Guys, I need some help getting the right wheel and tire combo thats not going to give me back problems if you know what i mean. I am also thinking of lowering my ride about an inch. I really like the way my stock TL-S rides now but I don't like the wheel gap and the handling needs to be dialed up a notch. I would like to get one of the following wheels:
Gianelle 5-Twin 18" by 7.5" in chrome (42 offset I think)

http://www.belletire.com/wheels/gianelle.html

or

Lowenhart LD1 18" by 7.5"; 19" by 8" in Machine (45 offset I guess)
http://www.autoaddictions.com/lowenhart.htm

Which do you guys prefer?

Is it true that 18's and 45 series tires do not fit the TL-S? That's what a rim shop told me today. I was thinking that some 18's with 45 series would provide the best combination of comfort and handling. My friend just put some 18" DaatWheels DA58's on 40 series (35 offset) http://www.daatwheels.com/wheels.html and his TL-S wheel gap seem to have grown larger.

Also, for those of you with 19's, how long of a life are you getting out of your 35 series tires? I drive 20 miles oneway to work everyday so good tire wear is a must.

Any feed back would be greatly appreciated! Thank you inadvance.

Bytheway, Mr. Hyde and Songoku I like your rides very much! How comfortable is the ride for everyday driving?

 

lowenhart ld1, pricey but one of my favorite wheels, i would definately go with them. also you want at least +45 offset w/ out rubbing w/ 18's and +48 for 19's

 

actually, offset does not involve rim diameter (if you understand the definition) so you need to mention rim widths instead. those combos you listed will probably rub somewhat. i have 18x7.5s with a 42 offset, 225/40 tires and an eibach prokit drop, and i rubbed until i trimmed some of the rear bumper (please note i am also camber corrected in the rear so that probably required me to trim there). i also put a a friend's 19x8 wheels with a 45 offset and 235/35 tires, and it rubbed front and back. so as you can see, both setups pretty much need a higher offset so they will mount deeper into the wheel well. basically, 7.5s should get at least a 45 and at least 50 on 8s. 235/35/19 is the closest to stock rolling diameter and is a standard size, so tire prices aren't outrageous. as for the 18s, 225/45 is the closest to the stock rolling diameter but pretty uncommon. you usually pay more and since it's slightly larger than a 40 series tire (it might bulge more), you might want to consider the higher offsets. btw, the twinz come in a 43 offset for the 18x7.5 wheel and you can probably find a better offset on the ld1 (like songoku).

 

IMHO, the Lowenhart LD1's are way sweet...
Since I've got a bad habit of bending wheels, I've got cheapo ICW's that are light, cheap and purrrrrrty...
18x7.5 w/ 39 offset at 225/40/18 Maxxis...I drive the shi+ out of the car, and the Maxxis tires with a 280 tread rating will only last about 27k miles...
I have Comptech springs that got rid of the wheel-well gap...

Good luck!

 

A 100 views and only 3 replies....what's up wit dat?

Thanks for the feed back guys!
I'm going to save up some etra change and get the LD1's since they have an higher off set, I'm still not sure if it will be the 18's or 19's. I'm also going with prokit springs to lower the ride, I hear their progressive rate springs.