Hey guys, i read somewhere that to be able to get the best overall performance out of the tires and rims it would be best to get rims that are only 1" inch bigger from the stock ones that came with the veh - if it is bigger than that you start to lose points in cornering, higher speeds and stuff. is that true? hit me back pls. thx.

-Patrick

"http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/image.php?u=21491&dateline=1097211642"

Patrick
Naples, FL

As far as I heard anything after 16" provides negative effects on acceleration and stuff.

I eat emo kids for breakfast

1995 Eagle Talon (SOLD)
72' SuperBeetle
72' Standard Beetle
56' Deluxe Beetle

You can't just say "anything bigger than 16" is bad." You have to take into account weight, tire size, compound, vehicle, etc. 225/45/17's on a lightweight 17x7 or 17x7.5 will show really good gains. That is if you use a decent tire, because it's only going to be as strong as the weakest link. It also retains the stock overall diameter, so your speedo will be correct, and you won't lose any performance. Acceleration, handling, and braking are ALL improved by having a lighter unsprung weight. You will definitely notice a difference. The reason most people go with smaller wheel sizes for track use is because the tires they want to use aren't offered in larger sizes. Also take into account any brake upgrades you might want to do, as you'll need more space inside the wheel for caliper clearance.

Lets just say this... I'm over 100whp and soon to cross 200whp. Thanx 2GNT! Now if I could only learn to prove it.

cool

"http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/image.php?u=21491&dateline=1097211642"

Patrick
Naples, FL

I've got less than 1 week old kumho ecsta 711s in 225/50/r16 and I love them. Soo much better than the 205s I had. Not only do I get much better acceleration due to traction, the car just looks better as it doesnt have pussy tires. Email me for pics.

i agree, i just bought the same kumhos and i love them.

225/50/16, at first i didnt think they would fit, but they did and the ride actually feels better for me. smoother i mean, handling im not sure.

ken

hahaha!! i just got those tires installed today.

as far as the rim size goes; a smaller rim with the same weight is acutally better for performance. EX: an 18" rim that weighs 20 lbs is worse than a 16" rim that weighs 20 lbs because on the 16" the mass is closer to the center of the wheel and thus its easier to turn. (think of it like swinging a baseball bat; you can swing the bat faster if you choke up on it because more of the weight is near you.) Also the bigger the rolling diameter of the tire is over stock the taller the final gearing of the car is which also hurts acceleration.

-jason

For best overall performance though, I say you should stick with a 16" wheel. Not so much for the unsprung wieght or rotational mass, but due to the fact that anything larger than the OEM size (as in total wheel & tire diameter) is going to alter the geometry of the suspension, which can diminish performance. Does this really matter to the majority of tuners who simply want a slick car that goes a little faster? Nay, but it's important to consider.