Gernby

iTrader: (1)

Keep in mind that 0.1 seconds is only 0.7% of 13 seconds.

caymandive

iTrader: (2)

Well I have some time to think about it, but you are right with all the numbers. That's why I have nicknamed you the "mad scientist" haha. Another ice storm is on the way this weekend, so hopefully things will be clear before March 3rd. We got hit with about 4 inches of snow/ice a few weeks ago of which didn't start melting until this week. I hate this white stuff.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Time to update this thread. Supra wheels do fit on the IS350, in fact, all four wheels will fit on the IS, but I don't recommend it. If you think it understeers stock you would not believe what VDIM thinks of those big Supra front tires and those little Supra rears. Not only that, but it is really UGLY. I don't usually pay much attention to that, but in this case, I think these wheels really ruin the car's looks. See for yourself...



Even a 3/4 view doesn't help much (of course the long shadows and brutal contrast aren't so great either, but hey, it's a snapshot, not a photograph!)



You can easily see here how the Supra tire is both wider and smaller - it will reduce the gearing and make the car quicker. Maybe a LOT quicker. We'll see Wednesday...



Now here's a view I do like...



Oh, I should probably mention, these wheels have 245/45/17 front and 265/40/17 rear. Both are one step wider but the same aspect ratio as the original tires sizes for a Supra. There are no issues with clearing the suspension, wheel well liners, or brakes. Wheels are 17 x 8 front and 17 x 9.5 rear both with a +50 offset. I think I'll just run the rears for Wednesday.

RocketGuy3

iTrader: (1)

You really think that size difference will make the car all that much quicker just because of the gearing change?

If so, maybe I would reconsider getting 19s... Man... you're making my decision between 18's and 19's very difficult, haha. I like the aesthetic appeal of 19s, but I really don't want to give up anything performance-wise. I figured a reduced weight of 3-5 lbs per rim would more than make up for the slightly larger diameter of the tire.

I've been unable to choose between these two sizes for months now...

Gernby

iTrader: (1)

The diameter of the wheel doesn't necesarily dictate the outer diameter of the tires. I'm sure you can find a 19" tire that would have the stock outer diameter. FWIW, my 18" rear Hoosier R6's are about 1.5" smaller in diameter than the OEM 18's which is about a 6% reduction in gearing.

Gernby

iTrader: (1)

Lobux,

What is your VDIM doing about the wheel swap? Mine hasn't given me any problems at all, and my rear tires are slightly shorter than my fronts.

caymandive

iTrader: (2)

Lobux, what is going on Wednesday? You hitting the track? BTW..thanks for trying the supra wheels out. Definitly not pretty, but hopefully they work out for ya. BTW..how is the weight compared to stock?

RocketGuy3

iTrader: (1)

Gernby, I know, but with 19s, that might not be a very good idea since that would probably sacrifice a lot of ride quality.

... Guess I can't have it all, though.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

It's making the front end plow like a farm implement. It's jumping in very quickly and not at all as smoothly as it does with the stock tires. I'll keep the stock fronts on and just put the rears on for the drags on Wednesday.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

Supra wheels are pretty heavy. About 26 lbs if I remember right. Still, I think the smaller diameter will help a lot. If I just had someone about 120 lbs to drive, I think I could make it into the 12's on gearing alone.

Yeah, Wednesday at Sac Raceway is $15 grudge racing. Looking for good weather and maybe some quick times.

caymandive

iTrader: (2)

There should be plenty of cute/petite gals over there in Cali! Just grab one and have her drive it.

cholmes1

Sorry for bringing back a long-dead threat, but I am curious how the tire and wheel exchange worked out for you all. Any improvements? Looking at Dragtimes.com I don't see any of you indicating the rear wheel swap

Thanks

Gernby

iTrader: (1)

I believe 18" wheels wind up being the best choice due to the tire sizes available. I don't think there are any 17" tires that have as small of an outer diameter as a 245/35-18.

Raralith

caymandive, so how did it all go for the last few months? I've also been considering a pair of stock 18" OEM's to be wrapped with drag radials, and I would love to hear your thoughts.