new wheels

[sniper27]

So I was going back and forth on whether to go OEM 18s or 19s. Finally decided on OEM sport 18s. The roads in L.A. simply aren't that great and one of the main reason I bought this car was for comfort, compared to my Audi, which with the wheels and suspension, was giving me a headache and making my gf carsick

Minor change but world of difference from the stock 17s. Although I can totally feel the harsher ride and increased noise, I blame it on the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A. I will be looking for more quiet and comfortable tires once these wear down.

Excuse the phone camera pics and the dirty car. We got a little drizzle this morning.

before:

after:

[zozoka1212]

Looking good.

What did you do with the original tires?

[sniper27]

thanks...original wheels and tires are sitting in the garage. trying to see if i can sell them. i don't forsee i ever needing them again.

[EvilPanda]

looks good bro.

you havent put your plates yet?

[sniper27]

nah...i'll get to it eventually. lol. My Audi had Rusnak dealer plates on it for 2 yrs.

[terrycs]

How much did the wheels cost?

[audtatious]

Sweet. Did you use the properly staggered tire or use the same size all around?

[SVTCOBRA]

They look good!
Would like to get those, but like the ride of the 17's and the choices/prices of replacement tires.

[sniper27]

I got the staggered setup. I agree, the ride of the 17s is noticeably better. I'm glad I didn't go with the 19s. Not liking the road noise of the Bridgestone Potenza RE050A.

[audtatious]

Road noise will get worse with the RE050A's. I replaced mine at 31k miles and they roared like hell.

[sniper27]

wow, you got 31k miles from the RE050A? that's pretty good. although i would hate to have to wait that long to get new quieter tires.

[zozoka1212]

hahaha I usually get half out of the tires.

[audtatious]

wow, you got 31k miles from the RE050A? that's pretty good. although i would hate to have to wait that long to get new quieter tires.

I probably could have gotten 40k+ out of them if the fronts had not had a feathering issue.

[sniper27]

What? That's amazing. And their treadwear rating is only 140. I would expect no more than 20k miles on them.

[audtatious]

Yeah. 80% of my mileage is highway which makes a difference.

[Tim30250]

I guess you weren't kidding when you posted last week that you were looking to get a set of the sport 18s also. Well, they look great. I also got the RE050A, and agree that they are loud and harsh, although they do handle very well. I picked up my wheels and tires used as a package (for a killer deal) and fortunately my tires only have about 50% tread remaining so I should be able to get a new set next year sometime.

Again, excellent choice. I'm a huge fan of these wheels as they are somewhat rare and really make the car look much sportier than the rather bland 17s that come on all the non-sport models.

[sniper27]

ya, the base 17s does nothing for me. although the overall diameter is the same, these 18s makes the car look so much beefier and more muscular. one of the best OEM wheels I've seen. the new style sport 18s are blah.

[Tim30250]

They look good!
Would like to get those, but like the ride of the 17's and the choices/prices of replacement tires.

You would not really compromise a lot of ride comfort with 18s if you select the right tire. Bridgestones are known for their very stiff sidewall and subsequent harsh-ish ride. On my BMW I am running Michelins with a softer sidewall and using 225/45 up front and 245/40 in the rear, short sidewall, yet my ride is VERY comfortable. A set of 4 really good high performance tires can be had for the 18s through discount online retailers for around $600.. not too crazy IMO.

[sniper27]

probably get some Hankook V12s. i hear those are good stuff and very quiet and comfortable. also might consider Continental DWS...but those are pricier.

[audtatious]

I have Hankook Ventus V4 S2's on the sedan and V12's on the coupe.

[sniper27]

and what are your impressions of the V12?

[SVTCOBRA]

probably get some Hankook V12s. i hear those are good stuff and very quiet and comfortable. also might consider Continental DWS...but those are pricier.

I put the DWS's on my coupe. So far, they've been very quiet. THey seem to be good in dry/wet conditions, but have a softer side wall than the Yoko S-Drives (Summer only) that they replaced. Hoping they do better in the snow that the S-Drives did....even though I really don't have to drive it in the snow.... I work from home when that happens.

Recently replaced my daughters Yoko Avid S4 with Yoko Avid ENVigor on her 00 MAX. Her other Avids did great for her in the snow in the NC mountains and these ENVigors are supposed to be even better.
Have a co-worker that put them on his G37 Coupe and has been pleased.

[audtatious]

and what are your impressions of the V12?

Pretty good. I do seem to have one tire that stays out of balance as compared to the factory set. They are quiet and handle well. Wet traction is good and I'm sure there is no traction in the snow with the V12's. Hell, the V4's suck in snow too (I was told they were all-season which they really aren't).

[sniper27]

Snow is not an issue for me since we don't get any here in S. Cal What I really want is a quiet and comfortable tire. Not too stiff with a harsh ride.

SVTCOBRA - how are the Yoko S-Drives? I've been looking at those as well.

[SVTCOBRA]

SVTCOBRA - how are the Yoko S-Drives? I've been looking at those as well.

They were great!!! In dry and wet!!!! Snow = no go.
ONly went with the DWS for more of an A/S tire that would go in snow some.
Also, should get more miles out of the Conti's.