SpecialFX

Inaccurate,
Haven't had a chance to try WOT yet. I rarely do. It's an AT so I don't see much point in nailing it. If it was a 6MT that would be different. I noticed a bit more hum on the highway, but when I checked the pressure they had put 42PSI in 'em. Way to go guys. I dropped to 33 all around (I always go 1 or 2 over) and they noise is just about gone. They're certainly no noisier than the old tires.

The shop (STS in case anyone cares) did not give me a hard time about the size. They mentioned that they were significantly larger than stock but that's about it. Got the tires for $145 each, total.

We'll see how they do in the winter. Even though they are wider I don't expect them to be worse that the EL42s. I didn't have too much trouble with them in the winter. They only went through one winter.

To me the TL could take even wider tires, at least in back. I know people jump up and down over staggered setups on FWD, and I agree it is silly. But it would look great IMHO.

Anyway, I'm happy with the choice and would recommend the larger size. I would also recommend the Toyo Proxes 4s, but it's still early.

Inaccurate

SpecialFX,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Glad to hear that the tire shop didn't give you a hard time. Glad too that you like the new look !!!

ubnpast

How wide is the contact patch? Post a pic with a ruler going across the tire. I dont know why, but my 235 BFG's look wider.

coykiam

wow..first of all thanx to Inaccurate for starting this thread..VERY VERY Informative. I just went thru 5 pages reading the whole thing on how it made the TL look great and "improved" handling, although a couple of post concerning safety issues. Keep those updates coming guys You guys are such great assets to this great forum!

mmanuel09

Hey Special FX. Do you have any pics of your car with the 255/40/17 toyos? I just put 245/45/17 in Toyo's and love the tires and the look. Really interested in seeing what yours looks like.

SpecialFX

I haven't taken any yet. I meant to but the car was so dirty I would be embarrassed. I plan to in the next couple of days and I'll try to post them when I do. I really like the look. I doubt it's too far from the 245's but it looks pretty aggressive.

jfitzoz

PHOTOS PLEASE!

ubnpast

still waiting on pics with a ruler in them to show how wide the tire is...

ocwill1

I put on 35 inch tires on my 2003 Dodge 4x4 truck (going up from 31's) a couple of years ago and all I did was go to local dealer and gave them the RPM's from the manufacturer (Pro Comp) and they retuned the computer so it would be calibrated correctly with the new tire size.. I am going to assume that Acura will do the same.

ocwill1

ubnpast

Your truck would have less miles on it if you didnt calibrate it

Nautica91

Quick question, what would the difference in rim protection be between the 245 and 255?

Inaccurate

Wow, tough question. I speculate that the 255 (compared to the 245) would offer 1/16 inch to 1/8 inch more rubber protruding from the rim's lip (as measured in this fashion shown in the pic below). Remember, I really don't know....just guessing.

By the way, this is a pic of my 255 on the oem rim.

A-TLvic882

I see different numbers

just

A-TLvic882

You can compare any tires - http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp

BEAR-AvHistory

Quick question, is the hassle of going over the allowable rim size worth 4 tenths of an inch more rubber on the ground or is it all about looks?

Wouldn't 245/40/17's make more sense for a performance application?

Inaccurate

BEAR-AvHistory,

I originally was motivated by appearance. At the time, I had my TL for just a few months. I "picked up" a large nail in one of my oem tires. I knew that it would probably not be repairable. So, this was the golden oppurutuinity to get rid of those oem tires.

I disliked those oem size tires from Day One !!!! I knew I wanted something wider. I had, at first, thought of getting the 245's. Then, I got brave and attempted the 255's. Damn glad I did. STILL LOVE MY 255/40's !!! 10,000 miles later, my 255's look great... no unusual wear.

After getting the 255's, I then discovered the other benefits listed in my Top 10 Listing.

<<worth 4 tenths of an inch more rubber on the ground or is it all about looks?>> Wow, I don't know how to answer this question. It is up to the beholder...You. Like I said, I think it is DAMN WELL worth for the reasons I already listed in the TOP 10. Yea, in the beginning it was about looks. But, now that I know the other benefits...well, can you say "icing on the cake" !!!!

<<Wouldn't 245/40/17's make more sense for a performance application?>> Yes, I have been thinking about this too. When I need to replace my 255's, do I want to try 245/40's for even more effective gear ratio ??? I am tempted. But, I also love the look of the wider 255/40. So, I will probably stick with the 255/40's for a compromise between looks and performance. If you are mainly concerned in just perfomance from the lower effective gear ratio, try the 245/40's. I think that it would work great. Just be aware that some poeple might notice the larger gap between your wheel well and the smaller diameter tire.

