Al Uminum

Allo,

Went to Precision Tire to find out pricing on 17" x 7.5 BBS RX wheels. (Thank you Satin). The salesman quotes me $330/rim. Since I've got quotes better at $295/rim I say thank you, and I'll get back to you. As I'm leaving I'm checking out some of their other rims and the same salesman catches me and says, "sorry but I quoted you that price thinking you wanted 18" rims not 17" rims. The 17" are $295/rim". Hmm? I think I want the 17" because the CL after all IS more lux than sportcar. BUT for only another $130 I can get 18" rims. Of course I'd need new rubber if I decide on the 18" but I'm not sold yet. What I need to know is this: Besides the difference in looks (wheels look bigger and car looks smaller), what is the difference in ride between 17" and 18" wheels? What happens to noise level and smoothness if anything? Every variable you can think of would be kindly appreciated.

Also can any of you tire guys suggest the pro/cons and possibilities of a Comptech lowered Type S rolling on 17 x 8 or even 18" x 8 wheels with an et of +42 on up?

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"01" CL Type-S
White\Black
Comptech Springs
Comptech Sways
Navigation System
Burlwood Shifter
Guards+Fenderwell Trim
PIAA16969
Smokers Package
My Car

mcdanjw

After I put the 18's on mine, (given 215/35/18 is too narrow a 40 would be better) the ride was noticeably stiffer than the stock wheel/tire combo. The car does handle better though, so I guess it's all about what's important to you...

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White/Black 2001 CL-S (3rd sold in Austin)
- navigation, moonroof visor, upgraded cupholder, Acura spoiler
- Polarg m-6, tint 20% rear, 35% sides, Eibach springs
- 18" Racing Hart C2000 Evo's w/Pirelli P7000's, V1 hardwired
- Polk Momo 12" sub w/Precision Power amp, AudioControl Epicenter

1coolcat

You'll definitely have a stiffer ride with an 18" and a much greater chance of bending the wheel since your profile will be lower.
One good pothole can destroy your rim(s).

On the other hand the car will look and handle better, it's all about pros & cons...

Personally I wouldn't go to an 18" since a lot of NJ/NY roads are horrible and the wheels wouldn't last a month. Plus I'd be sacrificing the luxury ride.

I'd go with the BBX RX and a 225/45/17 high performance tire, you will definitely get better handling. Hope this helps...

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Sundance Gold Acura 3.2CL Type S
Spoiler
Navi
Polarg M-4 B1 Hybrid road lamps
35% tint
Air horn
Remote Starter

ruvz

The BBS RX at 18" is a great choice...I think it is clearly worth the extra money. You weren't thinking of installing the stock tires on the 17" rims were you?? (Defeats the purpose of the upgrade)..




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RUVZ
01' 3.2CL Type S - Satin Silver - Polarg M6 roadlamps

Al Uminum

Thank you for your input. It's exactly what I was looking for especially as the observations are about ride quality. While not clear in my post I do have the car swayed and lowered, love it, and advise all to do it without any fear of compromising ride quality. In fact my car is still so quiet that I cannot remember the stock ride except for unacceptable body roll. But I do believe that by plus sizing to 18" and thus using a lower profile tire will cause too much sacrifice in ride comfort. Actually I'm not sure that say an 18 x 8 size wouldn't cause rubbing on a lowered CLS.

Btw I must be lucky because except for trips into NYC, where the potholes are heroinhole sized, I almost never hit them when driving. But then again I tend to drive out to the west.

Thanks again
Rob

synth19

I think the RX in 18's are sweet! I was really considering them before I got my rims, I just liked mine a little but better. The RX's are featured on the Comptech CLS! www.comptechusa.com The ones they have on their site are 18x8, no rubbing at all! I asked Mike B from comptech, he said the owner of that CL has had no problems.... I think the tires were 225/40/18

g

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'01 Silver TYPE-S (navi)

• Spoiler
• Comptech Springs
• 18"ADR Enigma & 225/40
• 35%tint all around
• Polarg M-6
• Xephyr CAI
• Comptech Headers
• Comptech Sways
• Denso Iridium Plugs

Click here for pics of my CL!

soopa

Youre not gonna lose MUCH ride quality with 18's

And your certainly not gonna break them easily if you buy a decent brand.

Youll still have a good amount of air between the pavement and the wheel.

I never hear of people ruining 18's unless they buy Konigs or some crap.

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2001 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S
San Marino Red (Navigation)
PIAA 19173 Ion Yellow Fogs • Valentine 1 • Xephyr CAI

"Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. That's relativity." -Albert Einstein