nhousepro

I know that everyone had posted specs and pics of there aftermarket wheels. But nobody has really talked about the difference in the actual feel of the aftermarket wheels as compared to the OEM wheels. So please, lets talk about it.
I'm in the market of buying 17" OEM Chrome or 19" chrome wheels...so my result will be from you guys telling your tales of the aftermarket wheels. I had 19 and 18's on my 98 Diamante and they killed the suspension. But I have a 06 TL that is built with a better suspension that can handle these types of wheels.
My only other hold up is that I have TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor System) and dont have enough information on the valve stem working with custom wheels. Maybe you can answer that also or I can post a trend on that subject.

Before I forget...do you have stress cracks from the low profile tires? Alot of times people only notice them when they rotate the tires.

havenlock

Well I can't speak for the TL but I've gone from 17" to 19" on my S4 and it was a lot harsher. Pretty much what you'd expect, I guess. Within a month I had bent 1 wheel but keep in mind I'm from Pittsbrugh where the roads are crap. That being said, 19's look much better IMO

260 HP

iTrader: (3)

I did go from 17 OEM to 19 Volks. The ride did change to harsher, more road noise and heavier. However, the change in ride wasn't that much though. IMO it's not something that you should worry about.

The theory is like this, smaller bumps, ripples are mainly absorbed by the tires and suspension bushings. The larger the road imperfections are, the more the springs and shocks come into play. So you'll feel more small bumps with 19" that you probably don't feel with your 17".

Meek32v6

iTrader: (7)

I've noticed that on my old cars though. I'm still into this modding thing so dont want the rims to big, heavy or the ride rough. That's why I'm not going any bigger than 18's right now...maybe bigger int he distant future when car paid off and maybe a kid...it will be more of a famliy car if I dont just get a new one or truck. But i have also been looking at 17's with nice tires because im upgading the brakes and suspension in spring and I like to do a little "spirited driving" here and there:P

J & M

for the most part it rides the same, there is a little difference but nothin major. I've had 19s on it for about a year now and love it

nhousepro

hey... send some pics...nice wheels

bronx02tl

Those wheels are real nice.....does anyone know what the proper offset is so that you can get enough tire against the edge of the rim so that it is somewhat protected....the roads in NY are horrible and I am looking to get a set of rims come the spring time. I want to get soemthing that is going to fit properly and not have the edge (lip) of the rim sticking out too much. Not sure what the right setup is, though...

neuronbob

TL Fitment Guide should help you here.

special-ed

19's or 18's my suggestion. 19's more for looks; 18's more for performance. 17's just don't fill the wheel well and seem out of place compared to the whole size of the vehicle IMO.

J & M

If you're looking for tire protection I suggest 18s because 19s with a 35 series tires has little protection again anything. looks damn good but be prepared to have a lot of curb rash

bronx02tl

I have more than my share of curb rash on my stock 17s right now....I can't imagine having 19s.

mind you I have also had a 2002 TL with 18X8 OZ Superleggeras and
a 2004 G35 Coupe with Staggered 18 NISMO LMGT4s...

I guess I am just a glutton for punishment

bronx02tl

Thanks....the 17" fitment on this site is stock, right?

nhousepro

What size do you have?

rondog

iTrader: (1)

your in the Bronx, huh. Come by the warehouse in yonkers and i'll show you what i got on my car. I'll take care of you if interested too, we got 19" in stock, both chrome and Silver Metallic with machine face.

special-ed

19's.....with 45 series tire to protect your rims from curb rash. No rubbing with my setup.

mrchoopa2u

i have to agree with J & M. I have the same exact wheels as him .... and there is not that much of a difference ...

Check out the link in my signature.

mrchoopa2u

J & M

MatterofTime

iTrader: (1)

Anyone have any pics of 18" aftermarket setup vs 19" setup. Just wanna see how much wheel well space is left with aftermarkedt 18".

tru_outkast

i'm new to dis forum. what about rims with deep lips? are there any available for TL? Or no?

(newbie)

Pete4757

I like that look. What are the rims if you don't mind me asking?

J & M

19" Foose Speedster's

CL Platano

There really isn't that much of a difference and you have to think about the suspension also. I have 18's with H&R and I think it's harsh, but my boy who has 20's on his 04 with a Eibach Pro Kit drop feels alot smoother than mine.

subinf

do you have the manual or auto tranny?

ACCURATEin

Generally the narrower the side wall the more you will feel the road irregularities.

A 45 series tire will provide more cushion compared to a 35 series tire.

Lowering the car will increase this effect.

johnny--2k

had mine for a week now. Love the look, ride is a bit harsher, and definitely noticeable in loss of acceleration.

PDX3.2TL

So far I haven't seen any 19" rubbers at a 45 series and the max you would ideally want to go with a 19" rim is a 40 series tire. I haven't even seen any 45 series 19" tires (not saying that they don't make them, just harder to find = $$$). 45 series would take a lot of "visual" size away from the rim as well...

As for the difference between a 16", 18", and 19" rim:

Stockers: felt like rolling on sponges. This should be one of your first upgrades if you are going for look...

19's: Turn response is excellent! The look is much better with a 35 series tire. The ride is harsh even with H & R Sports and quite noisy. I was running Proxy FZ4's (pre Proxy 4's). Handling is the benefit of these rims. You have to constantly be on the lookout for potholes though. I just bent one of my rims slightly on a "cliffhanger" of a pothole. Luckily it's still holding air! Axis Hiros running 225/35/19.

18's: Big diffrerence from the 19's. I'm running Konig Absolutes with 235/45/18 Pilot Sports. More kush than the 19's and a little slower on turn response but a much more comfortable ride. Bumps are noticeable but more more bareable than the 19's. Potholes are still not nice but much easier to tame. You can roll through most of them if you aren't going too fast. Still running running the H & R Sports.

Conclusion: Get 19's or 20's if you are running a 3rd gen. Make sure you are running a solid tire with a firm sidewall for example the Toyo T1R's. Search!!! There are enough people and information for you to see pictures and ask questions before you buy! You should upgrade your strut/spring setup while you are at it (you can do sways later). Make sure you get an alignment as soon as you dial in your height or your tires will be gone within 1.5 months due to camber wear. Lastly, expect road noise to be much higher! You are closer to the ground now rolling on "rubberbands" so do be surprised! Have fun and hope this helps.

nhousepro

As far as road noise in the 19" series, go with Falken St-115's. I had a set of 19's (Motegi) on my 98 Diamante and they were the most noise free tire I have ever owned. I'm Falkens all the way when it comes to custom wheels. They have the looks, the rim protection, road noise reduction and not as costly. But when it comes to potholes...you need to scan 12 seconds ahead!