I'm rather interested in the Zigen special on the five spoke black rim with a polished lip. Now, they have a 17x8 and an 18x7.5 and an 18x8.5 available. Given the different widths and weights of these rims, would the differences in performance (using the same tire of different size) be noticible, or would the difference simply be cosmetic? I have to imagine that the contact patch on the 18x8.5s is going to be the largest, but it can't be that much larger than the 17x8s, which weigh (and cost) less. Ignoring this from a color point of view (since they're not offering the polished lip in the latter two sizes for my year, an '02), how much of an improvement (or detriment) would it be to the car's performance by going with one over the other? AND if I'm not exactly going for competition racing, shold I just not worry about it and get what I think looks best on my ride (opinions appreciated)???

 

I guess you answered your question...Although if I may add my 2 cents in, consider fitment issues too. Do you think you can fit 18x8.5 without rubbing?

 

That is a good question... I installed a 245/45/17 (17x7.5 wheel) and I had to roll the rear fender lips so it would not rub under extreme cornering... Because I was thinking on going an extra inch up... but a much lower profile tire.

 

wagon right^^^ i had the same issue on the same size wheel and tire. if ur not going for speed then who cares what size...if you want speed consider rotational mass. bigger/wider wheel means bigger wider tires which means more weight. and slower. im in love with my 17x7.5 ssr gt2's. and for tires kdw2's are wicked.

 

if you want to get 18x8.5, get 245/35 size tires. closest to stock wheel/tire diameter.