17" vs 18"
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Teching In
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: SLC, UT
17" vs 18" I hope I am not posting something that has been talked about a million times already. I tried searching but couldnt figure how to word it without it saying my search words are too short.
Is there a big difference in handling, ride quality, traction, etc between 17s and 18s? Is the ride noticeably worse with the smaller sidewalls on the 18s? What else is there to consider when deciding what size you want?
TIA!
Is there a big difference in handling, ride quality, traction, etc between 17s and 18s? Is the ride noticeably worse with the smaller sidewalls on the 18s? What else is there to consider when deciding what size you want?
TIA!
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Joined: Feb 2004
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I think it is completely up to the owner. My previous Camaro had 18x8's on all four corners and it looked good. My current Formula has 17x9's on all four corners. If you're looking to be in the low 12sec range for the 1/4, stick w/ 17s b/c 18s give you too much unsprung weight. If you're not really into performance (yeah right) and will not spend a whole lot of money in the engine, then go w/ the 18s. They look great on lowered f-bodies and you'll have everyone staring at your ride.
I did notice though that my Formula with 17s handles a lot better than the Camaro w/ the 18s. Thats another reason, 17s are good for performance while 18s are good for aesthetics.
I did notice though that my Formula with 17s handles a lot better than the Camaro w/ the 18s. Thats another reason, 17s are good for performance while 18s are good for aesthetics.
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Originally Posted by FenixSS
Is it that having a 17 or 18 in tire does affect performance or is it the width, ie 8, 9.5, 10.5 or 11s that determine performance?
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So for daily driving and maybe once a month trip to the track, 18x10.5 all around would be ok? Both for handling and going straight? I'm kinda set on a set of Black Z06 Motorsports.
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Originally Posted by FenixSS
So for daily driving and maybe once a month trip to the track, 18x10.5 all around would be ok? Both for handling and going straight? I'm kinda set on a set of Black Z06 Motorsports.
And even thought they are 18's I doubt mine are heavier, so the "lost" power would purely be the issue with stiffer/shorter sidewalls.
It's all for fun. If I was a die hard competitor, in either Drag Racing or Road Racing, I'd have two cars set up completely different.