sensaznis

I have an 06 is250awd with F-sport and F-sport rear sway bar. I recently took of my factory 17's with 225/45/17 tires and replaced them with some 18's on 225/40/18 tires. I always thought putting bigger wheels it would better the handling but i feel that my factory 17's handled better then my new 18's. Has anybody else experienced the same when they put on bigger shoes? I've been told less sidewall means less handling ? Does that make sense to you guys? Would a front sway bar solve my issue? Any input is appreciated .

Kurtz

iTrader: (1)

Are they the same make and model of tire? Are the 18" wheels lightweight aftermarket or heavy factory stock 18s?

It not that'll have a lot more to do with it than the size.

(generally speaking though- lower sidewall is better handling at the expense of a roughly ride... but that has nothing to do with the wheel diameter... and bigger, heavier, wheels means worse handling, stopping, and braking).

sensaznis

I gave BF goodrich G-force Super Sport A/S H rated on my factory 17's and have Sumitomo HTR A/S P01 W Rated on some after market ASA wheels. Both are very similar in tread design and both are all season. I'm sure I would get better handling if they were not all seasons but I got a steal on both.

I'm hoping if i get the front sway bar it will improve. Thanks for you input Kurtz.

Byprodrive

iTrader: (1)

I'm not sure what you consider better handling, I assume you mean going around turns faster. If your tires are new it can take 500 miles to wear off the greasy lubricant from new tires that reduces grip. I run 245/40/18 on the front of my IS350 & the handling feel & ride comfort is much better than the oem goofy "staggered" sizes.