I purchased the SL over the SE because I use the vehicle for my clients. Their comfort during the drive helps me sell more homes. However, I really hate the look of the SL rims and tires. How much ride quality will I sacrifice by swapping the SL17's for the SE18's? I know the suspension is tuned differently in the SL so I'm hoping the difference is minimal. Is anyone interested in swapping?

Also, for those that have upgraded to aftermarket 19's and 20's in the SL, how drastically was the ride altered?

 

None, unless you upgrade your suspension too.

 

The lack of much sidewall to flex on the 45 profile tires means you must keep good air pressure in them, or the first pothole will ruin the tire and bend the rim.

The 55 profile tires are somewhat more forgiving, can be run at a slightly lower pressure, and, because of having more sidewall, can be very slightly less bone jarring.

But tko507 is correct in that the major difference is in the suspension.

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When the SE and SL are stopped, I like both wheels very much, and would be hard-pressed to choose between them. When the cars are moving, however, I much prefer the look of the SL wheels. When in motion, the SE wheels sort of seem to disappear.

But others will see things differently, I'm sure.

 

went from 17s to 20s...i rate the stock SL on road noise and 'road feel' at about 9/10...with 20s it goes down to 6/10...on smooth roads, you can't tell you are on 20s, but when you hit the smallest imperfections in the road, there is a considerable increase in noise and the 'ouch' feeling.

but going around turns improves dramatically...

and again, i also drive a 2001 celica gt stock...and that road noise and 'road feel' is like a 0/10...i still feel like i gotta buy ear plugs when i drive that car.

 

[QUOTE=mikenatas]went from 17s to 20s...i rate the stock SL on road noise and 'road feel' at about 9/10...with 20s it goes down to 6/10...on smooth roads, you can't tell you are on 20s, but when you hit the smallest imperfections in the road, there is a considerable increase in noise and the 'ouch' feeling.
QUOTE]

Mikenatas - Thank you for the reply. That was exactly what I was looking for. I love the look of the 20's, but better judgement tells me it would wreck the ride quality. I will have to find a compromise.

 

Based on the comments, I think I'm going to get a set of the SE 18's. If anyone wants to trade, check out my post at http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?t=316528

 

I want to get some different wheels for my 2004 SE but want to use the same tires that came on the car since they are so new. Can someone cofirm what size wheel I should be looking for so they will be the same exact size so my current tires will fit. I think it should be 18X7.5 for the best fit. Is this correct?
Thanks in advance

 

Yes they are 18 x 7.5, but be sure to get the correct OFFSET too.

 

OK now you lost me. Forgive me, but I don't know much about wheels. Can you let me know what that would be?