17" vs. 18" Wheel Ride Quality?
#1
Teching In
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Chattanooga, TN
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Just wondering if there is a noticable difference. I am kinda looking around for a new set of chrome rims, but don't know if I want 17s or 18s. I don't want an excessively rough ride so thats why I'm asking. I plan on lowering my car with the Eibach Pro-Kit so thats a factor. I like the 17x10s, but I've seen a few T/As with 18s that look killer.
Also, for those who've lowered their cars, should I plan on replacing the stock shocks at the same time as springs or will they last awhile?
Also, for those who've lowered their cars, should I plan on replacing the stock shocks at the same time as springs or will they last awhile?
#3
TECH Enthusiast
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Posts: 724
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
shouldnt notice to much of a ride dif. between the two. as for the shocks i would replace them when you swap out the springs, because the stock shocks arnet made for the lowered springs.
#4
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
There is not a Huge ride quality difference. Plus the tires do have an impact. Brand A is not going to ride like Brand B . . .
I have both, but each car has different supension too. I think my 18" wheeled car rides better than the 17", but I like corner carving . . .
I have both, but each car has different supension too. I think my 18" wheeled car rides better than the 17", but I like corner carving . . .
![Driving](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_driving3.gif)
#5
TECH Addict
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Miami, Fl.
Posts: 2,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
the bigger wheel is going to give you a larger patch therefore improving your handling. I think the ride gets harsh is when you go for a small profile tire.......anything lower than 35 will get you harder, harsher ride then above 35.....
as for the shocks, yes!!! if you can, swap then with the springs. I have the prokits and the stock shocks were destroyed by the time i swapped them out. I think since i was bottoming out i might of managed some of the bushings in the rear suspension...something you really dont want.
Bilstein are a good shoice but i went with the Hal qa-1'z more money but there more versatile then the bilstein and you can adjust your ride height in the front....(actually, i wish i could adjust the rears too but working on a home made adjustment peice to help with that.) i've also heard theat the eibach pro-shocks, the adj.'z are greast yet more expensive than the hal"z and the elderbrock have a sweet trick valve that "reads" the road to acomidate comp/rebound. also, their seperate oilc-canaster shocks are really cool....
search and dont rush it..........best advice i ever got!
as for the shocks, yes!!! if you can, swap then with the springs. I have the prokits and the stock shocks were destroyed by the time i swapped them out. I think since i was bottoming out i might of managed some of the bushings in the rear suspension...something you really dont want.
Bilstein are a good shoice but i went with the Hal qa-1'z more money but there more versatile then the bilstein and you can adjust your ride height in the front....(actually, i wish i could adjust the rears too but working on a home made adjustment peice to help with that.) i've also heard theat the eibach pro-shocks, the adj.'z are greast yet more expensive than the hal"z and the elderbrock have a sweet trick valve that "reads" the road to acomidate comp/rebound. also, their seperate oilc-canaster shocks are really cool....
search and dont rush it..........best advice i ever got!
#6
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (5)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
From my past experience wheel weight will change ride quality more than tire profile.
On my 93 Corvette I ran stock 17x8.5 and 17x9.5 wiht 255/45 & 285/40 17, then old AFS ~27-30 lbs A-molds in 17x9.5 and 17x11 with 275/40 & 315/35, and last Forgelines in 18x9.5 and 18x11 with 265/35 and 295/35s.
The AFS was the worst riding setup. The other wheels were 20-22lbs. Also the newer AFS wheels are lighter from what I understand.
On my 93 Corvette I ran stock 17x8.5 and 17x9.5 wiht 255/45 & 285/40 17, then old AFS ~27-30 lbs A-molds in 17x9.5 and 17x11 with 275/40 & 315/35, and last Forgelines in 18x9.5 and 18x11 with 265/35 and 295/35s.
The AFS was the worst riding setup. The other wheels were 20-22lbs. Also the newer AFS wheels are lighter from what I understand.
#7
TECH Apprentice
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Elizabeth, NJ
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have 18's on all four corners. I don't think the car is moving as fast as it should be (due to wheel/tire weight) and the ride is very harsh (275/35 tires). I'm switching the fronts to 17's to lower the weight somewhat and lessen the shock of bumps and such while driving. My .02
Trending Topics
#9
TECH Resident
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: sugar land, TX
Posts: 785
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/ranks/ls1tech10year.png)
![Default](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
definately change the shocks/struts. i have the eibach pro-kit and i am kicking myself for not changing the shocks/struts. the ride is awful and the decarbons eventually give out. im looking into getting the QA-1s or Konis all around. good luck!
![Cheers!!](https://ls1tech.com/forums/images/smilies/LS1Tech/gr_cheers.gif)