| Northern_MDX |
Thought I would share my experience:
1. Wheels: 5Zigen Hyper 5ZR in hyper black (Made in Japan) 18x7.5 43mm offset
2. Tires: Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza 255/55/18
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First Impression:
The Look:
I think these wheels complement the silver MDX really well. They add just the right amount of aggressiveness to the elegant looking of my first generation MDX.
I have decided not to go with anything larger than 18" or chrome,
to give it a good balance of performance and ride comfort. Hyper black/silver is more of a personal taste.
The Alenza looks much better in person than in the photos. The non-aggressive look of thred pattern complements the car very well in my opinion
The Ride:
This is where the setup is worth every penny.
The Alenza ride quieter than the stock Michelins, and is able to take some edge off going over bumps with the 18" setup nicely.
This setup has greatly improved the handling, especially during hard cornering. The X had less body roll and steering response during the turns are impressive.
Today was the perfect day to test out the wet handling. We got heavy rain in the last few days, and coupled with semi-rotten leaves on the road which makes the road slippery, it was perfect.
I purposefully drove the same route where I test drove the 2007 X (also in the rain) and I think this 18" setup has bridged some gap between my 02 and the 07 in the cornering department.
I could push this 02 X much harder and carries higher speed through the turns than I could with the stock setup.
I now totally look forward to the first snow of the year as I am confident the Alenza can handle it well. This expectation is also supported by the Tirerack review
(http://www.tirerack.com/tires/surve...ay.jsp?type=HAS)
Now comes the downside... :D
This setup is heavier than the stock (especially when compared to the worn stock tires) and I could feel it when accelerating off the line. Given the thinner sidewall they also ride bumpier in absolute sense (but totally fine with my butt). To put it into practical perspective my wife is ok with the ride characteristics.
Overally I am extremely pleased with this setup. High quality, good looks and much better handling than the stock, a worthy upgrade ! |
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| Northern_MDX |
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| phins2rt |
Northern,
Nice!:29: Have you had a chance to see any difference in mpg? |
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| Northern_MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by phins2rt
Northern,
Nice!:29: Have you had a chance to see any difference in mpg?
Thanks!
The way I have been driving the X with the new wheelset the mpg has been so terrible I wouldn't publish the numbers here...
The wider and heavier wheel/tires will decrease the mpg in general. |
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| Northern_MDX |
Had the chance to drive about 80 miles highway today.
The Bridgestone Alenza tires are quiter than Mechelin CT which already offers fairly quiet ride.
If we decide to buy the 2008/09 X in the next 2 years (trying to avoid the first year model), I will certain use this wheelset for the new X. |
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| EXCALIBUR |
Northern_MDX,
A very aggressive set of alloys you have there. With the introduction of the 2007 MDX, it's nice to see first generation MDX owners still taking pride and modding their rides.:29: |
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| Northern_MDX |
quote:
Originally posted by EXCALIBUR
Northern_MDX,
A very aggressive set of alloys you have there. With the introduction of the 2007 MDX, it's nice to see first generation MDX owners still taking pride and modding their rides.:29:
EXCALIBUR,
Thanks.
Hope things go well with your 02 X as well. I remember you have a few nice mods (exhaust, intake, ...).
My X has been fantastic in the past 5 years, especially with the addition of new member in my family. Can't ask more for a utility vehicle that runs in style. The tranny still holds up very well (knock on wood), and that's with my aggressive driving style.
Test drove the 07 X and wasn't completely impressed. I will wait another year or two to re-evaluate. In the meantime once the factory accessories go onsale for my X they will be added. Will see.. |
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