Just installed 18" ASA ST4's and ContiExtreme's 245/45/18Z on 05 RL. What a difference they make. Ride is not harsh at all. Car feels much more stable. Overall I think it's a very good deal for $1000.

 

Enjoy your new wheel.
My 04 TL had those rims. Because of the design, the wheels somehow look smaller than other 18"rims.

 

Thanks for delurking! You've made a great first post.

Those are really nice wheels....I love split-spoke designs in general, so I'm somewhat biased.

Now all you have to do is A-Spec and the handling will be even more planted.

 

Do these wheels fit without any mods, or are spacers required?

They look lighty sharp.

Rob144

 

No mods, no spacers. Fits perfectly.

 

Those wheels look great but I'll bet they are hard to keep clean with all of the dimples in them.

 

The fake rivets are dark color so if they are dirty, you rarely see it.

rmd3003,

Do not take your car to car wash place that has metal railings, it will scratch your rims.
I sold my rims/tires for $500.00 to someone here at acurazine when I traded in 04 TL for 07 RL.

 

It's probably off-topic, but why I can't edit my post?

 

I have the same wheels but with Potenza RE050A Pole Positions. I really like the look of the wheels and like you noticed, the car handles even better now with good performance tires. I noticed the biggest improvement in steering response as there doesn't seem to be any deadzone...well, it is so minor that it seems like it isn't there.

It is my opinion that anyone who has an RL and has the cash should upgrade to some good performance tires for the spring/summer/fall and (if they are in a snow area) some snow tires in the winter to really utilize this car's (non a-spec that is) built in performance.

Oh and my Potenzas have better traction in the rain than the crappy Michelin all seasons. Funny.

 

Time limit. IIRC it's five minutes.

 

I have to ask, where did you get wheels & tires for $1000?

 

Tirerack has the wheels for 110 each (closeout) and those tires he got are 131 each so bam, 964 before shipping.

 

Yes, Rob answered for me. $964 - that's the same price I would have to pay to install OEM Michelin HX MXM's on my 17" wheels. I decided to upgrade both wheels and tires instead.

 

What is the overall finish on the wheel? Is it polished, painted, or machined?

Rob144

 

Outer edge (about 1" wide) is polished/machined. Everything else is glossy like OEM wheels.

 

By the way, to save you time looks like Tirerack doesn't have them anymore. It shows "in stock" but if add to cart and try to checkout it shows them as not available..........

 

I had to debate for a long time chrome vs silver... 360 dollars difference but since I have a black car the chrome trims really shine and I decided to try the chrome instead... I finally had to decide as the rep on the phone told me there were only 4 of either left...

Just finished polishing them today and install is tomorrow...

Wanted to get those conti extreme's... had them in my old car and they're great, even in light snow... and for the price can't be beat... they do wear out a bit fast as well.. but so does all ultra perf tires...

but tirerack didn't have them in stock unless I paid extra to ship from east coast...

bottom line got the ST4's in chrome with the F1 goodyear all seasons. From my experience, the F1's don't last too long, but it was actually cheaper than Michelin's and the F1 has carbon fiber side walls.

Since I already know I'm going to regret buying a black car, might as well regret buying chrome rims... HAHAHA

 

Aaaaaaaa, now I now who's got last set of chromes. Probably beat me by few weeks..........

 

RMD3003

Your car actually looks better with the silver IMHO, blends in well with your paint color...

I'm glad I ordered it when I did then.... Although if the chrome was Out of stock it would have solved my indecision...

I just installed them today... took all of an hour to mount the four (by hand)...

Took it out for a spin and WOW... I don't know if it's the 18" rims or the F1 A/S tires but it grips the road like it was super glue... The F1 A/S treads were kinda soft to the touch.. high silica content or something... I guess that means they won't last long... hopefully at least 2 yrs...

Actually had more cornering stability than my 350z... I can't imagine how the A-spec suspension could make it better, would really love to find out unfortunately this is my wife's car... ride quality is more important to her....

Didn't notice any ride quality changes with the 18"s, maybe a tad bit more thump over the small expansion joints, but that's it so far...

Now I've been hearing to torque the lugs at 80lbs but the manual says 94.. so I used 94ftbls.... I guess as long as they're all equal that's what matters...

 

I've definitely noticed the ride is somewhat different... no longer as plush over bumps and joints but not jarring either (unlike a sportscar)

overall I think they should've come OEM in 18's and probably they would've sold more...

also these wheels are reasonably light and I wonder if that is part of the difference... anybody know how heavy the OEM ones are?

 

Yes, 18" should've been standard. ASA ST4's are 24.5 lbs - I'm sure they are lighter than OEM's.