I am curious if anyone has experience staying with 16 inch tires and lowering via L-Tuned Shocks and Springs on a GS400. I am hearing that the 17"+ tires only last 15K miles or so( function of driver/enthusiast or wheel/tire combo??). I drive 25Kmi/year so that could be an expensive proposition. I'm currently running the Goodyear GT+4 stock 16's.

I'm looking for some improved handling without sacrificing too much comfort. i.e. fun on the exit ramps but no serious canyon running type driving.

My dealer, Ira Lexus suggested I do the shocks and springs and then see how I feel about the change. If I am not satisfied then move to 17 or 18 inch wheels for non winter use. I was told I could get the staggered 18 inch OZ for $1800 with Michelin tires, and these last a bit longer.

Thanks for your input and advise.

Murph

 

Murph - 16's and L-Tuned will look like crap, IMHO. Tires on 17" rims can last longer than 15K - depends what tires and how you drive. Lexus says 15K to cover their ***.

Not sure where you are, but suggest you hook up with an owner who has 17s or 17s and L-Tuned.

 

I did, E-mail me talalhz@yahoo.com

 

I think it will look okay. If you want to see for yourself measure from the ground to the top of the front wheel opening. Add weight to the car to lower it by one inch.

 

Thanks for the input.

What I'm really looking for is some improved handling and feel. The lowering is a result of the L-Tuned shocks and springs. The thread started by Altaf below seems to suggest that I could get what I'm looking for with beefier sway bars and the chassis braces.

So now I'm confused about what to do first to achieve the results I'm looking for. I appreciate the CL members opinions.

Murph

 

Hi Murph,

I used to have 16 inch wheels with L-tuned suspension setup before I moved to 18". I can tell you the floating feel is gone and improvement is great compare to stock 16 inch wheel. It definitely worth the upgrade.

With L-tuned which lower about 1 inch make your car looks better. But A LOT better with larger wheels.
I'll post some pics with 16" w/o L-tuned, 16" w L-tuned and 18: w L-tuned if you're interested.

good luck

 

Thanks Damnboy

I sure would like to see the pics. Either here on this thread or e-mail them to me at GS400@attbi.com

Murph

 

pic without L-tuned suspension + 16" wheels

 

L-tuned suspension + 16" wheels

 

L-tuned suspension + 18" wheels

 

Thanks Damnboy. I'm going to do the mods in this order as $'s allow:

1. L-Tuned suspension
2. L-tuned mufflers with K&N intake. GS400 is too quiet, it needs to growl.
3. 18 inch wheels, gotta have 'em!
4. braces sways etc...

Thanks again. Love this site. My last car was a 98 740i. The BMW forum was good as well. It was a great car to drive, but horrible to own. Big $$'s everytime I needed some service and it always needed something.

Murph

 

Great post damnboy. I am getting the Ltuned done before I put on my wheels too. I think Im going with 19x8.5 - 19x9.5. I cant wait. Where did you guys get your Ltuned from and how much?

 

damnboy, What rims do you have on yourcar. 18x how wide.

 

You can try Steve Ganz, he always has the best price.
CarsonToyota/Lexus Parts
TRD/L-Tuned
gonzo4u@earthlink.net
1-800-908-6968

 

I've Work Euroline S2H. 8.5f/9.5r

check this thread for detail about my wheels.
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...threadid=30960