wheel size
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,331
Likes: 2
From: Akron Ohio
On the other side of the looks/bling factor.....how much increase in handling performance can be had. Obviously the wider set of tires (z06) will assist with at the limit handling. Where is the tradeoff for a C5? I always thought less sidewall meant less flex in the tire and more traction....
I would love to have a set of gunmetal C6 rims on my 03 msgm, but any mods, especially more $ tires, and wheels need to pay off in performance for me to justify it.
I would love to have a set of gunmetal C6 rims on my 03 msgm, but any mods, especially more $ tires, and wheels need to pay off in performance for me to justify it.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,799
Likes: 1
From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
You need to worry about the tire more than the wheel. First thing is there are 17s/18s only in real performance tires, R compound, etc.. Bigger wheels=more weight=BAD. Many real performance tires have very stiff sidewalls and low tread depth, so even 17s all around are fine. Depends on what you mean by "increase in handaling" and why you want this, much easier to swap out suspension parts to do this.
It's not quite that simple. It's all about finding the right compromise. taller tires do negatively impact preformance for several reasons including increasing the center of gravity. However, wider tires within reason can improve handling because you have more traction which aids acceleration, braking, and cornering (lateral g-force).
I have done a lot of reading on this subject. Still I am no expert by any means. From what I have read, it makes sense to go with a lower profile tire in the front to prevent flex so the tire will react quicker to driver input. On the rear, it makes more sense to go with a higher profile tire so that when the car accelerates it can better transfer weight (squat). Someone who seemed pretty knowledgeable on the subject suggested doing 18s in the front and 17s on the back for this reason. The key is to make sure that the front tires (not rims) are slightly shorter or equal to the rear tire height. If not, the traction control ABS will think you are sliding and activitate on you.
There is a better tire selection, at lower cost, in the 17 and 18 range than the taller tires. Something to consider.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Hartsville SC
As I have been comparing tire sizing lately. I have figured out that moving from stock sizes on my 03 coupe to 285/35r18s and 255/40r17 will actually be a 1/2 inch shorter of tires. To get really close to the stock tire height, ride height, I would have to go 295/35 and 265/40 in the front. .....
I dont think these will fit on the 2k thin spokes. Maybe I am wrong.
Seems like I will stick with stock sized Nitto 555s. 614 for a set shipped to my door. Alot quieter and hopefully better handling than the runcraps
I dont think these will fit on the 2k thin spokes. Maybe I am wrong.
Seems like I will stick with stock sized Nitto 555s. 614 for a set shipped to my door. Alot quieter and hopefully better handling than the runcraps
