Just spent a couple of frustrating days trying to figure out a tire/wheel combination for my '99 TL (stock suspension). After reading all the posts, plotting out each offsets/tire width, I finally decided on a set of SSR GT1 17x7.5 +48, with Yoko AVS db in 235/45/17. I'll know in a couple of days if I'll have a new set of tires for sale... :-)

Anyway, just wants to share a few observations:

- While the "unloaded" height of the 205/60/16 tire is ~26", it is really no taller than 24.5" once the weight of the car is on the tire. So immediately, Tire Rack's guideline to select the "correct" tire diameter just goes out the window. I just wish they don't keep talking down to you when you disagree with what their book recommends. Smaller tire diameter affecting ignition timing, emission, etc.? I *wish* the computer in the TL is *that* smart...

- I've noted conflicting posts with people using wheels that are within 2 - 3 mm of each other, but some are reporting rubbing with 225's but others (running as large as a 245) does not. Assuming all of these wheels are of a reasonable offset (at least +45), I can't imagine how a couple of mm one way or another could make such a big difference in result. Then I realized that some of you are riding on slammed suspension while others are only midly lowered (or not lowered at all). Also, many people who complains about "rubbing" never indicated if it was simply a case of the bumper tab rubbing the tires, or a full blown fender-bending rub. Looking at my plots, I would suspect 90% of people who complained about rubbing only had a problem with the bumper tab.

Before getting off my soap box, I do have a question for you guys: Does the rear wheels on the TL tucks upward in an arc or straight up? When I'm under the car, I noticed the stock 205/60/16 on +55 stock wheels would have only 1 - 2 mm of clearance between the inside fender lip and the widest part of the tire if it is to tuck straight up as part of natural suspension travel. I'm pretty sure the tire/wheel doesn't go straight up because it would be impossible to even fit a 215 tire on the same wheel. I'm just curious how much of an arc (wheels goes from 0 camber to negative camber) as the tire/wheels moves upward.

Now to find a way to tuck a set of 24's under the Lightning... :-)