Going from 18's to 17's....
 

I've had 18x9.5's on my red WS-6 for about 2 years and with some recent things that have happened (and the rims just not in good condition anymore) I wanted to buy some new ones, obviously with new tires. I was looking at TTII's powdercoated but they are only in 17's. Worth it to go back down a size? Also stupid question...will it lower the car any at all b/c the rims are smaller??

You make up for the smaller rims by buying tires with taller sidewalls. The overall diameter of your wheel tire combination....no matter if it is a 16, 17, or 18" wheel, should always be around 25.6" inches. Popular compatible tire sizes are 245/50/16, 275/40/17 and 315/35/17. While all those sizes are completely different, they all have the same overall diameter. 18" wheels need lower profile tires to be in the 25.6" range....what size is on your current wheels?

Either way, if you do it right and keep the overall diameter the same, your car won't get lowered at all, you'll just see less wheel and more sidewall. More sidewall means a bit cushier ride, better traction, but you give up a bit in cornering. To me, 17" provide the best mix of everything....18" is about as big as I would go....and I'd only switch to 18's for looks.


Manny