GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005) Discussion about the second generation GS300, GS400 and GS430 (1998 - 2005)

upgrading wheels...

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Old 11-22-06, 04:26 PM
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uplusd
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Default upgrading wheels...

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.
Old 11-22-06, 05:14 PM
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BAD RIDES
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Default I have 19s

Originally Posted by mrurmil
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.
I have 19s in a staggered set up and love them my wife drove my car the other day and said she couldnt feel a diference as well
Old 11-22-06, 05:20 PM
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GREED777
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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.
Old 11-22-06, 05:21 PM
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Default Here is what they look like

Originally Posted by BAD RIDES
I have 19s in a staggered set up and love them my wife drove my car the other day and said she couldnt feel a diference as well
here a pic
Attached Thumbnails upgrading wheels...-mike-wheels-010.jpg  
Old 11-22-06, 05:24 PM
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uplusd
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Originally Posted by GREED777
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.
My car is bone stock, I'm planning on adding wheels and that's it. No springs, shocks, or anything.
Old 11-22-06, 05:34 PM
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GREED777
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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.
Old 11-22-06, 05:36 PM
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chuckb
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Originally Posted by mrurmil
My car is bone stock, I'm planning on adding wheels and that's it. No springs, shocks, or anything.
I wouldn't get any bigger than 17s then or it will look funny.
Old 11-22-06, 06:18 PM
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GREED777
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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.
Old 11-22-06, 06:36 PM
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From a standpoint of the ride alone, a 19" fat setup with no suspension mods at all will feel very close to OEM
Old 11-23-06, 05:06 PM
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SoCal_VIP
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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 ...
Old 11-23-06, 10:26 PM
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oojpeeoo
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i have mine on 19s staggered with tein flex suspension and honestly its not that bad, could barely tell the difference
Old 11-24-06, 06:22 AM
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Originally Posted by SoCal_VIP
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 ...
Hey VIP, do you get any rubbing in your rear tires? What tire width are you running on?
Old 11-24-06, 10:03 AM
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yelnoc
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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.
Old 11-24-06, 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by girlilove
Hey VIP, do you get any rubbing in your rear tires? What tire width are you running on?
I have no rubbing issues at all. No shaking or vibration, I use to have that issue but I had the front control arms and bushings replaced..solved that issue fast. Listed wheels specs below..

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.
Old 11-25-06, 06:23 AM
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Stefwilli
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19" with a fat tire set up along with still having your luxo ride you will also notice improved handle, something you'll like.


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