LS - 3rd Gen (2001-2006) Discussion topics related to the flagship Lexus LS430

Reasns NOT ot put stock 17 wheels on an 02

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Old 09-30-13, 07:01 AM
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blueman2
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Default Reasns NOT ot put stock 17 wheels on an 02

So last weekend, in a moment of carelessness, I grazed the curb and rashed both stock 16" wheels on my 02 LS430 .

Is there any reason not to consider putting newer stock 17" wheels all around?

I searched on wheels but got buried in results that did not address my concerns.

I would appreciate any thoughts on this. I am not in a position to spend a ton, I figure it will cost me about 300 to simply replace the two rashed 16" stockers from ebay or a salvage yard. I thought if I could find a set of decent 17" wheel's I would consider replacing all.

Thanks for any comments or suggestions.

Last edited by blueman2; 12-28-13 at 01:59 PM.
Old 09-30-13, 07:50 AM
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LS430FL
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just from what I have read on here and having two LS430's so far, a slightly bigger wheel will make the ride a little firmer. I had 17" on my last LS430 and now I have 18" on my new LS430 and I do feel a difference.
Old 09-30-13, 07:52 AM
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ma61
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The ride difference is about it, 17" tires depending on manufacturer might run a bit more money too.
Although, since it has become such a common OEM size they might not be as bad.
Old 09-30-13, 11:24 AM
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RA40
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How bad is the rash? If these are chrome finish wheels, yeah, they will go downhill from there as the finish flakes-peels off. If these don't have any deep gouges or chunks of the rim gone, having them powder coated/painted is a lower cost option. A machine finish wheel can also be cleaned up. Post some pics up so we can see the rash.

The ride combo will depend on tire and air pressure when going with a 17" wheel. A less sporty all season or touring tire will be fine.
Old 10-08-13, 06:21 AM
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When I purchased my 01 it had the 16" stock wheels with major curb rash on each wheel. I bought some 17" stock UL rims with Michelin mxv4 and the ride was there was no noticeable difference between the two. Hope this helps
Old 10-08-13, 11:21 AM
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Lavrishevo
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The only advantage of a 16" tire is really price and longevity.
Old 10-08-13, 03:55 PM
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AlexusAnja
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I have 16" now on MXV4 while before I had 17" on Contiprocontacts and I feel the soft mush of the 16". It depends a lot on tires and I'm not comparing apples to apples.
Old 10-08-13, 04:14 PM
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warminwisc
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I am not sure it is the rim size but the lower profile wider tire that makes the LS handle superior with low pro tires versus cushy fatties and a v speed rating.

Most people agree it has plenty of soft ride and superior bump handling almost to a fault if you value crisper handling(very arguably no flames). For me I know the better my LS handles the better I like it having gone from 17's to 18's from non euro sport to euro.

Get some lower pro 17'S off Craigs 17's are almost considered small these days.
Old 10-08-13, 04:23 PM
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Lavrishevo
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Wider wheel will increase rolling resistance. One of the bigger factors in mpg.

Sidewall and tread design / rubber compound do change the feel on the same rim. An all season will ride smother then a performance summer tire with tread life going to the all season of course. I also have the Michelin's on my 17's.
Old 10-08-13, 04:35 PM
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warminwisc
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The Primacy is such a good blend of summer and all season.

You could be right on MPG's, but with the low wind drag of the LS and tight engineering I noticed absolutely no less MPG's from my 04 with 17's to 18's. The way the LS babies tires I would get the best tires I can. These things hold alignments as true and steadfast as a priests heart!

Craigslist!
Old 10-09-13, 11:28 AM
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Lavrishevo
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On my old LS400 I put some 18" SC430 wheels on it and the rims came with Pilot Sport A/S Plus I believe. Very nice tire but only about 30% tread life. Very sticky and great handling. They were 245/40's. I purchased a set of all season 245/45 R18's and ride difference was very noticeable. There were several factors in play when I changed tires but I noticed a slight increase in mileage and the ride quality was better. Handling and stopping distance went down a little but it's a trade off.
Old 10-09-13, 01:16 PM
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fensterlip
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Are there calculation issues where the total diameter changes? I'm thinking the navigation, speedometer, consumables replacement advisory notices, etc.
Old 10-09-13, 01:40 PM
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Lavrishevo
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Yes, your speedometer will be off unless you use the right size sidewall.

Check out:

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

On the 430, stock sidewall is 55 on a 17" wheel. Goes down to a 40 on a 19" wheel. 35 on a 20". Anything below 40 sidewall really rides bad. No give at all. Even a 40 is not too pleasant on rough roads.

Last edited by Lavrishevo; 10-09-13 at 01:45 PM.
Old 10-09-13, 07:42 PM
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Gene01
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GPS nav will not be affected.
Old 10-09-13, 07:43 PM
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Having driven both 18s and 17s on LS430s for my personal taste I think 17s are a good compromise in terms of good handling while retaining plenty of sidewall to cushion the ride and absorb pavement imperfections. But I drive like an old lady.


16s may be too mushy for some folks. A lot of LS drivers like 18s which are certainly going to deliver a little more crisp handling but will cost you some in the cush and quiet department. There is no free lunch so 17s or 18s depending on what you want.

If you want to be noticed mount some 19s or bigger with super small sidewalls. That's the latest trend along with lots of other foolish looking BS on cars.


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