as the title says, does anyone know for sure, IF 1 inch makes a difference in performance? For example, cornering, speed, etc. I wanted to go aftermarket with my rims but just one inch bigger to 18, however if it makes a difference in performance, I'd rather not. Anyone? ThankS!!

 

Weight is the issue, not wheel size.

 

I have 19's on my evo, and man what a differance in ride! I really can say that with my 19's, my car ride 100% better. It's like night and day differance.The car feels more responsive, tighter, rolls better, etc. I actually gives me better gearing as well.
One of my car tuner mags had a test between multiple sizes on an STI, which they did some track testing. 18's performed best as far as grip.

 

i don't know about this... the car is made to perform with the stock wheel size... there is a formula to calculate how much power you lose with the added size of the wheel...and no, its not related to weight... its the turning ration of the wheel itself... like 10 hp per inch added.... something to this affect

 

+1..i believe weight is the biggest factor...if the 18s are light then i couldnt see a major difference....of course if they are heavy regardless of size (17,18,19)..then their will be issues with speed...

 

Well, if you want the correct explanation, here it is

Wheel Size/Weight Performance effects


so its both weight and size... but size directly affects turning ratio

 

the rolling circumference of the tire is the same. larger rims usually goes with thinner sidewall tires, so it doesn't change significantly. if it does, your speedometer would need to be recalibrated too
it's the weight that really matters.
thinner sidewalls give a better response but will give a harder ride since metal does not cushion shock as well as rubber filled with air.

 

i,ve been looking for a thread like this for a while now as i,m going to 18x9 +31 offset for my IX and was wondering about everything that was talked about in these threads. I,m getting a set of SSR SP1 inblack w/polished lip.(have stock suspension and plan on keeping that way). I,m not sure about which brand of tire to run yet(so many choices,this is a daily driver)I really liked the ps2,s on my 03 but theres a lot more out there since then.I plan on using a 245x40 tire, will i have any issues at all,eg. rubbing anywhere or mounting (stretching). I can talk and understand just about anything to do with our evo,s but when it comes to wheel fitment i,m ignorant,thanks, Danny

 

Danny23,

If you plan on running a 245x40 with an 18x9 rim, then you're going to get some rubbing on the inside wheel well. Try going to a 245x35 or a 255x35. I have the former, but will try the latter on my next tires. The 255x35 also is almost exactly the same size as the stock wheel in terms of circumference and diameter.

~D

 

so there will be no rubbing issues at all with a 245x35? Will the lower profile 35 have any negative effect on everyday driving,l live mostely where there are smooth roads and highway,what about handling, response etc. thanks again your the only one whose really helped me so far,keep it up(LOL)

 

all about weight, if 19 works better than 17, than why wouldn't F1 cars have huge wheels and little rubber.

 

yup

 

im curious to know the answer to this thread also as i am thinking about either keeping the stock wheels and advan tires or go to a 18x9.5 wheel that weighs 20lbs on either a 265/35 or 275/35 falken 615. my car will have 500+whp and 450+tq.

 

That Tony Montana picture is killer man

 

Speak to anyone with experience at a track (road course, not drag strip) and they will tell you a smaller diameter wheel is better because 1) it saves weight at the most critical place in the car which is its unsprung and rotating mass. 2) having a taller sidewall helps absorb impact and prevents the chassis from being thrown off after hitting a bump at corners.

The only performance reason I see for getting a larger diameter wheel is to be able to fit a bigger brake kit.