sphereman

Hello all..

2005 is almost gone now.. wish all of you happy new year!!!

i am finally upgrading my old 16" wheels to 18" wheels.
my current tires are 225/60/16 and i was originally going for 245/45/18 tires (just like the ones on my 05LS) but these size tires are very expensive, i found out.

also, i looked at 245/40 tires and there seems to much much more selections in this size. the overall diameter on my current tires are 26.62 in and 25.71 in (245/40/18).

do you guys think shorter diameter will throw off my odometer and speedometer?? it is only about 0.9 inch shorter. or should i just go for 245/45/18 as planned.

any input will be appreciated. thanks!

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

Lots of similar info on this if you search for 'tire size calculator'


for example found this https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...ter+calculator

had a link here
http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

What's the difference in price?

damon

I paid $118 a tire and could not be happier.
Kumho SPT 235/45/18

sphereman

thanks!!

now.. has anyone heard about RIKEN RAPTOR brand tires?? they seem to be very cheap.
any idea??

RA40

iTrader: (6)

While there can be some budget tires with acceptable performance chracteristics, I'd suggest not economizing. A good tire is rewarding to drive and improves safety. (Within reason of the tire's capability.) Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, Pirelli P-Zero Nero, Toyo T1-R....

As for Riken, I have driven many of their performance line before they became part of (I forget who the manufacturer is, Bridgestone?) I liked them but that was when I was buying rubber every 8-12K miles so I knew if I didn't like them, they would be off the car quickly anyhow. I'm not a gambler these days with tires.

MadMax96

You get what you pay for. Spend the money and get decent tires. Not only will they most likely last longer, you'll get better grip, handling (dry/wet), and braking. Yes, better tires will allow your car to brake more effectively too.

RA40 must have just posted as I was typing this.... I agree...stick with the known names.

For me - I wouldn't buy new rims if I couldn't afford the decent rubber to go with them...and that's why I still have the 16 inchers....

damon

Not sure that I buy that "you get what you pay for" when it comes to tires.

Most assuredly you can purchase some cheap tires & end up w poor performance. If you purchase for cost alone & do no research be prepared for miles of unhappiness.

If you think your getting better performance due to the fact that you paid more......well, a fool and his money are soon parted.

Example: Buddies 2001 GS430 had oem Bridgestone Potenza RE030 - 235/45ZR17's.

Go search GS Forums & tell me that tire gets great reviews??? And by the way, the updated replacements ain't cheap.

He now runs a Kumho SPT & is much happier due to the fact that it is quieter & smoother. He drives like a Grandpa btw so he has no idea that it handles better in dry or wet conditions. Cost was half of what Sewell wanted for replacement Bridgestones.

I like RA40's list. Cost no object I would run the P-Zero Nero M & S. I know nothing about Riken. I'm on my second set of Kumhos so I do know a thing about them. Family has 3 LS 400's w an assortment of Bridgestones & Yokohamas over the years on all of them.

Program your car into the Tirerack site & read reviews of what tire works best on your particular vehicle. You can usually tell by the wording of the review whether or not the contributor is worthy of your consideration The test info you can read there is also valuable.

PS: They don't have a 235/45/18 but I have heard great things about the Hankook Z-212 & once again there are test to prove it.

For your viewing pleasure:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tests/...odel=ECSTA+SPT

RA40

iTrader: (6)

What hurts is the inital purchase. Figuring cost per mile in use is pennies per day. This is what changed my tire buying habits from trying to save a few dollars. Just about any tire cost is worth what a trip to the body shop or a colission may be. Those will be substantially higher and the risk of injury is beyond measure.

I figure to use my tires for 20,000K miles best case scenario: Tire cost with mount/balance, blah-blah $170 per and I rounded up to be generous. It worked out to be $.04 per mile roughly.

Also each car will behave differently depending on set-up. The reviews will give you a good indicator though.

MadMax96

Wasn't really aiming at the fact that just because a tire is more expensive it's better..... just trying to get across that a tire that does everything well isn't going to be cheap. If you buy a cheapie no-name tire, just don't expect it to perform like a Michelin Pilot or something...

Even if you don't buy your tires from Tirerack - at least check out their great tests and consumer reviews. The guy at your local tire shop will talk up a crap tire just because that's what he has in stock.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

There are some pretty nasty tires you pay $$ for and I think just about every manufacturer has a dog like this.