markb

I have just changed to Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires on my 2002 SC430 and, when I inflated the tires down to 33 lbs., have noticed the car now rolling over rather than clanging over bumps. The car goes where pointed going hard around corners and curves, and feels more solid and balanced on the road. I have a greater feeling of confidence and enjoyment with the car. Anyone else have the same or different experience?

Well, it looks like I am going to go with non runflats and would like some input. Has anyone installed the spare tire kit yet? What other realistic alternative is there?- No tire, tire in backseat, tire in a can? None that I can see. Now, on to the tires. Everyone seem to be going with the Michelins(Pilot Sport, Pilot Sport A/S) Keeping in mind I bought a "sporty" car and not an all out sports/ race car, and am most interested in the comfort and noise categories, it would appear that the Yokohama AVS DBS2 tire is difficult to ignore, followed by the Goodyear Eagle F1GS-D3 and then the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S. Am I missing something here? Please, any input would be great. Thanks- Mark

I have a 2002 sc430 with very low (3500) miles with runflats. I love the car but perhaps without runflats the riding experience would be improved. Took it to dealer today after calling lexus. The dealer confirmed loud noise of tires, especially upon braking and also the bumpiness. They told me that there is only a 10% difference if I change to non runflats. I have read many posts on this forum to suggest that the % would be somewhat higher. If anyone out there has made the change, could you please explain the difference that I can expect and what tires you changed to. I would be leaning to the Goodyear Eagles because of quiet and less harsh ride. Thank you so much for your help.- mark

Thanks for info. everyone. Interesting about the new Pirellis. Now my decision is that I have only 3400 miles on the runflats. I feel like going out and putting miles on them to better justify changing. They are not THAT bad but I am interested in getting the best ride possible. Later.... Mark

I am also noticing that the Goodyears are also very highly rated as alternative to runflats for sc430. Very difficult to choose.

Well, with regard to new non runflat tires for my sc430, I have narrowed it down to three tires, the Michelin Pilot a/s, the Pirelli zero nero and the Yokohama db( sorry for inaccuracies.) Does ANYONE have PERSONAL experience with any of these tires? The Yokohamas seem the quietest and softest, the Pirellis seem like the best performance and the Michelins appear to be what most people get. I am not taking my car to the race track and just want tires that are as quiet as possible and as comfortable as possible. I am not expecting the ride of an LS 430 (why, really, shouldn't I expect it but I am not) but I figure that I got this car for its luxury and comfort and not for its trunk space and would hope that I can get a ride that is all that the car has to offer. It is a crime to have paid so much for this car and have to deal with a tire problem of all things. I love the car but I am *BLEEP*ed to have to deal with getting tires for the car to make it feel the way that it should. I want the same feeling driving the car as I have when I get into the car and look at the interior. Anyways, I appreciate any input.- Mark

I am thinking of getting non runflats for my 2002 sc430. Just when I had decided that the Michelin was the tire to get, I read someone's post that they were loud and no better than the runflats. I have read that the continentals are good but that they get flat spots, whatever that is. Is there a majority of opinion as to what the best non runflat is. I would think that all of the cars are the same so it shouldn't be that difficult. Why are people having different experiences with the same tire. I have no snow in So. california and I drive normally in everyday traffic. I want a tire that I don't notice is there and I want a ride I thought I would be getting with the car- soft, quiet and comfotable. Thanks for input- Mark

Has anyone changed from runflats on their sc430 and what was the difference in ride quality and noise? What tires did you change to?

I just purchased an sc430 and my only complaint is a bit of noise from runflat tires and a bit of a rough ride. Are the non runflat tires much of a difference? I understand you have to do a whole modification thing with the trunk for a spare. Do you pretty much lose ALL of the already sparse trunk space with the spare? Is it worth changing to non runflats? RUNFLATS_