Neo

iTrader: (3)

Hi guys,

I have a 98 GS300 riding on L-Tuned 18s and suspension. With my TTE lip spoiler, I have about 4"- 5" of clearance. What I'd like to do is to reduce my wheel gap but retain as much of the clearance as possible. I already have scraping problems with the clearance I have.

Now I realize part of the solution will be coilovers. I already have a question posted over in the GS suspension forum for that. Feel free to respond there too if you have info.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...519#post436519

Anyway, back to the wheel part of the solution. The L-Tuned Salinas are 18x8f with 235/40 tires and 18x9.5r with 265/35 tires. What changes are possible to achieve my goal? I don't mind a slight larger sidewall also if it won't mess up the speedometer/odometer too much.

If you need more details about my setup or needs, feel free to ask.

Thanks for any info.

JacobT

Go with 20's. That will decrease your wheel gaps and increase your front clearance. I used to scrape my front end a lot on steep driveway with my 18's setup. After going with 20's, it increased the front clearance by 0.5". That makes a whole lot difference.

With 20's, you'll get 1" bigger in total diameter so you'll reduce the wheel gap by 0.5" that's equavlent to another Tanabe dropping springs. I don't have any problems with my speedo

Neo

iTrader: (3)

Thanks for the reply Jacob.

20s would be nice but they are not in the plans for the moment. Since I have a GS300, I noticed the slight loss of power going from my stock 16s to the 18s. Without spending $$s for light wheels, I would prefer to not lose any more power. I am more looking at what my options are as far as tire sizes are concerned.

20s are not out of the question but just not in the current plans.

jeffandi

By upsizng the tires, you will make the overall wheel/tire assembly heavier, which in turn will decrease performance. I don't know what the weight difference is between a 40 series and 45 series is but my guess is maybe a pound or two. As I'm typing this it also occurred to me that an increase in tire size will also require a larger volume of air. This will also increase weight.

Another thing to consider when upsizing your tires to reduce wheel gap and increase ride height is to avoid that "SUV" look. Tall ride, thick tires.

Jeff

GS4Will

neo, i was going to suggest JDM springs for further drop, but since you already have clearance problem, that does not seemed to be a good idea..the slight drawback with the eibach springs is that for some, the wheel gap is still bit much...BUT, with the tte lip you have on the GS, goind with "fater" tyre seemed to be the only solution

Neo

iTrader: (3)

jeffandi,

I did not think about the air/tire weight increase. I don't like it but it would be more economical than putting the weight on the wheels (meaning 19s or 20s). Also, I thought the SUV look usually entails increase gap that comes with bigger wheels. I thought of a good compromise of going to a slightly "thicker" sidewall but lowering the car (thus reducing the gap) to compensate.

GS4Will,

I forgot about the JDM springs option (vs. coilovers). If I went with JDM springs to lower but also go with "fatter" tires, what springs & tire size would you recommend with my wheels?

GS4Will

neo..with jdm springs, imho, you woudl not need the "fat" tyre set up, the front woul be ~1.5" and rear 1.2"..from the comment that i have been receiving o my car, they are all quite favorable. with fatter tyres, you might rub with jdm springs on ...so with JDM springs, stay with regular 245/40/18+275/35/18 would be ideal

i will have two sets of JDM ESPELIR sprinsg arriving next week..their spring damping rate is actually milder than that of eibach, which would give you a good comfy ride and nice drop for your taste..plus you already have the l-tuned KYB shocks, this would be a good combo

Neo

iTrader: (3)

GS4Will,

So you don't think running 245/40s on 18x8 will be an issue? If not, I guess 245s and 275s (vs. 235s and 265s) would give me a slightly bigger wheel overall. The current set up looks a bit small to me. I think the 265/35s in the rear actually looks smaller than the stock 16s running 215/60s. Even going to 245/275 won't do it but it is closer.

Using one of those online tire calcs, I get these numbers for rears:

215/60R16 26.2" diameter

265/35R18 25.3"
275/35R18 25.6"
265/40R18 26.3"
275/40R18 26.7"

275/30R20 26.5"

Running 35 series tires seem to be a whole inch smaller than the 40s and the 20" wheel setup. The 20" wheel and the 40 series tires seem to produce similar diameters. It seems like it may not rub, but I am not an expert.

As for the springs, how much would it cost for a set?

GS4Will

neo..not sure what kind clearance you have..i ran 245/40/18+275/35/18 and JDM springs, with +37 offset, 18x+9+10, no problemo, even with 3 adults as passengers..

BUT, i am wary of 245/45/18+275/40/18 fat tyre set up...not sure if this would rub.

245/40/275/35 is fine..

20" set up is ~3%over original stock, just need to be careful with how much you drop the car....

Drimweaver88

iTrader: (1)

since we are on the tire question...will 245/45/17 all around on OEM wheels have any problems?

GS4Will

no problem

Drimweaver88

iTrader: (1)

Hi GS4Will..thanks..i noticed you are from Diamond Bar, we are neighbors then. I am from nearby Walnut.

GS4Will

G'day neighbor...