I've noticed the pressure keeps going down on the driver's front tire on my 2003.5 5AT Sedan. There's a sizable gash in the sidewall - more of a chunk taken out. The tires are the stock Turenza 215/55/r17 and have 22,500 miles on them and the treads are showing some wear. I suppose if I have to replace one, it's about time to replace all? I'd like performace and treadwear better than the Turenzas, and perhaps somethjng a bit more gentle since I mainly drive on potholed city streets and the sport suspension is rather unforgiving on them. I'm looking at getting a set of Avon Tech M550 based on their specs and reviews and they seem to fit these needs.

However, I've also wanted to upgrade to 18" wheels at some point so I'm wondering if it'd be feasible to get the rims from TireRack as well (since they'll mount them at no extra charge) and then install them myself. What does the swtich from 17" to 18" involve? I've read a bit about offsets, but am I getting in over my head here? Thanks

 

Some will tell you to spend 800-900 per wheel, but you don't have to do that to get something nice(260-400per), good quality, and decent weight. Do you want mesh, 5 spoke, 6 spoke, lip, no lip, chrome, silver, black, graphite, staggered or same size f to back. etc.

Find some rims that you like first and then check for the offsets that are available then. Chico is a great help with these questions. Check the wheel threads for some pics. Browse by manufacturer--affordable:axis,ruff racing,5 ziegen, volk(expensive), etc or by internet wheel shops..ie http://www.need4speedmotors.com/inde...ATS&Category=2 (ask for edgar)among others.

Here is some info on avon tires https://g35driver.com/forums/showthr...highlight=avon

Don't forget discount tire/americas tire can get you wheels and tires too--good price

 

Thanks for the tips. After doing some more research, I'm now leaning more toward keeping the OE rims and getting better tires, like the Goodyear F1 in 235/50/17 instead. Nicer, bigger rims would be swell but I just have too many competing budgetary concerns which prevent me from entering into such cosmetics. I had to shell out $3500 just to get a parking spot in my backyard (One week after some bugger scraped my driver door while parked on the street overnight, of course!) Besides, with all the brake dust I'm putting out, I'd pretty much have to go with black wheels .

Anyone have any opinions on the F1s? My only concerns are that they'll be louder and undrivable for the 3-5 days worth of snow every year. But somehow I feel they couldn't possibly be worse than the Turanzas.

 

Not a good idea to drive with damaged sidewalls, they will let you down in a bad way.

 

you can get rims w/ tires for 1200-1500, search on ebay, or that n4sm.com

 

Well yes, I do have to replace one tire - it's losing a couple PSI per week, but I dont want to buy a single Turanza so I'm going to get a new set. New rims will have to wait - I gotta keep this whole thing (install too) under $1K if possible.

Right now it's a choice between the Goodyear F1 GS-D3 in 235/50/17 or the Avon Tech 215/55/17. If there's an all-season that'll come close to those two I'll check that out too. I just don't want more noise or 0 snow traction. Like I said, there's really not much snow here, but 3-5 days when I'll still have to go rear-wheelin' in the powder.