Ok im not sure if i am posting in the right forum but smeg might as well try. What is the ideal rim/wheel size for the best look/performance ratio? Or put more simply what rim/wheel size looks good and goes fast
#17433, "RE: Wheel performance question" In response to Reply # 0
For performance Id say nothing bigger then a 17 inch with a 7.5 or possibly 8 inch width rim....as for tire i really dont know....for an 18 inch rim for our car to me its to much rotational mass for our small car
Performance: Stuff that makes my car run better or go faster
Looks: Stock because looks doesnt make my car go faster or run better
Weight Reduction: CF Hood, No A/C or Powersteering Accessories, No rear interior
#17437, "RE: Wheel performance question" In response to Reply # 2
Always consider the weight of the wheels you are considering. I've seen 17x7's that weigh more than some 18's.....that's where your performance comes into play. The diameter of your wheel means nothing really, the weight is what you want to look at.
#17441, "RE: Wheel performance question" In response to Reply # 3
I wouldn't worry too much about weight... I mean you might save a few pounds but nothing that would hardly increase of decrease performance. If you are serious about wanting light wheels then get some volks, but then you are talking a couple grand at least just for the wheels. I think 17s are a good size for performance, enough tire to grip the road, yet not too much so you bend the sidewalls over. I would go with 225 45/17, although my 215 45 17s have worked out fine.
What do you plan on doing with these wheels? That is what you need to consider first before even looking at wheels.
#17448, "RE: Wheel performance question" In response to Reply # 5
if performance is first than wide 16's are best. RX-7 wheels would be the way to go. the'yre 16x8 and hold 225 50 16's. the increased width would lift the car a little bit and may justify a slight drop. if you can't get ahold of those or you want a larger diameter rim go no larger than 17's. 17x8 preferably. the widest wheel you can fit reasonably would be eight inches. any more is going to cause issues.
on the subject of weight. in general stay away from chrome. they're usually steel with a chrome layer on top. only for looks nothing for performance. other than that look for companies that are reputable with light weight wheels like BBS SSR and a few others. www.tirerack.com is a great place to check how wheels look on your car and also give you an idea of price.
as long as you go with a reasonable wheel, doesn't have to be a $400 a peice wheel, you should be fine if you go with decent tires. specially if you increase your wheel diameter.
for 17's you want 225 45 17 for 17x8 or if you have 17x7.5 you can go as los as 205 40 17. i'd recommend the 225's though so try to get an 8" wide wheel.
#17469, "RE: Wheel performance question" In response to Reply # 6 Apr-30-03 06:30 PM by 95_ESi_Person
I've got 225/45/17's on my 17x7's oh yeah, rims weigh an astonishing 17 lbs each!!! car sticks like glue to the road, i've taken a 90 degree curve with a rating of 15mph at around 45 with them.
yeah, don't try that, it was scary as fuck!!! mainly cause you cant see the other side of the curve.
below is a pic (contrast and brightness changed so you can see tire profile)
#17471, "RE: Wheel performance question" In response to Reply # 7
Discount tire claims to be able to mount a 235 on a 7" wheel. I'd love to see this done. I tried to make a bet with the guy, if it dodn't work they had to give me a set of tires for free, but he wasn't havin it.
#17477, "RE: Wheel performance question" In response to Reply # 4
>I wouldn't worry too much about weight... I mean you might >save a few pounds but nothing that would hardly increase of >decrease performance.
It's not about the overall weight of your vehicle, it's about calculating rotational mass. The total weight of the wheel will directly effect the engines ability to turn them. It's called rotational inertia.
The quicker you can get your tires turning the faster your car is (obviously)...so why put heavier wheels on and slow it down. Why do guys go to the track with stock RS 14's, because they are super light. But if you take the 14's with tire and stand them next to a 17 w/tire they are the same overal diameter. So it's not about diameter at all.
If you don't believe me take a dowel rod and cut two equal diameter pieces of wood (use the same type). Drill a hole in the wooden disks and put the dowel rod into only one of the disks then spin it with your hands. Get a feel for it then ad the second disk to the end. You are effectively doubling the weight (I know it's cuz there's two there, but the number doesn't matter). Now spin it with your hands and you'll see it feels "heavier" or harder to spin. This is the theory behind lighter rims It's all about rotational interia.
I wish I had a set of OZ Supperlaggera wheels. They are incredibly light (15's weigh 11lbs and the 18's are still less than 20). Hell, I'd go to the track with two sets of wheels to prove this if I had the money LOL (still on 14's)