TSX Wheels for 97 RL

[Shaun Ray]

Hoping for a little help regarding fitment of a set of 2005 TSX wheels for a 97 RL. I know a guy that will sell me a new set. He says it will fit 5 bolt pattern for a 97 Acura 3.5RL and my poor car could sure use a new set of wheels. The only specs I have are:
17" wheels, 5 bolt pattern, 114 centers.

Hoping someone on the forum can give advice!

Shaun
'95 NSX green/tan

 

[ANYTIME]

Per tirerack, they are the same everything, other than 1 size bigger tires. It shows fitment of 215/50/17 TSX to a 225/50/17 RL.

 

[Shaun Ray]

Thanks John!

Shaun

 

[Hrant]

The one additional caution I would add is to see the max load of the tires.

Two years ago I was in the same situation trying to upgrade my 96 3.5RL wheels ....... ended up getting a new set of 2004 3.5RL from Niello Acura at a bargain that I could not refuse even if I wanted to. And going from 60 series to 55 does make a difference; I am sure going to 50 series on 17 will be even more pronounced :wink:

 

[Shaun Ray]

Yes, I was starting to wonder if going to 225/50-17 would effect the traction control? Did you have any problems with the 55 size? Also, I don't really know anything about max load on cars, but I certainly don't plan to tow anything and typcially drive only myself in the car. My daughter and wife both weigh less than 120 lbs. so surely that's not much of a consideration.

Buy the way, I have a line on a set of TSX wheels for $425. I figured that's a pretty good price. They're like new but do have about 2,000 mi. on them.

Shaun

 

[Hrant]

I have no problems with the 55 since it is still an OEM set up - I don't think they recalibrated the TCS. If I recall correctly, I went from 215/60/16 to 225/55/16. I have had some 15000 miles on them with no issues. Since the car is in excellent condition and low mileage, my next upgrade will be slightly stiffer shocks if I can find a Bilstein; too bad I did not jump on the Copmptech sway bars when they used to make them (they also had Eibach springs for it but I was not looking at lowering it). After complains from owners, in 98 Acura reworked the seating cushions so you have less "rolling" feel and slightly stiffened the suspension.

I can't say if the TCS will activate with 225/50/17; as long as the rotational differnece remains the same between front/rear I assume you would be fine.

The load on the tire is matched to your vehicle gross weight load. So if you are replacing a tire that had a max load of 1450lbs with one that has 1250lbs that can become an issue irrespective of how many of you are in the car. The TSX is not as heavy as the RL and hence they may have opted to use a tire that requires less of a load rating.

 

[Shaun Ray]

Yeah, I know what you mean about the roll on the driver's seat. Still, I consider the 97 RL an old man's car, so it still rides more firm that say an old caddilac! The silver paint is coming off some of my OEM wheels (I got about 80K miles on the car) and I really don't care for the style of wheel so I've been looking for alternatives. I would much prefer the style wheels you've put on but my search comes up with about a $800-1000 price tag! Heck, the car's only worth about $8K, so I can't seem to justify the upgrade.

Might just consider refurbishing the wheels if I don't replace. Thanks for all the information!

-s