunately, you would have to change your tire selection b/c the PA3 isn't made in 255/40. To me it looks like the Blizzak LM60 would be the best choice in this size combo.

ZippyGuy

iTrader: (9)

Thanks for the e-mails and conversation Brandon and Luke. After our dialogue and reading the article "Winter Tires or Snow Tires Which Do I Need?
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 by Chad Hocker" (http://blog.tirerack.com/blog/blizza...hich-do-i-need) I'm going with the LM-60 in 225/45-18f and 255/40-18r.

Brandon@TR

Glad to hear it! Please place the order by following the instructions in the sticky above this post, so that CL gets credit for the excellent work they do here.