AlOtaBblGm

I'm having to start thinking about replacing the rears. The car currently has Michelin Pilot Super Sports on the stock rims in the stock size. I love how nimble the car is. I've read I can upsize the rears to 295/30 and the fronts to 255/35. I do want better straight line traction but I also want the car to feel just as nimble as it does now. I love it.

I see that the stock tire sizes are slightly undersized for the factory rims which causes the sidewall to pull outwards to meet the rim. If I go bigger, that may switch and I will have the sidewall pulling inwards to meet the rim. In my mind this would definitely affect the responsive feel of the car. But in reality I really don't know.

I am hoping for some informed opinions.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

Lots and Lots of threads on this. IMHO, the ISF came under-wheeled and under-tired from the factory. 295/30 will not work with the stock 9" wheel. When I had stock wheels I ran Bridgestone S-04 285/30. That size is technically too wide for the stock wheel and some folks didn't like the feel. They worked for me. I ran 245/35 and 285/30. Later I used modified RCF wheels with 255/35/19 and 295/30/19.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...-position.html

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...cf-wheels.html

Lou

AlOtaBblGm

Thanks. It's a 9" rear rim.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

^^^^Typo - I ment 9". The fronts are 8". My comments apply.

Lou

ISFpowered

Why not go with a lighter set of rims and go wider on tires? I agree the ISF is definitely under tired from the factory. I went with a lighter set of rims 19 pounds each and wider tires. The factory rims are over 30 pounds each so you would be losing a lot of rotational mass which will help you all around like braking, acceleration, free up HP, handling, etc. Your car will feel lighter and far more nimble. I’m on 255/35/19F and 285/30/19R and have no complaints.

Slowlane

That makes a lot of sense.
Do you happen to know the weights for OEM 2012 BBS wheels?

ISFpowered

I just know the weights of the 08 ISF rims since I weighed them when I removed them without tires. The 12 ISF rims idk but I’m sure it’s not far off from the 08. I can assure you my 19 pound rims weigh far less then any oem ISF rims.

LSpho

Skinnier tires tend to have more response. Wider has more of giant foot print grabber feel. This speaking in terms of tires being the same compound etc.
i.e ^light on the feet but run out of grip fast ^plowing and pushing ground big grip but a little less steering response

Going up 10-20mm in front and back isn't going to be too noticeable but you'll feel it.

I went from 225 to 265 all around and it's like a dinosaur (in a good way) just plowing path

Same for my s2000. Way more "dartier" when I had 215 in front with all 4 oem stagger wheels. 255 all around on 17x10 and previously 17x9 and both set up was like a meat kart.

I have a 11' and I believe rear was 27lb and front 24lb. Might be off a few pounds.

@ flow that is great. Reminded me of a time back when I had 255 all around on stock 17x8 TL fat 5 wheels. Personally I am a fan of having a chunk of sidewall to a degree.

ChpEng

iTrader: (1)

Did you weigh the 2008 Samurai Blades w/o tires?
Kicking myself for not doing that with mine. Those things are monsters.

Jwconeil

Wheel weights are here. The 12 plus wheels are slightly lighter. I weighed them in the past, but can’t remember exact weights.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...s-weigh-2.html

ISFpowered

Good stuff! Either I have bad memory or my scale was off badly.

AlOtaBblGm

I love the Samurais. I don't want to get rid of them. Wheel widening looks iffy.

flowrider

iTrader: (9)

^^^^Right - You DON'T want to widen those wheels. If you like 'em, keep 'em. But, with stock wheels your choice of tire sizes will be limited.

Lou

ChpEng

iTrader: (1)

Just noticed Tire Rack and Pep Boys are no longer listing Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3+'s in the OEM sizes (225/40-19 and 255/35-19). Evidently America's Tire still has inventory. Emailed Michelin customer service to find out if it will be discontinued in those sizes. Will share findings. I am a big fan of that tire because of its low-temperature performance...had a few too many longgg braking experiences in the mountains below 50°F with summer tires.

Sorry for wandering off-topic.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

I run 275/30/19 rear and 255/35/19 front on the late model (wider and lighter) wheels in summer with Michelin PS4S. I run 225/40/19 front and 255/35/19 rear in Michelin PS AS3+ November to March. There is a noticeable difference in how the car feels and a noticeable difference in fuel economy. Narrow tires (and wheels) get better gas mileage and the steering feels significantly lighter even with the 2014 steering ECU installed. The A/S tires don't have anywhere near the ultimate grip the summer tires do, but for 99.5% of street driving the difference is not noticeable. The big difference is feel, and the wider tires and wheels definitely need more steering effort 100% of the time. When you have that rare moment to push the car, the summer tires are definitely more fun, but by the same token, the A/S tires don't chatter like a rabid squirrel on U-turns under 45F temperatures.

You have to find the balance that works for you. Both approaches have merit, you just need to decide which of them suits you better.