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why do 18" wheels need to be lowerd?

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Old Aug 1, 2005 | 06:19 PM
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Default why do 18" wheels need to be lowerd?

Why do people say cars with 18" rims on them need to be lowerd? and why do I not hear people say 17" need to be lowered?
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Old Aug 1, 2005 | 07:17 PM
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wheel size has NOTHING to do with ride height. As the wheel gets bigger in diameter, the tire sidewall typically gets thinner. This keeps an identical (26") outer tire diameter, no matter what wheel size is used.

Here is a photo for an example. Both combos are exactly the same height, 26" tire height like stock. The one on the left is a 17" rim, on the right is a 19" rim.



So, when you bolt up either combo, the tire/fender gap and ride height remain unchanged.
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Old Aug 1, 2005 | 07:18 PM
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I don't know, it just looks fucked up. The fender gap may be the same, but it looks bigger. There are before pics around here with 18's not lowered and it looks like total ***.
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Old Aug 1, 2005 | 07:20 PM
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Well, many would say that any f-body that isn't lowered looks like ***.
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Old Aug 1, 2005 | 07:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Nine Ball
Here is a photo for an example. Both combos are exactly the same height, 26" tire height like stock. The one on the left is a 17" rim, on the right is a 19" rim.
I want the one on the left. What kind is that?
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Old Aug 1, 2005 | 07:40 PM
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I have 18's and my car looks just fine without being lowered. Actually, it looks bad ***.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2067177
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Old Aug 1, 2005 | 07:49 PM
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Originally Posted by CrabhartLS1
I want the one on the left. What kind is that?
reproduction SS 17x9, in optional black powdercoat. Very popular wheel.
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Old Aug 1, 2005 | 07:52 PM
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Originally Posted by CrabhartLS1
I want the one on the left. What kind is that?
The one on the left is a corvette grand sport rim from a the grand sport corvettes availible in 1996. Very similiar to the popular ZR1 rim only it has a different offset and I belive the lip or something is slightly different. Sweet rim though
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Old Aug 2, 2005 | 07:49 AM
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I like the rim on the right alot, i think it would look amazing on an SS.

I just lowered my car and 18' Chrome ZO6s are going on, i will post pics when its done!!
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Old Aug 2, 2005 | 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by mike3605
I have 18's and my car looks just fine without being lowered. Actually, it looks bad ***.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2067177
How the hell do you run 12 and trap 117?
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Old Aug 2, 2005 | 09:22 AM
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Originally Posted by hawaiiboysz
How the hell do you run 12 and trap 117?
my guess would be an absolutely horendous 60 ft time.
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Old Aug 3, 2005 | 11:33 AM
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I ran a 13.09 @ 116, 2.5 short time.
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Old Aug 3, 2005 | 11:39 AM
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I feel these cars almost have to be lowered. A small reduction in the wheel gap does a whole lot for the stance and overall appearance of the F-bod.
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Old Aug 3, 2005 | 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by WhiteDeathLS1
I feel these cars almost have to be lowered. A small reduction in the wheel gap does a whole lot for the stance and overall appearance of the F-bod.
I agree with you, but not everyone has the option of their car sitting and inch or more lower to the ground. This mainly applies to daily driver people, things like speed bumps tend to get in the way.
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Old Aug 3, 2005 | 12:23 PM
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Yeah I need to lower mine. I have "that wheel on the left" up there and although it looks great, it still has the nasty wheel well gap.
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Old Aug 3, 2005 | 09:12 PM
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Originally Posted by mike3605
I have 18's and my car looks just fine without being lowered. Actually, it looks bad ***.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2067177
Glad you like it! But I say lower that beast and it will looks tons better.
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Old Aug 3, 2005 | 10:24 PM
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i think the lower profile tires make it look like it is sitting to high even though it isn't.
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