I have the stock 17" bullit wheelwith 235/55/17 pirelli and would like to change the wheel color and up the tire size some also.

I could get 17x9 wheels and use255/50/17 tires which have little selection or would it make more sense to go with 18x9 with 255/45/18 that has many choices?

Is it possible to keep the ride about the same by using a good tire such as the michelin on the 18" wheels even though the aspect ratio is dropping from 55 on the stock tires to
45 on the 18" tires?

Thanks

 

Your ride height wont change much by going with the 18's. I think the 18" combo is a great one and should give a nice look and not sacrifice any ride comfort or ride height...JMO

 

The ride height will stay the same with any of these tire sizes, I am looking for feedback on the ride quality changes good or badthat anyone has noticed switchingfrom 17"to 18".

 

I understand but going to an inch bigger rim with a smaller aspect ratio should not be any problem of what so ever for ride comfort and performance. In fact I think the ride will be the same but with better performance. I have 20's with a 30 series tire and the ride is great and the tires stick well and wear well and the ride comfort (contrary to popular belief) is very comfortable! The only performance loss with such a big rim is the weight and going from 17's to 18's wont change much at all.

 

Thanks for the input. The guys at all the tire shops tell me that the ride will get harsher when going to the 255/45/18 tire.

You are probably right that if your 30 series tiresride good the 45 series may not be much different at all.

 

I would say ride comfort is relative. Everyone will "feel" something different. I dont think will notice a huge change though.

 

My car came stock with 18" fanblades and I ditched them for 17" machined-face wheels. I noticed a small improvement in ride quality, but I really switched because my stock wheel and tire combo was FIFTY NINE POUNDS on each corner! Also, I picked up two extra 17s for cheap and a pair of M/T ET Streets for the track. You can't find a slick for 18s.