Wheel newb- need suggestions for first time purchase

[WC-BRZ]

Originally Posted by Racecomp Engineering

No one here recommended anything like that. It's not a great idea.

Do you want your car to handle well?

What suspension are you planning on running?

- Andrew

Andrew, are you able to elaborate a bit more?



More specifically, what I mean to inquire about is a lightweight, forged 18x9.5 set with 255's and, let's say, a good entry-level coilover like CSG FLA or RCE Superstreet. Of course, goes without saying, lowered only an inch or so and not slammed by any means.



As long as the 18's are lighter or roughly the same weight as stock with tires (about 41 lbs?), shouldn't the handling benefits increase vs. a 17x9 set with 245's?

[churchx]

There will be very slight gains from lighter wheels, but hardly what can be felt by "butt dyno". One may rather feel a bit difference due unsprung weight reduction in how suspension/road defects/bumps may feel, but imho it won't be revolutionary. A bit different small bumps (heavier wheel due inertia dampens them), and a bit different bigger bumps (easier for suspension to move lighter wheel along road surface changes). But it won't be very much, there still is lot of unchanged weight in tire and (if) heavy stock brakes. Less change then what forged wheels cost. Imho good choice on better shocks, but money on forged wheels i'd probably invest elsewhere. In eg. brakes, or engine power, or aero, or best return - from "driver mod" . I'm not sure i'd like going with that wide of wheels & tires either. At very least if not going forced induction, rather staying NA power. Don't like overtired handling and there might be more potential clearance issues with x9.5 wide tires, my choice would be x8 and 225, or x9 and eg. 245. As side gain, "free" extra tire & wheel weight reduction

[Racecomp Engineering]

One important thing to keep in mind is that tire compound is much more important than tire width. The difference in grip between a 245 and a 255 for the same tire is there but it's not that big.

Beyond that, it depends on what you're after. Ultimate cornering grip may be very slightly higher with a 9.5 width wheel and 255 vs a 9 and a 245, but suspension clearance, weight, wheel and tire cost, etc. are usually better with the 9. In some cases what is faster is track dependent.

That said, not a huge difference either way. Usually though when having this conversation it's people with heavy 9.5 width wheels and 255 all season tires that are wondering why their car isn't fun anymore.

I still find 17x8 with 225 Michelin PS4S to be the most fun all around street setup. Track is a different story.

- Andrew

[Calum]

Nothing