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

Tire selection for factory wheel

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Old 11-08-07, 08:58 AM
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Gears12
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Default Tire selection for factory wheel

I need new tires for my 1999 GS300. I have the chrome 16 x 7 1/2"(?)wheels and I want to keep them. I have 225/60/16s on now and I would like to go a little wider. Maybe a 235/60/16? Has anyone used this size? Also, anyone have a particular brand / model of tire they like the best? Tread life, good ride, handling, and quietness are what I am looking for. I prefer a non directional tread for rotation flexiabilty also. If this helps, the GS is the cruiser in my family, not the sports car. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks ahead of time,
Gears
Old 11-08-07, 02:18 PM
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kevs98GS4
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if it's a cruiser for the fam then i definately would go with Michelin MXV4plus. Check with the tire shop but I think you can go with 245 series. I had 235 on mine and it rode nice, but nothing like my 255's now! I've had those michelins on many of my stock cars and they have the best ride and good tread wear! are also VERY quite! You will spend a bit more, but NOTHING is the same!
Old 11-08-07, 03:49 PM
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Gears12
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Hey Kev thanks for the feed back! I actually wanted to go with a 245/55/16 first but I can't find to many tires in this size. I think a 245/60 would be too tall and a 50 too short. Do you have 16" wheels on your car or 17s? If you have 16s what exact size do you have now?

Thank you so much for the info,
Gears
Old 11-08-07, 06:23 PM
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chuckb
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stock size tire for a GS4 with 16s is 225/55-16. that's what I have on my 16s.(goodyear gs-d3) I would get that size or a 235/55 at the most. check out the tire size calculator. Pirelli p-zero nero are pretty good for comfort too.
Old 11-08-07, 07:16 PM
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kit cat
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Originally Posted by chuckb
Pirelli p-zero nero are pretty good for comfort too.
also expen$ive
Old 11-08-07, 07:58 PM
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kevs98GS4
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I had stock 17's
Old 11-09-07, 09:52 AM
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I wouldn't change the tire size for a couple reasons:

-You add more weight and rolling resistance so you will decrease gas mileage and handling.

-You will change the gearing and possibly loose some sidewall which will make the car less comfortable over bumps

To see what I mean go to this website and it will show you the difference in sidewall and diameter which effects gearing:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

If you are after the look of a wider tire to fill the wheel well, I would suggest getting spacers for the rim, that way it will push the wheel closer to the outside giving it a wider appearance. Many others run these.

I use 225/55/16 on stock wheels as well, and like to drive sporty, but also enjoy the cruiser factor. I would reccomend the Yokohama AVID V4S, it's a high performance All-season tire that give the best blend of comfort and sportness without breaking the bank. Plus it has a high tread wear rating so it will last. I love mine! I am able to take off-ramps very fast without the tire squeeling or making me nervous. Just to give you an idea, I take this one off-ramp marked at 25mph, at 50mph. In my vette I can take it at almost 60mph, just to give you an idea how well these tires are on the lexus.

Check them out here, they are very well rated:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....e1=yes&place=3

Let me know if you have other questions.
Old 11-09-07, 09:55 AM
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nytoy
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Originally Posted by kevs98GS4
if it's a cruiser for the fam then i definately would go with Michelin MXV4plus. Check with the tire shop but I think you can go with 245 series. I had 235 on mine and it rode nice, but nothing like my 255's now! I've had those michelins on many of my stock cars and they have the best ride and good tread wear! are also VERY quite! You will spend a bit more, but NOTHING is the same!
These tires are comfy, but are rock hard in the wet, light snow or any adverse conditions. They aren't very sporty at all, and don't inspire much confidence IMHO.
Old 11-09-07, 08:14 PM
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DruMnBaSS
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bro.. falken ze-512!
best smooth ride / performance tire
ive had them for about 6 months now and i love it. the car drives so good with these. no vibrations. awesome water cutting tread and good grip all together.
lol i sound like a sales rep
Old 11-11-07, 01:49 PM
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Gears12
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Thanks everyone for the feedback. I went with a 235/55/16 Yokohama AVID T4 from the Tire Rack. NYtoy, I would of went with the AVID V4S but they didn't have the size I needed. I decided to go one size larger than stock which I basically do on all of my vehicles. I have never had any problems doing this. I personally think that a 225 tire is too narrow for a 7 1/2" rim on 3700 lb car (IMHO). I wanted the car to have a more masculine look to it as well.

Thanks for your help,
Gears
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