Do larger wheels slow you down?
6th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,182
From: PA to KY ('07) to IL ('09) to MS ('10) to FL ('11)
Typically when you go with a 20" wheel your tire will be a lower profile such that you'll maintain an OD equivalent to the OE tire. But even with that, unless you're spending big bucks for lightweight wheels, you're increasing rotational mass. And I'm not sure that you're not adding rubber weight since I've never looked at the weight of an 18" tire with an ~27" OD vs a 20" tire with an euivalent OD. Some claim to not notice and others do.
One other thing to consider (other than my personal opinion that 20's look like chit on our S197's but that's my 2 cents...) is the impact on ride and handling due to the lower profile tire (again, some notice and others are numb... errrr... don't notice). Some have even reported a higher rate of damge to wheels from potholes and curbs.
One other thing to consider (other than my personal opinion that 20's look like chit on our S197's but that's my 2 cents...) is the impact on ride and handling due to the lower profile tire (again, some notice and others are numb... errrr... don't notice). Some have even reported a higher rate of damge to wheels from potholes and curbs.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 205
From: Mid MI
17" Bullitts are 21.5 lbs
18" Polished Bullitts are 25 lbs
18" Chrome Bullitts are 26.5 lbs
18" Fanblades are 27 lbs
18" GT500 Wheels(07 - 09) are 29 lbs
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 199
From: texas
heres an answer to your question with real proof. Larger rotational mass= lower gear ratio, which in the end will make you slower in the 1/4 mile. Weight has the most influence though.
Way back, when i just got my car, it ran a 14.1 stock.... Yes, its sad. Those are with 20" Saleen wheels. Then i borrow my friends stock GT 17" wheels and ran a 13.5. Driving skill consistency is spot on because i have an automatic
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What howarmat said is true. Lighter 20's may even make you feel faster. But thats gonna cost you alot.
Way back, when i just got my car, it ran a 14.1 stock.... Yes, its sad. Those are with 20" Saleen wheels. Then i borrow my friends stock GT 17" wheels and ran a 13.5. Driving skill consistency is spot on because i have an automatic
. What howarmat said is true. Lighter 20's may even make you feel faster. But thats gonna cost you alot.
6th Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,193
From: Montaner
We're dealing with multiple variables so it's easier to simplify it down as much as you can. The following statements are true.
More weight is bad.
More overall diameter is bad.
More sidewall is good for straight line acceleration.
Less sidewall is good for cornering.
I've also read that a wider rim also contributes towards lower performance.
More weight is bad.
More overall diameter is bad.
More sidewall is good for straight line acceleration.
Less sidewall is good for cornering.
I've also read that a wider rim also contributes towards lower performance.