BEAR-AvHistory

Thanks for your input. I still have a good bit of millage on the factory optional performance tires so for now I will watch for threads such as this for when replacement time comes.

One thing on the fender lip gap, the 255 is one quater of an inch taller then the 245's so it should not really be much of a factor.

BTW has anyone looked at the fit on a 245/45/17 which has a slightly larger diameter then the stock tire?

Inaccurate

<<BTW has anyone looked at the fit on a 245/45/17 which has a slightly larger diameter then the stock tire?>>

The 245/45x17 is the most commonly choosen tire size for those that want more rim protection for the oem rims.

For more info, do a search under this "Tires. Wheels &Suspension" section. Do a search for the term "245/45*" (include the asterick* but not the double qoutes")

I hate cars

So, I guess the next logical question is what about 265/40s? I put it into the tire size calculator and the difference in diameter is .08" or 25.32" vs 25.34". Not enough to matter so my next question is just how much clearance do the people with 255s have and would the extra .4" rub? What's the stock rim width? I'm going shopping very soon.

I hate cars

Oops... I meant .08% not inches.

jgannon87

So, we have heard a lot from Inaccurate, which I appreciate. But, how are the rest of you doing with your 255/40s on stock rims?

I just ordered some, but now I am worried about the rim width issue. Goodyear clearly states on their site that the min rim width is 8.5. Strangely, the guy at Discount Tire told me that the 255s fit on 8 per his specs.

Is this a safety issue or just a wear issue, I need to get 28k miles before I turn my TL in on its lease.

Should I call back and get the 245s? I saw some today on a Mercedes and they look plenty wide enough. I don't need my wheels to look excessively wide if you know what I mean.

I hate cars

If the stock rims are 8", you will have no issues with 255s. Wouldn't go any wider and that answers my question about the 265s a couple posts above.

Inaccurate

I hate cars,

The factory rim is 8 inches wide. The 255/40's "need" a 8.5 inch minimuim width. So, with the 255, we are pushing the rules already.

But, who am I to say not to try the 265's ??? Hell, if I listened to most people here, I would never had tried the 255's.

But, if you are asking me based upon my experience with the 255's, I would recommend NOT doing the 265. The 265 would likely work, but I can NOT honestly recommend it. If you are really set on trying 265, then give them a try. Just make sure the tire shop has a return policy for tires that have been driven on for a few miles (just in case you find that you don't like the 265).

You asked about clearance. There is a bucket-load of clearance around the fenders. I feel very confidendant that you will have NO clearance issues with the 265/40x17 size using the oem rims. The tightest area is shown in the pic below with the red arrow. This is the area along the back of the front tire. With my 255, I still have enough room to put my finger between the knuckle arm and the tire. So, I am speculating that there is enough room for the 265.

Inaccurate

This seems like a good time to give a quick update -

I have had my Goodyear Eagle F1-D3 (size 255/40ZR17) for 7 months and 8,000 miles.

The tires have NO WEAR, not to mention NO unusual wear. (for those certain individuals: I am refering to perceivable wear).

My tires are still much smoother and more quite than the oem tires. Still handles EXCELLENT. Still tracks straight with no pulling to the side at any speed. Still inspires confiedance the many times I have had it to 100 MPH in tight rush-hour traffic. Still handles great (tracks beutifully) around turns doing 80-100 MPH. (not to say that 100 MPH is the tire's limit... but it is my limit because I have a wife that needs me).

I STILL LOVES THESE TIRES AND THIS 255/40ZR17 TIRE SIZE.


And, of couse, my trademark... STILL LOVE THE

I hate cars

Thank you for the info! Knowing that the stock rims are only 8" now, I won't be trying the 265s. I've run that size on an 8" rim on my other car and had to increase pressure a lot to keep even wear across the tire. I don't drive the TL hard anyway but was just thinking of the possible accident avoidance with a good (and larger) tire. Besides, dare I say for the looks too... On my other car I chose a 9" rim for the front 255s and 11" for the 315s and they fit very nicely.

jgannon87

I stopped in to talk with the guy at Discount Tire in Grapevine, TX.

The Goodyear site lists 8.5 inches as the min size for the 255/40 but the Acura fitment guide that Discount Tire uses says that 8 inches is fine. The Acura fitment guide also says that the 265 will fit on the stock rims for the 2004 TL.

I am sticking with my decision on the 255/40s.

Inaccurate

jgannon87,

I am happy that you stayed with the 255/40-17's . Are you getting the Goodyear F1 D3 model ? Hope you can get some pictures.... I can host the pics for you if needed.

