javamanbill

I've been prowling this sight for the better part of two years now and have been so jealous of all your modified rides. I've been waiting for my POS Bridgestone's ELS's to wear out and they did on schedule....13,000 miles. I obviously don't drive much. Anyway, the fact that they wore out was a great opportunity to upgrade the tires and wheels. I bought the Stern's at Elementwheels.com (Robert @ element is great!). Make sure you ask for the centering rings. After I purchased them I found a posting that indicated they wouldn't fit over the Brembo's so I was awful worried. That person bought the 45MM offset and Element set me up with the 38MM offset wheel....it fits just fine just clearing the Brembos without spacers. I also took this opportunity to get a Comptech RSB installed as well as the A-Spec body kit. I so love the new look. Questions below the pictures.





I took the outdoor picture last night as the sun was setting so its not the best and the camera's flash didn't help. I'll be taking a lot of pictures this weekend and posting in the Pictures gallery. Questions I have:

1. I always thought I would lower it an inch or so but it looks pretty tight without. What do you guys think?

2. I'm very impressed with the "feel" so far...I thought the ride would be harsher with 19" versus the stock 17" that I had previously. The Nitto 555 Extreme's I wrapped the wheels in seem much smoother than the Bridgestones. I'm guessing this is due to the fact that I've been used to the Bridgestones with little or no tread left. What do you guys think?

Anyway, sorry about the windy post and hope you guys liked the pics. More to come this weekend as I'm planning on installing Supercomputer's racing pedals.

special-ed

first!!!

Looks good. Now drop it like it's hot!

2point3

I have the 20's in the 38 mm offset and they would not clear my brembo's it not fair.

ed99

X2

javamanbill

Sorry to here your 20s didn't fit. I did notice that on page 3 of the "New Wheel/Tire specs thread with pics" thread on page 3 that Fan_888 has 20's on his car without spacers but he doesn't mention the offset. It looks hot though.

As for the drop Ed...still thinking about it. Maybe its just me, but it doesn't look like I have much room to drop and the last thing I want to do is rub. Anyway, I'll get some better pictures out there that show the gap. It probably looks like to the Grand Canyon to all of you with 1"+ plus drops!

I got the racing pedals on last night so I'll have to get some pics of those...what a pain in the ass that was until I borrowed the right tool from my neighbor. Just waiting for it to warm up today to wash the car...its going to be beautiful.

2point3

I think he has spacers I have the exact same wheel as him.

blacktl06

more pics please!

javamanbill

Washed it this weekend. Posted more pictures in the photography gallery:

https://acurazine.com/forums/car-talk-5/nice-deals-ebay-154421/

gtagle

Hi there ! I'm getting the Stern ST-3 also for my 2004 TL (automatic) and I was wondering if I could still use my OEM nuts for this rims or I need to get a differrent sets. Did you install one of those hub rings too?
here's what I'm ordering 19x8.5 45mm offset with 245/35/19 Falken 452

Thank you !

billinohio

anyone seen the sterns in hyperblack? Salesman said they look bright in sunlight and darker in the evening. he said they are like shadowed in black.

javamanbill

I also had to get hub-centric rings...they fit perfect. I ended up getting locking lock nuts all the way around...need the key for every nut. You should be able to use your OEM nugs though. I don't see any Stern St-3's? Look forward to seeing them on your car.

cantl88

Hey Javamanbill,

Have you experienced any issues with rubbing so far? I was also looking at getting a set of Stern's ST7 which are 19X8.5 and the shop owner suggested I go with a 235 width tire rather than a 245 width tire because of rubbing issues. The rims would be 38 offset also.

thanks for any feedback that you can give me.

triton3k

definately looks good.
A drop will definately make it look great.

Slammed_JDM

go with the 235 and drop it like its hot. u wont have any problems after u row ur fenders.

javamanbill

I have not noticed any rubbing...I think I have plenty of clearance. Will be tighter if and when I drop it. A lot of people run 245s with a 8.5" wheel.

cantl88

Sounds good...keep us posted if it indeed rubs or not when you lower it.

Appreciate it

gtagle

Thanks Javamanbil !
Got my Stern St-1 Hyper silver 19x8.5 (45mm) with Kumho 245/35/19 from Elementwheels.com (Robert) yesterday and installed them last night and it looks good. My 2004 TL (AT) now looks sooo BAD. I will try to post pics this weekend.
So far here are my mods that I have done and for future too.

AEM CAI - installed it myself
COMPTECH SWAY BAR - installed it myself
ASPEC FRONT AND REAR SPOILER - installed it myself (Side Skirt - this summer)
AEM billet oil cap - definitely installed it myself
Carbon Fiber e-brake handle - Yep !
Aspec badge (wanna be) -
Window Tint ( this summer )
Tein springs or coilover - (undecided)

Very thankfull to all of you guys for all the information on this site and without a doubt helps me a lot upgarding my TL !