love_removal_machine

I'm looking at ASA JH9 19" wheels from tire rack for my 06 RL. Acura dealership told me I'd have to buy new wheels to replace Pax tires as they don't make the tire anymore. The ASAs are a more simpler style, not guady, but sleek. I know I saw somebody's photos on here who had the exact same, I'm hoping they come across this posting and give me there thoughts. Overall, how well will these wheels ride with pirelli all seasons? I think 18"s are too close to the standard 17"s to really give it a fresh look.

love_removal_machine

wcoy, saw your image and remembered I saw your pics a while ago when I first started looking at wheels. if you wouldnt mind, could you post up some nice shots of those 19"s? if anyone who comes across this post can show wcoy the way over here, it'd be a good deed done. i need to get new wheel/tires soon and don't want to jump the gun without asking someone who has them a few question. thanks to all who see this.

Chas2

PAX Tires will be available for the forseeable future. Just look at the TRX tires. You can still get them. What Michelin has said is that they will discontinue development of new PAX products, but they will continue to manufacture tires to support the installed base, including the Audi A8, various Rolls Royce models, Bugatti Veyron, etc., and of course, more lowly models such as our car, the Honda Odyssey and the Nissan Quest.

That being said, if you expect to keep the RL awhile, it is definitely worthwhile considering purchasing new wheels and standard tire technology. The initial outlay for wheels and tires will be about the same, or more, as a new set of PAX tires. You save on the next set of tires.

With regard to the looks of the wheels and the choices of the tires, you cannot do anything with PAX, but you can with aftermarket wheels and tires.

With regard to the 19's, while it is true they look nice, trade off the fact that 19" rubber is much more expensive than the equivalent 18 inch rubber, and you have fewer choices of tire in 19 inch than you do in 18 inch. 18 inch wheels are equivalent in size to your 460mm PAX wheels. 19" wheels are about 1 inch larger in diameter.

Whatever you do, make sure you install TPMS in your new wheels.

Finally, remember that Acura does not sanction the switch from PAX because they cannot easily change the software. In a low pressure situation, the computer will tell you to limit your speed to 50 mph and 125 miles of driving distance...which could be a fatal error with non PAX tires...so just make sure whoever happens to be driving the originally equipped PAX car, now equipped with standard tires, understands that PAX is no longer installed and they should not follow the MID directions.

Chas2

PS,

You want to consider buying a spare tire. You can search on here...plenty has been written. Junk yard is way cheaper than new, probably around $100-200 vs $700 plus.

love_removal_machine

Thanx for your input chas, I do like the look of 19s on the rl, 18 seem a little normal still. I am totally unhappy with the 17s as there boring. Already priced out tires and have realized that there isn't too much of a difference between 18s and 19s, at least in what I'm looking for. Also, the price is right for the asa's. Add the tires and the whole package evens out to what i'd do for 18s w/ tires. I'm still guna research 18s more tho. What size wheel are you riding on?

Chas2

19x8.5 on 255/40-19 Yoko Advans because there were very few 245/40-19's at the time.

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

Sorry for the stupid question but what's PAX tire

rtr

18"feel the best over all . I use the ASA for my snow tires x-ice on 18" and 19" for the summer but if i baught rims over again i would get some really nice 18" and good tires

Chas2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelin_PAX_System

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

Thank you.

love_removal_machine

chas, how did the tpms work out for you when you switched to 19"s? any problems as far as the sensors going off?

Chas2

No issues. So long as they are a compatible part number, you put them on and within a mile of driving they are synchronized with the car. There are at least 6 TPMS sensors being used with Acura and Hondas over the last few years, so make sure you have the correct part. If you are getting from Tire Rack or similar reputable place, you should be OK. No reset or anything needed, just mount and drive.

Now if you do not install sensors, I believe that to be a mistake. The alarms will drive you crazy. Also remember the car will think you still have PAX on, so warning instructions in a flat situation are incorrect.

Your other benefit will be your wheels and tires will likely be much lighter than the PAX units. You will feel a huge difference (I lost 92 lbs total unsprung weight) and understand why light weight wheels make such a difference in handling, and why people seek out lightweight forged wheels.

ASA JH-9s are not particularly light at 30 lbs, but assuming a 28 lb tire, you will be at 58 lbs, which is a lot lighter than the 75 lbs for each PAX unit. You will lose 68 lbs of unsprung, rotating weight! Enjoy!

love_removal_machine

thanks so much. that relieves so much worry! i'm going to grab the wheels then. you've been a big help.

wcoy

Go with the 19" for sure, sorry been in Nashville for all the flooding. Take a look at my profile if you want to see some pictures. The TPMS from tire rack worked fine, sync'd right up.

love_removal_machine

wcoy, thanks for getting involved. I only registered a few days ago so i have to wait before i can look at your profile. can you post some photos on here?

love_removal_machine

also wcoy, have you had anything regarding daily driving? I'm going to throw some Pirelli P6 all seaseon tires on. how's the sound, road harshness, etc?

wcoy

They look better in person too. I went with Kuhmo Ecsta SPT UHPS tires and put dedicated Dunlop Graspic DS3's on the OEM wheels. Love the Kuhmo's.

wcoy

It's very comparable to the stock ride. I live in pothole riddled Cleveland and my wife who loves a "smooth" ride and doesn't care about nice wheels doesn't notice a difference. The 255 width tires tend to grab imperfections in the road more but that's to be expected.