Get the right specs for the wheels (bolt pattern, offset, etc) and go on tirerack (they sell a good amount of light wheels for a reasonable price) and have a look. If you want to enhance it cosmetically, you're probably not going to find it in a lightweight wheel. There's only a handful I've seen that are light and good looking....and most run $5k+ (if you are looking to spend that much on wheels though, take a look at ADV wheels). Wald wheels are popular on here and they look very nice.

 

^^ Agreed. When picking a replacement wheel,try to widen the track as much as you can for improved stability.

I've gone from the factory 18x7.5" +45 wheels to an 18x9" +21 set and it's made a very positive improvement to the car's dynamics. Even using the same tyes from one rim to the other,the steering response is vastly improved and turn-in is much sharper than stock. Ride quality is the same.

Any wheel from Rays will be lightweight. Big,full faced chromies are not.


Justin...

 

Man I never thought this site would be so helpful! Thank you for all your input guys! This is some cool stuff. I'm just really trying to push boundaries here, I KNOW the LS isn't a race car. I'm not stupid. But I would like to transform it into the most badass LS that I possibly can. Don't hate. I'll look at those wheels and rims. Thanks guys. Now about that stock radio head unit...... I don't have the nav option btw. I want to get an aftermarket screen. Is this possible to do without having to pay an arm and a leg?

 

Glad to be of some help. I considered upgrading the rims on my 3 series (but unforunately never did). A note of caution on playing with the offsets and track: while it will improve handling (especially with a well tuned suspension setup) straying too far from stock can cause fitment issues. As for the radio, just get an aftermaket headunit put in. You can even have one with a flipout screen. I don't see how it would be more expensive in modding the radio in any other car.

 

It's not especially difficult in the non-nav version of the car to fit an aftermarket stereo. Do a search through the forum,there are several stereo threads.


Justin...

 

Sweet thanks guys. And specifically, what exhaust system fits onto this car? I've heard mixed opinions on what I should get. I want some hp gains and I want it to sound pretty ballsy. I want to say more like a mustang sound, But I know this car will never sound like a mustang haha.

 

Search 'LS430 exhaust' on youtube. There are several choices. They all sound pretty good, makes the car growl a bit more. Not too sure about hp increase, if any. Probably 5-10 hp max. The cheaper systems just make the car louder, probably doesn't help the car 'breathe' better.

 

Most aftermarket systems for these cars are for noise,and looking pretty. Copying what's there,but going up half an inch in diameter and going to straight through design mufflers should net you a decent gain. dual 2 1/2" piping would be a good place to start.


Justin...

 

Zander, no need to explain yourself bro, im with you on that subject, that is the same reason some one pulls up on you with a Mercedese: AMG C55, E55, S65 or BMW: M3, M5, M6 or Audi: S4, S6, all German luxury line with racing models, why wont Lexus step their game up with the LS. Another thing if you are tired of reading about this, then dont read it!!!! (no dis) intended!!!!!!!!!!! whats the purpose of having all the wings, arodynamic kits and exhaust it these other luxury car can pull up to us at the light and bust our @sses. Makes no sense right!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

You took the words from my mouth

 

Dammit....I could've had that instead of the LS....

 

There is something wrong if any of the cars you mentioned can bust your ***.
Not sure how that can get fixed, but good luck.

 

Haha Yeah I think I'm gonna go with a blitz exhaust and an injen short ram air. I'm gonna try to find a good chip but I'm not sure how thats gonna work out. Right now My LS can beat 08 mustang GTs if that means anything haha. They're pretty fast. But I just want any horsepower gains that I can get my hands on without stripping down the car to a shell of it's former self. It's a pretty solid car in a race against most other stock cars on the market now. The LS is not something to be underestimated even though it is big

 

^Just make sure you don't try it against the new 5.0 GTs with around 420 horses, those things are absolute beasts! Yeah the older Mustangs had 300 hp and weighed about the same, lacked the extra torque the LS packs...should be pretty even. I had no problem keeping up with a 90s Camaro with mods.

 

Yeah man The new ones are just animals. I've driven one and they're just all engine. Not a very smooth ride though. And everything in it just kinda felt cheap. But yeah My car just trashes all those old 90s and mid 2000's sports cars. I'm very impressed with it's performance