performance question - rims

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03-20-2006, 03:36 PM

#11

Big Red

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Join Date: Feb 2006

Location: Norwalk, CT

Posts: 185

RE: performance question - rims

dont bigger wheels mean more workt o get going but less work to cruise?

03-20-2006, 03:42 PM

#12

chidrock

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Join Date: Jan 2006

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RE: performance question - rims

That's right...I was just asking to see if it would be a big difference when I switch to the 17" rims over the 16"s.

03-20-2006, 03:47 PM

#13

Tres Wright

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Join Date: Apr 2005

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Posts: 1,716

RE: performance question - rims

Quote:

ORIGINAL: chidrock

Is there a difference between the diameter of the V6 rims & the GT ones? I think the rims are bigger, but the tire is smaller...maybe he's just been giving it more gas to make up for the difference in accelleration?

I'd say it's highly unlikely they are exactly the same diameter. You can look it up on the 'net I'm sure, the tires are P215/65R16 versus 235/55ZR17.

03-20-2006, 03:54 PM

#14

WindVeil05DropTop

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Join Date: Jan 2006

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Posts: 316

RE: performance question - rims

I think I read somewhere that the 17s are 27.18" diameter tires stock, and the 16s are 27.00" diameter stock. Regardless, I made the switch and didn't notice any difference in acceleration, MPG, speedo, or anything. All I really noticed was in turns it feels like I have a little more rubber on the road (which I do). Hope this helps.

03-20-2006, 04:00 PM

#15

chidrock

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RE: performance question - rims

Thanks Windveil; more opinions from others who did this helps out. I'm going to just put them on and see what happens. I hope it turns out like you said...

Btw, I looked it up, the 16"s (P215/65R16) looks like it's 27", while the 17"s (235/55zr1z) showed up as 27.18", which was probably rounded anyway.

03-20-2006, 04:17 PM

#16

thatstang

2nd Gear Member

Join Date: Mar 2006

Posts: 300

RE: performance question - rims

The stock 16" Alum. rims are fairly light and if you want handeling, purchase some 235/55 tires. You'll achive 2 goals. One is smaller wheel diameter (26.2") which transltaes to differential ratio increases from 3.55 to 3.68 so better acceleration. Second, car is about .4 on inch lower to ground and handles better also because of lower profile.
Ofcourse if you prefer aggresive look over performance, then it is a different story. On my project Civic I switched stock 16.5lb 14" rims with light 12.5lb 14" rims and acceleration improved dramatically. Felt like I gained 5-7hp at the wheel.
Just to save you some money and aggravation :-)

03-20-2006, 05:01 PM

#17

beltone

1st Gear Member

Join Date: Jul 2005

Posts: 60

RE: performance question - rims

I just put on some GT wheels from Saleen $375 plus shipping. The outside Diameter is the same.The handling is way better plus "Z" rated tires,lower profile. If you put lower profile on stock wheels it would throw your speedometer off. You can't beat the deal from Saleen. I put my stock spinners on the Bullit wheels and they ride and look great !!