upgrading wheels...
#1
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
How big of an impact do upgrading the wheels have on the ride quality of the car? I'm thinking about upgrading the stock 16s to some 19s, but I don't want to ruin the smooth luxury feel of the car.
Thanks.
Thanks.
#3
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Most here will tell you that the best upgrade in wheel size without ride degradation is 18's. You will notice some differences with a larger wheel, not neccasarilly while rolling but going over bumps, pot holes etc. Do you have any suspension mods? Your tire set up will also make a slight difference.
#5
Lexus Test Driver
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 1,413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Most here will tell you that the best upgrade in wheel size without ride degradation is 18's. You will notice some differences with a larger wheel, not neccasarilly while rolling but going over bumps, pot holes etc. Do you have any suspension mods? Your tire set up will also make a slight difference.
#6
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Well again, if your primary concern is ride quality 18's are probably the way to go. 19's and 20's are usually more attractive and give you the look that you are trying to achieve. The larger the wheel, the less sidewall, the less the sidewall, the more you are going to feel on the road. I personally found that the 19" set up that I have is still very comfortable, did I loose ride quality, yes. Was it worth it, absolutely. It's all a matter of personal comfort.
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Trending Topics
#8
Lexus Test Driver
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Chuck has a great point, if you go with a larger wheel and no suspension mods you will have a large wheel gap and it probably won't look right. You may want to do some searching throughout the gallery and get some ideas on how different wheel sizes look with different ride heights, and how this plays into the look that you're trying to achieve.
#10
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I upgraded to 19's staggered and I don't feel a difference at all. I felt most of the difference when I installed my HA's and slammed them. But if you are going to go 19s staggered or not atleast lower it 1-2"s or it will look a little funny.
Heres a pic of my GS on 19's ...
Heres a pic of my GS on 19's ...
![](http://i10.tinypic.com/473ktfn.jpg)
#12
Driver
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Brunei Darussalam
Posts: 177
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I upgraded to 19's staggered and I don't feel a difference at all. I felt most of the difference when I installed my HA's and slammed them. But if you are going to go 19s staggered or not atleast lower it 1-2"s or it will look a little funny.
Heres a pic of my GS on 19's ...
![](http://i10.tinypic.com/473ktfn.jpg)
Heres a pic of my GS on 19's ...
![](http://i10.tinypic.com/473ktfn.jpg)
#13
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Either of you have vibration or alignment problems? I just traded an 02 Mustang GT for an 03 G430. The Mustang came with really low profile 17s and sorely needed an 1" or so of lowering. Evidently the after market caster/camber plates allowed enough adjustment that never heard any lowered Mustangs having problems contrary to this board where you read of quite a number of vibe/alignment problems that give folks fits.
I have the stock chrome 17s and like them ok - but will wait until I need tires and get a package so wife won't notice.
I have the stock chrome 17s and like them ok - but will wait until I need tires and get a package so wife won't notice.
#14
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Front
19x8.5 +28mm offset w/5mm spacer
225/35 Toyo Proxy4 tire
Rear
19x9.5 +22mm offset w/no spacer
245/35 Toyo Proxy4 tire
My tires are stretched which helps in no rubbing alot. I also trimmed the litte 1" inner fender trim off the rears and rolled the fronts with a bat. Even with the car with 4 people, luggage I still don't rub. The mufflers do but wheels dont at all..hope this helped.