What size and what type for my LS400 w/18"?
10-02-06, 06:03 PM
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What size and what type for my LS400 w/18"?
It's time to replace the tires on my 98 LS400. I modded it a bit, adding 18" ST3 rims. The tires I had on, Dunlop Direzzas, were horrible for this car. Despite road forcing more than once, the tires never stopped having vibrating attacks, and the tread droned a constant and loud hum whenever above 45MPH.
I don't want to make another tire mistake. The problem is, there are so many choices, and I am afraid of making the wrong one. I don't track my car, and the mods are primarily for looks. So priority numero uno is tire noise. I want the new tires to be QUIET. Performance is secondary. Generally speaking, are max performance summer tires typically noisier than max perf. all season tires, and are those usually noisier than grand touring tires? Or are there exceptions? Buying general touring 245/45 18 tires seems a sin, but I no longer want to sound like I am driving a truck with swamp tires (the deer always heard me coming). I would be happy to go with more performance-oriented tires (with good tread life), as I have blizzaks to mount for winter.
Problem numero dos is which size tire to get. The 245/45 18's are nice and closest to stock diameter, but they rub a bit in the front fender (on the edge) on turns and bumps. Tire Rack recommends 235/50 18. That might solve the width problem, but those are some .6" taller in radius. That could make the sidewall look fat, I might then have a problem with rubbing against the plastic liner inside the well, and they would cause a 2.3% speed error. There is 235/45 18, but I fear those are too small, and may cause a harsh ride and increased possibility of blowing a tire or rim. Maybe best to stick with 245/45 and find someone to roll the fender (the body shop who's painting my bumper had no idea what I was talking about)?
Lastly, do summer-oriented tires go on sale over the winter? I would like to get new tires now and have this done with, but I also like a good deal.
Thanks very much for your advice. I've been looking at tires for last few days and am somewhat overwhelmed.
Brian
I don't want to make another tire mistake. The problem is, there are so many choices, and I am afraid of making the wrong one. I don't track my car, and the mods are primarily for looks. So priority numero uno is tire noise. I want the new tires to be QUIET. Performance is secondary. Generally speaking, are max performance summer tires typically noisier than max perf. all season tires, and are those usually noisier than grand touring tires? Or are there exceptions? Buying general touring 245/45 18 tires seems a sin, but I no longer want to sound like I am driving a truck with swamp tires (the deer always heard me coming). I would be happy to go with more performance-oriented tires (with good tread life), as I have blizzaks to mount for winter.
Problem numero dos is which size tire to get. The 245/45 18's are nice and closest to stock diameter, but they rub a bit in the front fender (on the edge) on turns and bumps. Tire Rack recommends 235/50 18. That might solve the width problem, but those are some .6" taller in radius. That could make the sidewall look fat, I might then have a problem with rubbing against the plastic liner inside the well, and they would cause a 2.3% speed error. There is 235/45 18, but I fear those are too small, and may cause a harsh ride and increased possibility of blowing a tire or rim. Maybe best to stick with 245/45 and find someone to roll the fender (the body shop who's painting my bumper had no idea what I was talking about)?
Lastly, do summer-oriented tires go on sale over the winter? I would like to get new tires now and have this done with, but I also like a good deal.
Thanks very much for your advice. I've been looking at tires for last few days and am somewhat overwhelmed.
Brian
Last edited by Brian S; 10-02-06 at 06:09 PM. Reason: spelling
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