Wheels and Stock Suspension
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 4
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From: New Seoul, NJ
Wheels and Stock Suspension I learned a long time ago that automotive engineers know what they're doing. I also learned that often times automaker bean counters make the decisions. Smart gear heads know how parts work in relationship with each other. I have a base 1999 Trans Am AT with the stock 16" wheels and old summer tires. The tires need to be replaced, everything else is optional.
I'm thinking the 17" OE style wheels of the WS6 variety. Generally speaking as you go up in wheel size you increase weight slowing your car down, suspension pieces were chosen and tuning were done with the 16" wheel weight in mind. Pontiac didn't offer the 17" as an option on the base TA. My car is my daily driver and I don't want to mess with that right combination of ride handling and comfort that the car magazines praised the 4th generation for having.
Is there any reason I shouldn't consider the 17" wheel upgrade? What about 18" wheels?
I'm thinking the 17" OE style wheels of the WS6 variety. Generally speaking as you go up in wheel size you increase weight slowing your car down, suspension pieces were chosen and tuning were done with the 16" wheel weight in mind. Pontiac didn't offer the 17" as an option on the base TA. My car is my daily driver and I don't want to mess with that right combination of ride handling and comfort that the car magazines praised the 4th generation for having.
Is there any reason I shouldn't consider the 17" wheel upgrade? What about 18" wheels?
The 98+ models got 17inch wheels stock and as far as I know, no changes were made to the suspension (same shocks, springs etc), except the rear bump stock was made larger. If you don't autocross/track your car, I doubt you will feel the *weight* differences or even sidewall height difference, but going to a 17x9 wheel and up to a 275/40-r17 tire, you WILL feel more grip cornering, more braking and acceleration traction (all good things). If you don't AX, there is no good reason to put a DD on 18s IMO.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: New Seoul, NJ
The 98+ models got 17inch wheels stock and as far as I know, no changes were made to the suspension (same shocks, springs etc), except the rear bump stock was made larger. If you don't autocross/track your car, I doubt you will feel the *weight* differences or even sidewall height difference, but going to a 17x9 wheel and up to a 275/40-r17 tire, you WILL feel more grip cornering, more braking and acceleration traction (all good things). If you don't AX, there is no good reason to put a DD on 18s IMO.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 6,216
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From: Wichita KS / Rancho San Diego
I've run both 16" and 17" wheels on my A4 car, and have had the 16's on in recent years for added sidewall height and thus ride comfort. My experience with BFG G-force tires (and I've had several varieties, including the COMP A/S) is that their sidewall stiffness makes for a very harsh ride. On 17's they should pound pretty hard. I'd never consider 18's and up.
Tire selections in the 16x8 size are becoming few, and those available generally don't have a particularly good ride. Let us know how you like your 17" setup once it's installed.
Tire selections in the 16x8 size are becoming few, and those available generally don't have a particularly good ride. Let us know how you like your 17" setup once it's installed.
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