HOCKEYMAN23

Hey guys, sorry if this topic has already been discussed, but I'm having trouble finding other threads with the info I'm looking for.

I'm getting REALLY close to buying some aftermarket rims for the ride, and the more I look at pics around here and other places, the more I'm getting sold on 19's. That said, I have a question for you guys. Should I go 18" or 19"? The wheels that are first on my list of choices are the TSW Cadwell, which have a 1.75" lip, both on 18x8 & 19x8 (+40 offset)

Main thing I am looking for input on is ride comfort being similar to stock. A couple things that may help with the answers...I'm not going to drop the car (although the 06 stock suspension looks low already, which is cool), I am planning on keeping the wheels on year round (probably), I don't drive crazy but I like to punch it every now and again, and I live in an area where the roads can get a little sketchy at times with dips, bumps, etc. (denver, co). Any and all input on both sides is appreciated. Thanks a lot guys.

trojanman10984

iTrader: (1)

ive had both 18's and 19's and there isnt much of a difference between the two....18's will look small unless they are full faced wheels which yours wont be since you want some with a 1.75" lip to them...but goin with bigger wheels and you not lowering the car your gunna look like a 4x4 lol

and i prob would not recommend keeping them on all year long if your gunna spend a couple grand on wheels seeing that you live in denver...i woudl keep the stockers and put them on in the winter time!

so i say go with 19's and get a minor 1inch drop to retain the stock height look

808origin-al

just go with 19!!!

djbonsu

iTrader: (3)

19 INCHES FTW! ride quality is pretty decent to me. its all about personal preferance tho. i went come from the 17" stocks to the 19" and look the look and the ride. but i am also a tad bit lower and on stiffer shocks as well. my $.02

jimsta

iTrader: (1)

IF you getting lipped rims, go for 19s. i just got my 18s on...they have a 2" lip and they look like 17s...but ahhh well... I prefer me not banging them up to NYC potholes.

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

I didnt feel much diff from 17-19". Large bumps, bad RR tracks is when I feel a real diff.


Get 19's for sure.

Ramrodthrusterpuppy

I had asked this very question about this time last year when I was looking for wheels. Here's the thread with responses....hope this helps ya out.

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-tires-wheels-suspension-97/pros-cons-18-vs-19-wheels-636319/

HOCKEYMAN23

Thanks for the threadlink Ramrod, and for everyone else's input. That just helped me decide. I'm scrapping the idea of the TSW's (lip + 18" looks smaller) and going with 18" liquid graphite RJ Legends instead and 245/40/18 tires. Gonna cost me a bit more, but it will be worth it. Those are SICK! Now it's just a question of when to pull the trigger on them...

p.diddy

iTrader: (3)

go with the 19's

jchcmax

I'd stick with 18s. You'll have more rubber on the sidewall for comfort and, in most cases, the 18s will be a lighter wheel than the 19s.

luckyAKAhappy

Closest to stock ride will be 18's. 19's with it's lower profile sidewalls will be really stiff and offer less rim protection. Don't let people tell you otherwise. Too bad you can't "test drive" wheels and tires. LOL.

Jesstzn

I have had stock 17s . 18 x 8 and now 19s and the ride difference between the 18s & 19 is minimal.

To the OP .. DON'T run your new wheels year round if Denver uses any amount of salt/sand on the road. If you do you'll be in the detail forum come spring looking on how to repair them unless you have them well protected and can wash them weekly.

luckyAKAhappy

17 to 18, minimal difference.
18 to 19, minimal difference.

17 to 19, big difference in ride quality in all but the smoothest roads.

Swap your 19's for stock 17's and tell me there is very little difference.

Or maybe it's just me and my old age.

Now, if the OP was going strictly for looks, go with 19's and a lowered stance.

Jesstzn

I just did .. 2 weeks ago .. I run my 17s with winters. Yes there is a difference ... not as radical as some seem to post .. 19s have 235/35/19 General Exclaims on them.

BUT you do loose some protection from pot holes.

luckyAKAhappy

I put on 19's after seeing so many beautiful TL's here with 19's, only to hate the ride quality and went to 18's. Luckily, it didn't cost me anything since the wheels were from a friend who went back to stock. Gave the wheels back to him.

Maybe the tire has a lot to do with it as well. Maybe spending extra on better tires will be more comfy.

If I wasn't living in NJ/NYC area, and lived in Florida or someplace where the roads were buttery smooth for the most part...I would get 19's.

jmkiang

iTrader: (5)

Ride comfort wise, I haven't noticed a huge difference. Just watch out for those potholes when running 19s!

Then again, I'm on a pretty stiff suspension so its bumpy even on stockies!

Ramrodthrusterpuppy

Tires with a stiffer sidewall will ride harsh. Tire choice has as much an effect (or more) on ride as wheel diameter.

HOCKEYMAN23

I'm going for looks, but also trying to keep ride comfort, and performance pretty constant. I think I've decided on the 18" liquid graphite RJ legends. They look sick and appear definitely bigger than they are. 245/40/18 is definitely the way to go huh? And I would care for these wheels meticulously, just have to determine if I really need to sell the stock wheels/michelin pilot sport a/s to absorb some of the cost of the new setup (figure I could get about $800-1000, tires are basically new, rims have only one very minor scuff on the edge of one of them).

BukvaMan

i have the same setup except mine is a NBP TL and i love them.

Ramrodthrusterpuppy

If you live in a climate that has any signifigant snowfall and/or and extended Winter (and in Denver, I'm assuming that you do), I would strongly recommend keeping your OEM 17" wheels, selling the tires that are on them now (if they are any good) and getting a good set of dedicated snow tires for the Winter..
UHP AS tires are useless in snow with any signifigant accumulation, IMO...I would not run them in Winter. Plus you save your nice RJs from the elements and your Summer tires last longer as well.

shulmanater

I'm literally on cusp of throwing the tsw cadwell gunmetal 18" 's on my base 04 TL, originally looked into a tsw wheel specifically to ride a tougher rim and have the bulk of the rim detail set back to avoid curbside destruction,,, my opinion,,, i can always pay for a rim fix if i jam up the lip, any thoughts,, any thoughts to mess with suspension??

Hacura

I've never been able to find a TL with 19's running a 40 tire. That would offer more support but it seems like no one does it and I've always wondered about it. I'd think if you can run a 20" with 35's, why couldn't you run a 19" with 40's?

Mr Prom

i have 19's.. i havent lowered it yet... what springs would be good to have for both stocks and 19's?... because i wanna get some stocks for the winter