2004 TL

Please tell me how to upload pictures and I will right away. I love these tires and the car looks awesome with new shoes. How do I upload pictures?

2004 TL

how do you up load pictures on this site? I am new to the forum.

Inaccurate

2004 TL,

Welcome to the "Team 255/40-17" Club !!!!!

You are Team 255/40-17 Member #8 !!!!!

I sent you a Private Message which includes my email address where you can send the pics, and I will get the pics displayed here for you.
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Here is our updated listing:

The "Team 255/40-17" Member List
-------------------------------------------------
Team 255/40-17 Member #1 = danno
Team 255/40-17 Member #2 = Inaccurate
Team 255/40-17 Member #3 = AaronB
Team 255/40-17 Member #4 = moregrip
Team 255/40-17 Member #5 = trfortin
Team 255/40-17 Member #6 = Don P
Team 255/40-17 Member #7 = SpecialFX
Team 255/40-17 Member #8 = 2004 TL

Inaccurate

Wow, I was reviewing the pics in this thread and found that many of the pics are missing because the individual's hosting accounts no longer exist.

This thread loses a lot of its meaning without the pics. So, I will copy and host (at my hosting service) a duplicate set of the pics whenever someone places pics in this thread.

In this way, this thread can be more meaningful for a longer period of time with the backup set of pics. I hate it when I find an interesting forum thread that is several years old, and the pics are no longer available.
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Here are the pics from Post #59 by AaronB on Page 3

Ernie Golfs

Thanks for reposting some of the pics again. I have saved some of the these to my computer, including some of your TL. I plan to put a set of 255/40/17 tires on my 06 TL when I wear out the 235/45/17 set.

darksom1

I am definitely getting some 255/40/17s!! Those tires and my '06 NBP 6MT will be perfect together! Thanks Inaccurate for all of the "411" on the tire size. Not sure when I will upgrade, but I can't wait to post my pics. My rims (you can see in my avatar on my '03 TL-S) are the same as the ones on AaronB's (think I spelled that right) whip so I can't wait!!!!!!!!!

Inaccurate

2004 TL,

Nicely done pictues !!! Thanks for allowing me to post the pics for you. The tires look G_R_E_A_T ! ! !

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Pictures of "2004 TL" Tires

2004 TL

Thanks so much for your help on the posting pictures!

2004 TL

test signature

2004 TL

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! It is a cold rain today in the Northeast which is a good test of the temp sensitivity in rain conditions. Besides the rediculous mist these tires kick up in the TL's wake, the traction is exellent! There is a very high level of traction in the wet conditions, and braking is close to that of dry roads. I conducted an impromptu braking test on an area with a smooth, newly paved road surface (in the rain) and from 60mph the car stopped about 20ft longer than that on a dry roadway. On the last set of tires the same test resulted in a stop that was about 35ft longer, so stopping traction is greatly improved! Lateral G-Forces are about the same, but interestingly I was able to create a .88 lateral on an off camber turn in the rain before a smooth break away that was very predictable. Part of that ability is clearly as a result of the RSB installed, and the tire pressures are set at 38lbs front and 35lbs rear. These tires are too new to really understand how well they perform since they have not heat soaked and cooled 20-25 times as all new tires should before you can safely test thier limits. Many people don't know this little improtant fact. Its just a little of my IMSA and SCCA old racing days popping up. The combination of the wider rubber, stiff sidewalls, proper alignment, correct tire pressures, and the RSB make this car act as if its weight distrobution is close to 50%-50%. I have read previously on this thread that some have tried to deflate the rear tires to have all of the tire in contact with the road surface, but in fact that is actually degrading the overall balance of the car and infact reducing cornering abilities. The way to test a tire properly would be in an empty parking lot when it is dry and in tempuratures above 55 degrees and the VSA disabled. You should be able to detect minor handling changes just with variations in tire pressure alone. I use a tire pressure gauge that is sensitive to 1/2 lbs increments.

I hope this was useful to all of you out there! I will make another report soon.

Actuary

I think this is good idea for sunshine states. In Canada wide footprint would suck.

Basit06TL

wow what a read! I have to admit that they do look much better then stock tires. Gives the car added personality.

Innacurate - Im thinking about switching to the 255/40 myself on the OEM rim. I don't know too much about tire size but I was looking to also lower the car enough to clear the gap between fender and tire. If I wanted a "thinner tire" which number represents that dimension? Is it the "40"? I will go with the 255 but don't know if i'll have rubbing issues with a drop.

Inaccurate

Basit06TL.



The 255 is the Width. The 40 is the "Section Height".

I doubt (speculation alert !!!) that the 255 tire would rub with a mild ride-hieght drop.