18" vs. 17" Stock?

[FNCrazy]

I know, this is an enthusiasts forum, so I'll take that a bit in to account.

I like 18's, but less for performance (presumably) and more looks.

Someone of our roads are "challenged" in the pot hole department.

How much am I giving up in comfort to go with 18's and lower profile tires vs. stock?

And FYI, I plan to do very little mods to this car, just twin charging, etc. You know, the normal stuff!

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[ZionsWrath]

There is a significant difference in 17 vs 18.

I ran staggered 18s on the street for 3 years. I just installed some ARP studs and spacers to fit OEM tires over my AP sprint kit.

Night and day. I think I even prefer my 200 TW 17" tires over my 18" continental DWS.

[Summerwolf]

I think you'd be okay. Yeah it will be stiffer, but get the right offset and tire size and you'll be fine. Looks cool too.

[FNCrazy]

Thank you for your quick response Zions. I definitely understood the first sentence.

No clue what the 2nd paragraph meant.

But it sounds like you prefer 17"?

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[FNCrazy]

Originally Posted by Summerwolf

I think you'd be okay. Yeah it will be stiffer, but get the right offset and tire size and you'll be fine. Looks cool too.

I assume this offset thing has a definition and explanation somewhere?

I've never upgraded wheels before.

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[Summerwolf]

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=15007

[ZionsWrath]

Originally Posted by FNCrazy

Thank you for your quick response Zions. I definitely understood the first sentence.

No clue what the 2nd paragraph meant.

But it sounds like you prefer 17"?

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My street wheels used to be staggered 18s. 18x8.5 front 18.9.5 rear with 235/40/18 front and 255/35/18 rear. Tires were continental DWS, a nice street all season.

It is definitely rougher ride over 17s. Square 18s (same size tire and wheel all four corners) might be better I don't know.

I've driven my "track" tires on the street. 200TW which have stiff construction compared to "street friendly" tires. I found them more comfortable, despite their stiff construction, than the 18s.

Anyway last week I did the necessary modification to be able to run the stock wheel again. And I prefer it.

If you just want to look cool, or have to clear really big brakes, 18 is good. From my experience with this car I prefer 17. I track regularly.

[Romanov]

I've lowered my car on eibach pro kit for now (waiting for flex zs to come out again) and went to heavy 18" xxrs. The car rides slightly more rough, but still not terribly. 18"s only look good when lowered IMO. otherwise you kind of look like a monster truck.

[FNCrazy]

Originally Posted by Romanov

I've lowered my car on eibach pro kit for now (waiting for flex zs to come out again) and went to heavy 18" xxrs. The car rides slightly more rough, but still not terribly. 18"s only look good when lowered IMO. otherwise you kind of look like a monster truck.

For some reason I've always been leery of switching just Springs (maybe I associate it with cut Springs)? I won't be needing to adjust suspension like coil overs, so are there any drawbacks to the Eibachs? I see you're going a different route when you get a chance

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[Romanov]

Originally Posted by FNCrazy

For some reason I've always been leery of switching just Springs (maybe I associate it with cut Springs)? I won't be needing to adjust suspension like coil overs, so are there any drawbacks to the Eibachs? I see you're going a different route when you get a chance

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I haven't had much problems with my eibachs at all. I love them actually. Great ride quality (very close to stock). The only issue i have with them is over large dips you feel the car jump up in the rear slightly, not as well planted as it was before.

I'm upgrading to coils to go lower and stiffen up the suspension for more of a planted feel. If you don't drive your car hard you really just can go with springs and just cruise around casually city/highway driving, the eibach pro kit is worth it.

If you drive your car hard or want to autocross, go with either RCE yellows or nice coilovers.

[mav1178]

Originally Posted by FNCrazy

How much am I giving up in comfort to go with 18's and lower profile tires vs. stock?

Depends entirely on what you run tire-wise.

You can have super soft/comfortable 18" tires, or super hard/harsh 17" tires.

Comparing identical compounds, 18" will always be more uncomfortable by virtue of less sidewall. But as an example:

I ran 18x9/18x9.5" VS-XX 3 piece wheels with 245/255 Toyo T1-Sport tires when I first lowered the car. It rode perfect and even with the wide tires it had very minimal road noise.

When I put on a new set of Falken Azenis RT615k (235/45-17), it rode considerably harsher than the 18" setup and had way more road noise.

-alex

[jasonojordan]

Ill never run a 18 on this car. Mine is just as much ascetics as it is performance reasons. Personally I think the brz brake setup is to small to run a 18" wheel on it without doing some sort of brake upgrade as it make the car look like a go-kart comparing the wheels to the brake size. Also a 18 is a considerable amount more rotating mass then a stock 17 unless you go with a fairly expensive 18" wheel.

[venturaII]

Should I even bring up the topic of going to 16s...?

[Mr.ac]

Originally Posted by venturaII

Should I even bring up the topic of going to 16s...?

If you want more comfort do it. Only downside is tire selection is shrinking every year. You can't find decent summer tires as of late. All seasons are what your left with.