How much will Rim size affect handling
02-17-2015, 11:27 AM
#1
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Lathrop
Posts: 75
Car Info: 04.5 STi
How much will Rim size affect handling
I'm finally thinking of getting a second set of rims for my car.
I need some advice, debating weather or not to get 18's.
My plan is to have a set for daily driving with All Season MS tires
and a second set with a performance tire for Auto-x and a track day
But....
How will this affect the handling?
What tire size is optimal. and wheel spec?
I have a 04 STi with the 05 hub conversion
KWv3 coilovers with camber plates front and back
I need some advice, debating weather or not to get 18's.
My plan is to have a set for daily driving with All Season MS tires
and a second set with a performance tire for Auto-x and a track day
But....
How will this affect the handling?
What tire size is optimal. and wheel spec?
I have a 04 STi with the 05 hub conversion
KWv3 coilovers with camber plates front and back
02-17-2015, 11:38 AM
#2
To me, the particular tire is a big factor. After doing a lot of research and understanding the different characteristics of various tires. I found that Dunlop would be a good choice for what I wanted to do.
I wanted the biggest tire I could reasonably fit in the fenders. I came to the conclusion that 255 was the biggest I could fit.
After that I wanted to minimize cost and weight. So I went for 17x9 Enkei wheels.
Affect on handling? The car grips. It grips a lot. Acceleration is kind of ****ty. But it corners pretty hard.
My car is a bit different. YMMV.
I wanted the biggest tire I could reasonably fit in the fenders. I came to the conclusion that 255 was the biggest I could fit.
After that I wanted to minimize cost and weight. So I went for 17x9 Enkei wheels.
Affect on handling? The car grips. It grips a lot. Acceleration is kind of ****ty. But it corners pretty hard.
My car is a bit different. YMMV.
02-20-2015, 10:48 AM
#3
Registered User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Lathrop
Posts: 75
Car Info: 04.5 STi
To me, the particular tire is a big factor. After doing a lot of research and understanding the different characteristics of various tires. I found that Dunlop would be a good choice for what I wanted to do.
I wanted the biggest tire I could reasonably fit in the fenders. I came to the conclusion that 255 was the biggest I could fit.
After that I wanted to minimize cost and weight. So I went for 17x9 Enkei wheels.
Affect on handling? The car grips. It grips a lot. Acceleration is kind of ****ty. But it corners pretty hard.
My car is a bit different. YMMV.
I wanted the biggest tire I could reasonably fit in the fenders. I came to the conclusion that 255 was the biggest I could fit.
After that I wanted to minimize cost and weight. So I went for 17x9 Enkei wheels.
Affect on handling? The car grips. It grips a lot. Acceleration is kind of ****ty. But it corners pretty hard.
My car is a bit different. YMMV.
I understand the type of tire is a big part of traction and handling.
Right now I'm curious if there is an advantage having a 18" rim over a 17".
Is it a good match with the geometry/ suspension of the car.
For all I know it's a more expensive tire that handles the same or worse
02-20-2015, 11:02 AM
#4
Cost
weight
Width
Sidewall flex
17 will cost less
17 will weigh less
18 can go wider
17 will have more sidewall flex which can be a good thing or a bad thing. The ride will be more comfortable. There will be less precision with steering inputs. There will be a delay when you want to change direction as you have to wait for the tire to flex over. Kinda depends on how much feedback you can feel from the car and what kind of precision you want when it comes to transitions. However, this flex can be combated with stiffer tires. But with the same tire in both sizes, it's kind of moot.
weight
Width
Sidewall flex
17 will cost less
17 will weigh less
18 can go wider
17 will have more sidewall flex which can be a good thing or a bad thing. The ride will be more comfortable. There will be less precision with steering inputs. There will be a delay when you want to change direction as you have to wait for the tire to flex over. Kinda depends on how much feedback you can feel from the car and what kind of precision you want when it comes to transitions. However, this flex can be combated with stiffer tires. But with the same tire in both sizes, it's kind of moot.
02-20-2015, 01:38 PM
#5
17's > 18's for performance. The only draw back is finding a wide 17. I originally wanted 17x10 wheels for my flared car but I ended up getting a 18x10 from CCW only because they couldn't make it in 17x10. Also 17's have much more trouble at fitting large calipers if you run a bbk. And if your partial to a certain tire brand/model make sure they make it in the size you are thinking about running.
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