18" Wheel Handling Negatives?
#1
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From a suspension/handling performance perspective, is there any negative to an 18" wheel 9.5" wide on a 4th Gen for daily driving, HPDE, and AutoX? Positives? I know there was never any OEM size bigger than a 17" wheel 9" wide... What kind of tire size would be ideal on this size rim? 275s?
I am considering these:
http://www.factoryreproductions.com/...Chrome-c82.htm
TIA
I am considering these:
http://www.factoryreproductions.com/...Chrome-c82.htm
TIA
![](http://www.factoryreproductions.com/factory/pc/catalog/C6_GrandSport-Chrome-350.jpg)
Last edited by libertyforall1776; 07-08-2013 at 01:07 PM. Reason: added detail & pic
#3
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I guess the other negative is when you goto a 35 sidewall 18" tire, they become much more susceptible to pothole damage & it becomes a firmer ride, I care more about the first point though since the car is primarily a street car...
Last edited by libertyforall1776; 07-08-2013 at 01:05 PM.
#6
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I've been running 275/35/18s on my DD over 10yrs, just get a good set of tires(don't cheap-out)and your ride shouldn't change much at all.
Now as far as running a 295 on a 9.5" wide wheel that's your choice, but there's a good reason the tire manufactures recommend a set wheel size range; to offer the best possible performance from their tires. IMO, your only short changing yourself when mount you tires on wheels outside the recommend size range.
Now as far as running a 295 on a 9.5" wide wheel that's your choice, but there's a good reason the tire manufactures recommend a set wheel size range; to offer the best possible performance from their tires. IMO, your only short changing yourself when mount you tires on wheels outside the recommend size range.
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There have been tests where a car has been fitted with several different wheel sizes and it seems that at the 25" to 26" tire height, the 17" gives the best times on the track and the 18" "feels" best (but is usually a bit slower). As a 3rd gen owner, there is an inflection point at the 17" size - 16" can't give the grip, and 18" is too stiff - 4th gens are similar in that respect.
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#8
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A lower profile sidewall increases the effective spring rate of the suspension - whether the car feels better or not.
There have been tests where a car has been fitted with several different wheel sizes and it seems that at the 25" to 26" tire height, the 17" gives the best times on the track and the 18" "feels" best (but is usually a bit slower). As a 3rd gen owner, there is an inflection point at the 17" size - 16" can't give the grip, and 18" is too stiff - 4th gens are similar in that respect.
There have been tests where a car has been fitted with several different wheel sizes and it seems that at the 25" to 26" tire height, the 17" gives the best times on the track and the 18" "feels" best (but is usually a bit slower). As a 3rd gen owner, there is an inflection point at the 17" size - 16" can't give the grip, and 18" is too stiff - 4th gens are similar in that respect.
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As for big brakes, yes, you can fit BIG brakes under the 18's, but you can still go to C5 brakes under the 17's.
#10
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Well I added the rims in the OP (18X9.5 5X4.75 +40); I guess the untold advantage of 18" wheels in a 4th Gen is the ability to run Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires that I bought (275/35/18), no 16" or 17" options for 4th Gens on these tires. Consumer Reports rates the PSS 90 of 100 -- the tops in their Ultra High Performance tires category, and the highest rating ever give to a tire! Next closest rates 82 of 100...
http://consumerreports.org/cro/cars/...s-overview.htm
Perhaps this tire can help wipe out any some negatives of a bigger rim?
Michelin's 30k mi. tread warranty appeals as well.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/special-...er-sport-tires
http://consumerreports.org/cro/cars/...s-overview.htm
Perhaps this tire can help wipe out any some negatives of a bigger rim?
![Winky](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_wink.gif)
http://www.roadandtrack.com/special-...er-sport-tires
![](http://www.michelinman.com/mediabin/Approved/Michelin/Visuals/Digital/tire-pilot-super-sport-hero.png)
Last edited by libertyforall1776; 07-23-2013 at 09:17 PM. Reason: added PSS review link, & details, pic