Ironman50

My 2008 GS came with 18" Lexus Tourmaline wheels. Pretty nice looking wheel. If I was to switch to the smaller 17" size wheel what differences will I see in the drive of the car? Smoother? Any change in MPG? Comments & thoughts woud be appreciated .

IXI187IXI

iTrader: (3)

highly doubt you'll notice anything. the difference would be so minimal.

OH-MAN

iTrader: (1)

If the 17's tire and wheel combo weigh less and have apx. the same width or less then you should get a bit more MPG.
How much is hard to say but heavy wheels and tires use more gas.
I have the 18" tourmalines chromed and I really like them.

patricksr5

You start to get a harsher ride once you go to 19" and 20" wheels but much of the ride also depends on the tires. 18" should be good ride if you have a good set of tires.

GS350Lexus

iTrader: (5)

If you was to keep same exact tires and go up in size the ride because more harsh.

OH-MAN

iTrader: (1)

Thought I would throw a couple shots of my chrome 18" Tourmalines and the new Tanabe.
I did increase the width to 255-40-18 tires to help protect the wheels a bit.

Boron

Keeping the tyres the same, going down to 17s would give an increase in comfort (the air in the tyre acts as a secondary spring/shock), slight improvement in mpg and acceleration (you're not going to see 1 second knocked off the 0-60 time though!), and a bit more lean/roll on corners due to the extra flex of the sidewall.
Those are absolutes, chances are you might never notice them on the typical roads you travel.
I really wouldn't get hung up about it unless you're getting a lot of jarring from poorly maintained roads.

Ironman50

Thanks. Good comments.

Ironman50

Thanks again for the pictures OH - MAN.

DTRUONG

17s are to small for the GS. 18s are just right, until I pick up some wheels of course. Only reason I say this is because my GS came with some ugly 17 TSWs and I picked up the OEM 18s.

TWong350

iTrader: (8)

Also, if you're looking to put on the 06' GS300 wheels, I don't think they'll clear your brake calipers on your 350/450h/460. So, choose wisely if you decide to do this.

Bushwack

If you're looking for a more plush ride, drop each tire's psi by a couple pounds. *I* don't think I could tell the difference but some people say they can (or...they are full of 2 lbs of hot air).