capper

I am going to increase my wheel size on my 92 LS400 to 17 inches...tirerack recommends a 235/45-17 size tire for my car with this wheel. I was wondering if I would be better off going up to a 245/45-17 (getting an extra .3 inches of rubber on the road), and if this would still be a good fit for the car.
Also, I am still trying to decide on the tire to go on the new wheels....the short list is Dunlop SP Sport 5000, BS Potenza S-03 Pole Position, Pirelli P7000 Supersport, or the Yoko AVS db...the guy from tirerack also mentioned the Sumitomo HTR+ as a good tire for the car...any expert advise on the tire sizing or brands would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Capper

ChuH

Be careful wrong type of rim offset and/or tire combination can cause rubbing. The actual tire patch width differs from one manufacturer or model to another. You should check each of the manufacturer's web site to get the actual thread width and overall width (sidewall to sidewall). When the difference between the overall width and the treadwidth is very close you will get a straighter side wall versus a bigger difference will get a sidewall that curves in toward inside tread. If the overall all width is greater than the rim width you get a bulging of the sidewall. What is the width of your 17" rims? I have seen LS400 with 17" rims with 235/45R17 tires from a GS400 and it looks good.

To give you an example. I am going to estimate 8" rim width.

For SO-3 w/ 235/45R17:
Approved rim width: 8" (will fit 7.5-9")
Overall Diameter: 25.0
Overall Width (sidewall to sidewall): 9"
Treadwidth: 8.4"

For SO-3 w/ 245/45R17:
Approved rim width: 8" (will fit 7.5-9")
Overall Diameter: 25.7
Overall Width (sidewall to sidewall): : 9.8"
Treadwidth: 9.1"

For HTR+ w/ 235/45R17:
Approved rim width: None recommended (will fit 7.5-9")
Overall Diameter: 25.40
Overall Width (sidewall to sidewall): : 9.4"
Treadwidth: 8.5"

For HTR+ w/ 245/45R17:
Approved rim width: None recommended (will fit 7.5-9")
Overall Diameter: 25.70
Overall Width (sidewall to sidewall): : 9.7"
Treadwidth: 8.8"

Chu...

capper

Thanks Chu...
The wheel I'm looking at is 17 x 7.5. With that size wheel, are you saying an overall width for the tire should be right at 7.5 to maintain as straight a sidewall as possible...I may have messed up...ordered the Dunlop SP 5000 in 245/45wr17...They are to be shipped from tirerack as a mounted and balanced unit on the wheels...They also know the year and model of the car, and according to the internet order, will let you know if there is a fit problem...Hope it works, Capper

ChuH

Capper:

17"x7.5" rim is too narrow for 245/45R17 tire. The ideal size would have been 17"x8" on 235/45R17.

Got the following information from Dunloptire.com

Recommended Rim width: 8.0"
Tire Diameter: 25.9
Overall width (sidewall to sidewall): 9.8"
Tread Width: 8.8"

You probably will not get any rubbing but the looks on the fitment will not as good as it can be. I can guess the center of the sidewall is going to bulge out about 0.5" each side. Handling will be a bit sloppy and not as crisp.

Try to contact Tirerack to see if they can take it back and make the correction. Worse case is you may have to pay for restocking fee, shipping and remounting. If all else fail live with it until the next tire change.

Chu...

capper

Thanks again Chu....After I responded to your email this morning, I received a call from tirerack saying they did not think the Dunlop 245 was not a good fit for the wheel or the wheelwells on my 92 LS...Changed to the Sumatomo HTR+, which I was initially hesitant to order as there were no survey results on tirerack about it, but in a side by side comparison it appears to get rave reviews by folks that have bought it on their site (less expensive to boot!)...will let you know how it all works out, and thanks so much for your input, Capper

ChuH

Your welcome Capper. Consider getting wider rims if possible. Such as 17"x8" rather than 17"x7.5". It will look better.

Chu...

capper

Chu..wanted to let you know the outcome...incredible difference..went with the same 17" x 7.5" AT Italia five spokers I wanted, with the Sumitomo HTR+ tires, and it is a GREAT combination...I can't say enough for tirerack...had the wheels and tires here, balanced and ready for me to stick on and torque in three days (to west Kentucky)...the car drives BETTER than new...sticks to the road like glue, and feels "new tight" for an old LS with 150K miles on it ..been a long time since it felt this good....those tires are some kind of bargain in my estimation....thanks again for you input, Capper

ChuH

Hey capper:

Good to hear that everything went well. Tirerack has always have great service. Post some pictures when you get the chance.

Chu..

capper

The tires and wheels feel so good, I will have to get it "semi-detailed" prior to posting the pics, but will do and soon as I have it clean and ready to show it on the site...she's look'n good for an old 10 year old girl...pic's coming next week after detailling (and after I have my fields bailed for the backdrop...round bails will look good behind the old LS), and once again, thanks for your help and input..capper

capper

Hey Chu,

Didn't have time to get it detailed, but rinsed her off and shot four pics...the increase in the wheel size makes a huge difference on how the car feels on the road (I live on a very windy road towards Kentucky Lake), and I can't say enough about the Sumitomo HTR+'s...sticky enough, very quiet...great choice for my car for not a lot of cash...anyway, here are four pics to show the difference in how this looks vs. 2 1992 LS400 with the 15" "camry" wheels...let me know what you think, and thanks for your help on tires for the wheels..I went with a 235/45WR17 ...just fat enough without looking strange...Capper

capper

next pic..can't wait to get my new wood and leather wheel through the group buy, and I'm done for a while...Capper

capper

let me know your thoughts....capper

ChuH

Looks sweet. Makes the LS400 a bit more sporty look

Chu...

capper

Had to really downsize the images, my digital camera is high rez, and had to make them this small for the site to accept them, but you get the idea...capper

capper

and the help Chu....Capper