considering going to 18" rims with 235/45/18 tires, but was concerned about ride comfort. any sedan owners out there regret going to 18s?

g35doman
'03.5 5AS, BS/G, Leather, Sport

 

Im on 19s..with 245/35/19... with eibach's... I dont regret it... What wheels are you looking at? Coupe wheels?

..pestilence..

 

But that is a bit of a bumpier ride, isn't it, Pesti?

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

hmm, which wheels? i can't decide!!!!! too many friggin choices and i don't know jack about wheels.

- i want a fitment that will allow me to run all the suspension settings at stock.
- will only use stock size tires or equivalent diameter.
- something relatively light weight.
- want to stay <$300 per.
- initially thinking enkei rpm2, mm2, oz superleggera, racing hart cp08(?) and something similar.
- japanese only rims to stick with the car.
- will go to 18s, but only if comfort isn't too bad.

g35doman
'03.5 5AS, BS/G, Leather, Sport

 

I ordered theEnkei RPM2's for my sedan, I couldn't find anyone that carried them in the offset I wanted so I had whalentire order them. From previous experience I think the ride will be a bit firmer, a price I'll blissfully pay for the performance gains.

 

Yeah the ride is bumpier.. but compared to some other cars.. Z... and other lowered cars ive been in.. its not so bad..

..pestilence..

 

thx for the info, but i wonder if the bumpier ride from the 19s or the eibachs? probably both...

g35doman
'03.5 5AS, BS/G, Leather, Sport

 

To a degree, probably both.. but then the Bridgestone S-03 tires pesti has, even thought they're 19's, probably help put a little of the comfort back in, compared to other tire choices.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

I agree that the SO-3s rate rather high on the comfort scale. Very similar to the Michelin Pilot Sport AS.

03.5 Sedan/B. Silver/Prem/Winter/Aero/Tint/Rims
69 Chevelle Hard Top BB/4.11's/Posi

 

I have a Sedan without sport suspension. I now have 18" wheels with 225/55 tires all around and just added Eibach springs. I am over 15 years out of my "teenage put up with discomfort to look cool" stage (and I did plenty to cars in my teens to look good while sacrificing comfort and /or common sense). I installed the 18"wheels and tires first and drove about 3 months. I just installed the Eibachs last week.

Observations:

With the stock 17's and Bridgestones, if the ride measured in comfort terms was a 10 and a 1 would be riding on metal wagon wheels, the 18's are an 8. Yes, I notice a bit more road graininess and a slightly more jarring reaction to bumps, but it is very much within reason and does not detract from the classy nature of the car. I do not regret going to 18's at all. I can't speak for the 19's but I am sure the G can handle them quite well, although I am convinced I'd be down to a 7 in my "ride quality" scale above.


I did however object to the gap between the wheel arch and the tire, so I bit the bullet and bought Eibachs.

I was a bit nervous about the Eibachs thinking I may regret my decision to install them and get a harsh and/or bouncy ride. Well, the springs were a deal and the install at my local trusted shop was only 4 hours including the alignment. The look is spot on ( I need to take some more pics with the springs now). The stance is simply perfect. Now, about the ride quality.......
Virtually no change. Using the same scale as above, I may now be at a 7.5 at the lowest. The ride is not bouncy, harsh, jarring or "un-classy". The handleing is crisper though and I like it. I have had 2 previous mid 90's 4 door sedans with Eibachs. I do not regret the purchase of the Eibachs at all.

Conclusion:

If you are a family guy like me who is still a car fanatic- but with the need for a bit more refinement - the 18's and Eibachs are very livable choices. The increased wheel diameter will have more of an impact on the ride than the Eibachs will. Will the ride be firmer? Yes. Will it be harsh or unlivable? No.

I hope that helps!



TallG35
2003 G35 Sedan, Garnet Fire, VIN #398

 

Oops, in my post above I meant to say I installed 225/45/18 tires (not 225/55)- Bridgestone S03's to be exact.

TallG35
2003 G35 Sedan, Garnet Fire, VIN #398

 

TallG35, thanx for the comments. It was exactly what I was looking for. I think the gap is more annoying to me than wheel size, so staying 17s with eibachs might be the way to go. however, clearance is an issue for me, since i scrape the premuffler coming out of my driveway with 4 adults.

so, ultimately, my choice maybe to go to 18s and just live with the gap, since this won't reduce the gap.

g35doman
'03.5 5AS, BS/G, Leather, Sport

 

Hello,

I just got a G35 Sedan (which I love) and I want to increase the wheel size to something like an 18 or 19" wheel, so that I put some better low profile tires on it. You posted that you put 245/35-19's on yours. How's that working out? Is there enough clearance on the 245s and the suspension on the Sedan?

Thanks!
John

 

Nothing like bringing a thread back from the dead, huh?

I would like to know if anybody else has any more comments on going 17 to 18 (or 17 to 19). Also, it seems like this is a question that keeps coming up so maybe others can get value from this as well.

Right now I have a sedan with 17" sport suspension and am trying to decide between 18 and 19. I'm nervous about going to 19 because of increased stopping distance, performance issues, durability and ride quality. Having a family and living in midwest with bad roads these things do become an issue. Certainly going with a large light forged wheel and new brake kit will help with most of these issues, but then it adds considerable cost and there still is the comfort factor.

I'm pretty much conviced I'll go +1 to 18s and likely get the Eibach pro kit as well. The 19s would look better, but I don't think I'm prepared to go there, especially after reading the responses here. TallG35's certainly made me feel better that 18s would not be so bad.

Any other thoughts/comments? Especially those who were concerned about such issues or have similar situation and went with 18/19 anyhow. Thanks!

 

I am considering goin with 18" as well. I think 18" is the best according to performance. 19" is more for the look