17's or 18's on a WRX?
17's or 18's on a WRX?
About to get a set of rims, i was set on getting 18's 225/40/18, but some of my friends told me i may get a harsh ride so i should get 17's 225/45/17. I know most of the members have rims on there WRX, but unfortunately I haven't met any of your guys yet. Hopefully when I get some rims I'll make it out to some meets.
Please let me know of the pros, cons, and experiences
Thanx
New Subie Owner
Please let me know of the pros, cons, and experiences
Thanx
New Subie Owner
250,000-mile Club President
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 4,770
From: Bizerkeley
Car Info: MBP 02 WRX wagon
cost and ride- no question- 17's!
I even spend a lot of time on 16s for the same reasons, the 17s handle a little better, but 18's are pretty much useless, unless you don't drive much and only care about looks, even then....
I even spend a lot of time on 16s for the same reasons, the 17s handle a little better, but 18's are pretty much useless, unless you don't drive much and only care about looks, even then....
Registered User
iTrader: (6)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 891
From: San Francisco
Car Info: 03 WRX + 08 335i + 07 Tahoe Lt3
Originally Posted by hYpE-R-29
About to get a set of rims, i was set on getting 18's 225/40/18, but some of my friends told me i may get a harsh ride so i should get 17's 225/45/17. I know most of the members have rims on there WRX, but unfortunately I haven't met any of your guys yet. Hopefully when I get some rims I'll make it out to some meets.
Please let me know of the pros, cons, and experiences
Thanx
New Subie Owner
Please let me know of the pros, cons, and experiences
Thanx
New Subie Owner
Guest
Posts: n/a
Getting the right offset is more critical with 18s because of rubbing issues. I could imagine if you have a really aggressive suspension (read: low) setup you could have rubbing problems as well. But lots of people run 18s with aftermarket suspension and no problems.
They will beheavier with more weight further from the center of the rim, so it will hurt performance a tad. I haven't seen any quantative comparison on this though.... It would be really interesting if there was. Comparing 16 vs. 17 vs. 18 on a slalom course and in the 1/4mi.
They will beheavier with more weight further from the center of the rim, so it will hurt performance a tad. I haven't seen any quantative comparison on this though.... It would be really interesting if there was. Comparing 16 vs. 17 vs. 18 on a slalom course and in the 1/4mi.
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Ride quality has nothing to do with the size of the wheels. It's the size of the tires. The reason why people say 18's can be harsh is because they have to run lower profile tires to fit their bling wheels on the car.
Have fun
Have fun
Originally Posted by endeavor
Getting the right offset is more critical with 18s because of rubbing issues. I could imagine if you have a really aggressive suspension (read: low) setup you could have rubbing problems as well. But lots of people run 18s with aftermarket suspension and no problems.
They will beheavier with more weight further from the center of the rim, so it will hurt performance a tad. I haven't seen any quantative comparison on this though.... It would be really interesting if there was. Comparing 16 vs. 17 vs. 18 on a slalom course and in the 1/4mi.
They will beheavier with more weight further from the center of the rim, so it will hurt performance a tad. I haven't seen any quantative comparison on this though.... It would be really interesting if there was. Comparing 16 vs. 17 vs. 18 on a slalom course and in the 1/4mi.
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You may not notice a difference, except for the harshness of a lack of sidewall.
In general (my opinion) 17's have the following advantages
less weight
less money (rims, and tires)
less prone to distortion
less prone to damage
nicer ride over bumps, potholes, etc.
You can use the money saved towards more mods.
In general (my opinion) 17's have the following advantages
less weight
less money (rims, and tires)
less prone to distortion
less prone to damage
nicer ride over bumps, potholes, etc.
You can use the money saved towards more mods.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Yhat he circumference of tires on 17's are a bit smaller than 18's. This will give you a little better acceleration. 17's also mean less unsprung weight, which really affects acceleration.
Use this tire circumference calculator.
http://www.csgnetwork.com/tireinfo4calc.html
Use this tire circumference calculator.
http://www.csgnetwork.com/tireinfo4calc.html
http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html
A bit easier to use.
A bit easier to use.
18s - for "bling" as the kids say nowadays
17s - for performance/comfort
If you're just looking to make your car look a certain way, then by all means get 18s. You will get an increase in NVH (noise/vibration/harshness), decrease in performance (higher unsprung weight) and cost -- but the ladies will love you more
And seriously, doesn't that matter the most?
As for me... I'm happily married -- so I'm getting 17s soon.
17s - for performance/comfort
If you're just looking to make your car look a certain way, then by all means get 18s. You will get an increase in NVH (noise/vibration/harshness), decrease in performance (higher unsprung weight) and cost -- but the ladies will love you more
And seriously, doesn't that matter the most?As for me... I'm happily married -- so I'm getting 17s soon.
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iTrader: (4)
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 658
From: Bakersfield
Car Info: 06 STI WRB/Gold
setting the record straight!
ok, everyone seems to think that 17's are the best for performance? I agree partly, but what I dont agree with is all these suby owners dogin 18's, saying their only for looks. well in case they forgot 18 inch wheels offer more width than 17s. More tire width on the road equals more grip, so the 17s performance over the 18s is minumal at best. While 17s come in weights ranging from the low to mid teens, 18s range from mid teens to twentys which still is lighter than stock. Dont get me wrong I like 17s but I went with 18s for better grip. Tire cost also is not much more, only 50-100 more per set. What cost more with tires will always be the brand, also applies to almost everything. My wheels only weigh 19 pounds so i guess thats a lot of unsprung weight! Cost of wheels is not as bad as everyone says either.
Last edited by lovesmysuby04; Sep 17, 2004 at 11:39 PM.
ummm... wheel width not wheel diameter allows you to put wider width tires. The only performance that you may gain with an 18 is a smaller/stiffer sidewall. By the way, stock WRX wheels are 16-17 lbs... I think most 18s are pushing 19+ lbs (OZ superleggas are 19).
BTW - here's an i-clubber w/ 17x8.5 with 255/40/17s
https://www.i-club.com/forums/ongoing-projects-31/new-shoes-huge-tread-beast-pics-73207/
BTW - here's an i-clubber w/ 17x8.5 with 255/40/17s
https://www.i-club.com/forums/ongoing-projects-31/new-shoes-huge-tread-beast-pics-73207/