Softer, Quieter Tires For Gs430

[Pauldfs]

My tires are getting close to needing to be replaced on my 01 GS430 and I want a set that is quieter and softer than the Toyos on it now. I was thinking of going to a tire with a thicker sidewall to help the cause (in addition to correcting my speedometer which is currently showing 75 when I'm actually going 70).

Any suggestions on brand/size. I currently have the stock 17's on the car and I noticed that the LS430 rolls on 225/55R17 size tires. Would this be a good size to achieve a more LS-like ride?

Thanks for the help.

[1990LS400]

If you want "a more LS-like ride", you could try a set of wheels and tires in the size that was standard on the 2001 GS430 - 225/55VR16.

Your car apparently has the optional 235/45ZR17 tires on the optional 17" wheels -- probably improves handling but at the cost of a harsher ride.

Or play with tire size calculators like the one at http://www.1010tires.com/TireSizeCalculator.asp to find a size that does what you want on 17" wheels.

Most speedometers are off about as much as yours is -- Tom and Ray Magliozzi had a segment about this last week on their radio show "Car Talk" -- very funny but serious in that your odometer is reporting about 4% more miles than is really on the car. My handheld GPS shows that the speedo error on my 00 LS400 is similar to yours -- indicated 75 mph at an actual 70 mph.

[Pauldfs]

Yeah, I was figuring that going from the 235/45ZR17 to the 235/55R17 size would make my speedometer pretty much dead on. I've heard the the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S, Pirelli PZero Nero, or Falken 512 are all very quiet, smooth tires. The Michelins sound like they're more performance oriented than I'm looking far. Does anyone know a better set for road noise and smoothness, or are those the best?

[SRK]

I have the Michelin Pilot Sport AS on my GS and they are the best tire I have ever owned. They are smooth, great handling in all weathers, but not particularly quiet. When they wear out, I am going to get another set of them, but they will be 245/45-17's, a bit wider than stock just because they will look better on the wheels.

[anthonyiez]

if anyone cares...

if you take into account that the original factory tire size for a GS is 225-55-16, then factor up to a 17 inch wheel, you will find that lexus used the wrong size tire in the 235-45-17. the correct tire size is 245-45-17, which has almost the exact same circumference as a 225-55-16. i can't figure out why they did this, but i switched mine a long time ago.

carry on...

[SW03ES]

In all honesty, the only way to get an LS like ride is to buy an LS, or to a lesser extent an ES.

The GS, due to its very nature, is a sportier and more firmly damped car than the LS.

Going to a wider sidewall tire (the correct size) as others have said will help some, and going to a stock GS 16 inch wheel tire combo will help more, but its still not going to ride anything like the LS.

[Pauldfs]

I'm not shooting for a ride exactly like the LS, because I do enjoy the sporty feel. I just mentioned the LS to illustrate what I meant by softer and quieter. I think I mostly just want to cut down on the road noise that the Toyos currently give me. Thanks for the advice.

[micnn]

My 2002 GS300 has been running on Bridgestone LS-Z for about 8K miles. The ride is comfortable, very quiet. Handling is less than desired, but OK still. I could drive about twice the speed limit on highway ramps while feeling a bit pushing to the limit. This tire has great reputation on wet performance, though I haven't yet expereinced on that. On a trip to Grand Canyon, I was driving 135mph while my girlfriend was napping. Overall I'd say thay are awesome tires. One thing though, I find the optimal tire pressure at 37psi front and 39psi back.

[apatrules]

Have had Bridgestone LS-V Tires for about 42,000 miles. Pretty quiet and handle quite well in wet weather. Plus they look like they could last another 20,000 miles or more.

But remember, these are the 16 inch rims.

[Jim L]

I put Michelin Pilot Sport Exalto all seasons (235/45/17) on our's and the ride is VERY SMOOTH and VERY QUIET.

I recommend these wholeheartedly.

These are MUCH less harsh than the regular Mich PS All Season and work well in the wet and dry

[blackcherry]

I have a Bridgestone Turanza LS-Z with 25k mile. The is a great tire, very quite and handles great on wet surface. The handling is average with a good ride. They are a bit pricy about $220 each. If you want quite with a good ride and average handling this is the tire. It is only waranteed for 30k on the GS and 40k other; I should get 40k also.

[Pauldfs]

Thanks for all of the advice. I've read a lot about the Bridgestone LS-Zs and they sound like the best bet. Thanks for all of the help.

[topichka]

I have a Bridgestone Turanza LS-Z with 25k mile. The is a great tire, very quite and handles great on wet surface. The handling is average with a good ride. They are a bit pricy about $220 each. If you want quite with a good ride and average handling this is the tire. It is only waranteed for 30k on the GS and 40k other; I should get 40k also.

Hello, I've got an 01 gs430 with Yokohama avid v4s. I've put a little over 55K on this set and will definately get another set. They ride well and are very quiet--something that's pretty important to me. Good luck.

[thiawroane]

I'm looking to put a set of Yoko Avid 4's onto some Foose wheels. Wish me luck!

I have a Bridgestone Turanza LS-Z with 25k mile. The is a great tire, very quite and handles great on wet surface. The handling is average with a good ride. They are a bit pricy about $220 each. If you want quite with a good ride and average handling this is the tire. It is only waranteed for 30k on the GS and 40k other; I should get 40k also.

Hello, I've got an 01 gs430 with Yokohama avid v4s. I've put a little over 55K on this set and will definately get another set. They ride well and are very quiet--something that's pretty important to me. Good luck.