joezz28

I have a 4th gen base firebird and I am thinking of changing my stock 16" 5-star wheels with 17" on 275/40/17 tires. Right now my car is completely stock. I am just worried if changing to 17" will make my car's stance look higher. Every now and again I'll see pics here of cars with 17 inch wheels, and there looks to be a significant space/height in the wheel well. I don't want to mess around with having to spend yet more money to lower my car as a result of changing to new wheels/tires.

Thanks for any help.

Fibbado

iTrader: (8)

Uh i think that would be the same height as your 16's.... i think. You shouldn't notice anything really. For instance 315/35/17 is the same size as 245/55/16 is the same size as 275/40/17.

Thats why people go to 275/40/17 up front 315/35/17 out back. Same size but the width helps out with handling/traction/looks.

Donohue96M6Z28

iTrader: (64)

I think he knows that the overall tire height will be the same. BUT once he upgrades to 17s it'll likely appear higher. (the distance between the tire/fender.

'Trust'

iTrader: (24)

^^ His info is mostly right, however the tires aren't the same size, but have the same external diameter. Even though the 17's will be a taller wheel, your sidewall on your tires will be shorter, making them the overall same diameter as your 16's with tires. As far as will it create an ILLUSION of looking taller, it might.

Donohue96M6Z28

iTrader: (64)

by the way.. joez.. get the 17s and lower it. It doesnt cost that much more $ and you will love the stance. Look at my old red Z in my Sig. It had sportlines and had the perfect stance. It looked mean as hell coming and going with the 315s in the back.

jdustu

iTrader: (2)

naw, it'll actually "appear" lower, because you'll have more wheel and less tire, it seems to fill the wheel well better....the fender gap will be the same because the actual overall diameter is almost the same.....when i went with the same switch it seemed that way....all though my car was also lowered 2" already.


silver wheels = 16", gunmetal = 17"

Donohue96M6Z28

iTrader: (64)

on a lowered car you cant notice a difference. on a stock height car. you can.

Donohue96M6Z28

iTrader: (64)

look how high "lilws6"s car looks. hope you dont mind me posting these pics up.

jdustu

iTrader: (2)

what difference would you be noticing? the outside dia. is practically the same. the fender gap will be the same...the only difference would be that there is an inch more wheel to fill the well, which would make it look better(lower), no?

maybe you're right, but i can't wrap my mind around it

jdustu

iTrader: (2)

do you have a before and after? cuz thats what this is about, right? if 17s make the car look taller? all unlowered f-bodys "look" tall, we need a comparison

'Trust'

iTrader: (24)

I agree, the overall diameter is the same, the car cannot possibly be higher, it is a visual illusion. However, the reason some might seem higher is alot of people take pictures of their cars right after new wheels are put on, after the suspension has been hanging for awhile, it may just need to settle, but I doubt that difference is noticeable.

joezz28

Hey guys, thanks for all the replies so far. Here's an example of what I mean... I am quoting something from SS4Luck with pics of his car (no offence SS4Luck, I love the wheels on your car and this is what got me interested).

Can anyone tell me what has gone "wrong" with the height issue here.....

02Z28LS1

iTrader: (2)

and btw, as far as the overall diameter goes:

245/50-16 = 275/40-17 = 315/35-17

not

245/55-16

just a friendly correction there

HERE'S the site i use to find the right size tires

but as far as whether or not the car will appear higher or lower or the same all depends on the specific tire you use and the design/color of the wheels themselves. when using the correct size tire, the car will not actually be any higher or lower, but the optical illusion created by the combination of the wheel/tire may make it appear to be higher or lower. there's not really much you'll be able to do except just give it a try and see how you like it.

joezz28

Has anyone had a chance to look at the photos of SS4Luck's gold Camaro above? Any comments/input on why the car ends up looking so high? ie. the distance between the tire and fender.

Is there a difference in the stock ride height between a Firebird V6, Formula and a Trans AM? Or is it only the WS6 and SS which are lower and the other models are all a standard height?