vipvop

Ok Ive been reading the forums trying to learn more about rims / tires, but I have a couple of (basic) questions. Will the handling be different on a car with tires thar are 235 mm wide instead of 225 mm, or does it make any difference? Are bigger tires useful in any way besides looking better? Also, what do you need to keep in mind when getting new ones? thanks in advance...

StanMan

basically, it's about getting a wide enough rim/tire (more contact/grip) with a high enough offset (less rubbing)...both are particularly important if you lower your car!

woodhaywoods

Will bigger wheels get rid of the gap in the wheel well, or is lowering it the only way to do it?

StanMan

you don't want bigger tires! the other main issue is to get new rims and tires with the same rolling diameter as the stock ones, or as close as possible. doing so allows the speedo to post accurate speeds and not affect the ABS. this means the gap is unchanged so to reduce the gap, you will need to lower.

SimTypeS

Wider wheels will help with cornering, and acceleration (in ways). You will sacrifice rolling friction (slight mpg loss), you might not coast as far, and if you go too wide, you won't be able to accelerate as fast. But, about the widest you'll get on a TL is 8 inches, so no real worry about that. It will just grip better, and be more safe (my way of justifying it, haha).
Oh, and the lower the sidewall, the more the wheel gap "looks", so if you get bigger wheels with tires that have a low profile, you need to drrrrrrrop.

JPTLS03

Sounds like a stupid question, but can someone explain what the offset is? I'm gonna be getting 18's soon, but only for looks not for performance/handling. I'm looking at Neepers but there is alot of size choices. Another Q, does anyone know the spec on the stock type s wheels? rolloing diameter, offset, ect......?
If anyone can help I would really appreciate it, THANX!

Lawaia

Click here to find out more about wheel offset.
TL-s wheels are 17x6.5 +55 offset; CL-s wheels are 17x7 +55 offset. Rolling diameter remains the same for both at 25.5"

TopGum

click here for size comparisons

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

juniel

Vipvop,
Tires that have more plies on its tread and its sidewall are more durable and would mean more chances of surviving most road hazards at high speeds.
Other factors such as tread design, UTQG features are secondary to me.
It truly varies driver to driver.
I have Goodyear Eagle GT+4 sized P225/55R16 V tires on my 2000 TL
on stock wheels and these tires have 6 plies on the tread and 2 plies on the side wall. Its a heavy tire too compared to most tires.
juniel