For those who remember me, (and since we no longer have the Pits) I bought a new car a couple weeks ago, 2005 tiburon v6. Power is great so far but suspension makes my 2gnt seem like a 911. Anyway, i'm planning to get some tires and probably some light rims to start with for improvement. But i'm not sure what to go with. From what I understand, 16 will be better for performance unless the tranny gear ratios are optimized for 17. My question is, is there some way of figureing this out (short of putting on the new wheels, etc.) I'm leaning towards the 16 for performance and price, but if the performance is not much I might just go with 17.

tia

Performance depends on what you are looking for. In theory you will have quicker accelleration with a 16" wheel because they are lighter, but you will have better handling with a 17 or better yet with an 18" rim, but they are heavier.

The other aspect to look at is money. You will spend more money on a larger rim, and spend more money on a smaller sidewall tire (and probably lose all mileage warranties as well).

Just depends on what you are willing to spend, and what aspect of performance you want.

Run the smallest wheels that you can that clear the brakes. That being said, add some width for handling purposes.

What are your goals?

no racing for now. Just somehting that handles well in the street.

Well, wheel size isn't really that important. Just get a good set of tyres, and that will probably make a huge difference.