17s versus 18s

Susky · Aug 3, 2006

Okay, so I'm considering some deep dish black bullitts. What are the arguments for or against going with 18-inch wheels?

DocG · Aug 3, 2006

18" usually weigh more....might have a little more trouble fitting a big fat tire like a 315 with an 18". They look sweet though IMO.

jasonh_86 · Aug 3, 2006

18 > 17... but I am biased

GoofNOff · Aug 3, 2006

CobraRed_96_GT · Aug 3, 2006

You wont have problem w/ 18" 10X315's on any 94-98 and im pretty sure after 98 too. I've had em on my car, got em to break loose only once w/out power breaking.....was a hot day

Susky · Aug 4, 2006

So other than looks (which is okay), there isn't much justification for spending $1000+ for new wheels and tires? I figured there must be some physical advantage, like less sidewall flex...but I'm guessing it's not significant enough to merit the cost. Right?

BlueRuckus · Aug 4, 2006

The following is my $.02

18" Pros
Looks better
Hooks better
Handles better (provided they are wider than previous)
Pimping Status Raised

18" Cons
Wheel and Tires more expensive
Heavier in most cases
Thief magnets
The only thing that was a deciding factor for me was cost. After much deleberation and much saving, i went with the 18s.

stangGT97 · Aug 4, 2006

BlueRuckus said:
The following is my $.02

18" Pros
Looks better
Hooks better
Handles better (provided they are wider than previous)
Pimping Status Raised

18" Cons
Wheel and Tires more expensive
Heavier in most cases
Thief magnets
The only thing that was a deciding factor for me was cost. After much deleberation and much saving, i went with the 18s.

Comparing similar treadwidths between 18s and 17s, the 17s will hook better due to increased sidewall flex. It is for that same reason that 17s do not handle as well as 18s. ie, a matched 18x9 set of wheels will outhandle a matched 17x9 set, but the 17x9 will have an advantage in terms of traction and straightline acceleration (less rotating mass)

BlueRuckus · Aug 4, 2006

Stanggt97,

Let me clarify my previous post which is based on assumption and is no way intended to be fact nor do i have any data to back it up. I was refering to everyday driving and spirited take offs.

I said they hook better, because my assumption is that the 18s will be wider, hense using a wider foot plant (larger contact patch) on the tire. Combined with the added weight of an assumed heavier wheel which requires a tad more HP to spin, would provide a bit more traction in my opinion. Let me also clarify that i am not saying that you could launch at 4K and get traction. I totally understand the sidewall flex that you talked about and also agree that this is a factor.

From my understanding, you are correct in that 17's will have better straightline acceleration in a 1/4 mile situation. But i also believe that 18s will provide faster MPH in a top end speed situation. An 18" wheel spinning at the same speed as an 17" will go faster due to (larger diameter).

helty · Aug 4, 2006

18x10 with 315s

DocG · Aug 4, 2006

Helty.....that looks mean as ****.

helty · Aug 4, 2006

DocG2828 said:
Helty.....that looks mean as ****.

I know, thanks man. I think Im gonna go out and fondle it

streetstang03 · Aug 4, 2006

be a ballah..get 20s

OneStiffGT · Aug 4, 2006

BlueRuckus said:
The following is my $.02

18" Pros
Looks better
Hooks better
Handles better (provided they are wider than previous)
Pimping Status Raised

18" Cons
Wheel and Tires more expensive
Heavier in most cases
Thief magnets
The only thing that was a deciding factor for me was cost. After much deleberation and much saving, i went with the 18s.

A wider tire might mean more grip, but a lesser sidewall will also mean that you will have less traction coming out of a corner. You can get the same width in 17's as the 18's, and run a little taller sidewall. So in theory 18's just look better, and will empty your bank account.

OneStiffGT · Aug 4, 2006

BlueRuckus said:
Stanggt97,

Let me clarify my previous post which is based on assumption and is no way intended to be fact nor do i have any data to back it up. I was refering to everyday driving and spirited take offs.

I said they hook better, because my assumption is that the 18s will be wider, hense using a wider foot plant (larger contact patch) on the tire. Combined with the added weight of an assumed heavier wheel which requires a tad more HP to spin, would provide a bit more traction in my opinion. Let me also clarify that i am not saying that you could launch at 4K and get traction. I totally understand the sidewall flex that you talked about and also agree that this is a factor.

From my understanding, you are correct in that 17's will have better straightline acceleration in a 1/4 mile situation. But i also believe that 18s will provide faster MPH in a top end speed situation. An 18" wheel spinning at the same speed as an 17" will go faster due to (larger diameter).

Um if you get 18's and the right tire size, the wheels will be spinning at the same speed... If you are assuming 18's will be heavier, they will slow you down too... THere is just no justification to go with 18's unless its for looks, or you really need huge brakes.

stangGT97 · Aug 4, 2006

BlueRuckus said:
Stanggt97,

Let me clarify my previous post which is based on assumption and is no way intended to be fact nor do i have any data to back it up. I was refering to everyday driving and spirited take offs.

I said they hook better, because my assumption is that the 18s will be wider, hense using a wider foot plant (larger contact patch) on the tire. Combined with the added weight of an assumed heavier wheel which requires a tad more HP to spin, would provide a bit more traction in my opinion. Let me also clarify that i am not saying that you could launch at 4K and get traction. I totally understand the sidewall flex that you talked about and also agree that this is a factor.

From my understanding, you are correct in that 17's will have better straightline acceleration in a 1/4 mile situation. But i also believe that 18s will provide faster MPH in a top end speed situation. An 18" wheel spinning at the same speed as an 17" will go faster due to (larger diameter).

k man I see what you're saying. But a 17" wheel and an 18" wheel will not affect top speed, assuming the overall sidewall+wheel height it the same between the two. I also understand your statement about the 18s hooking better, but we need to compare apples to apples here which is why I had that 17x9 and 18x9 example.

CobraRed_96_GT · Aug 4, 2006

Weight isnt that big of a deal, my tires weighed way more than my 18's and same for my 17's. If your stuffing a 315 in your wheel well the wieght of your wheel is the least of your worries.

ADRENLN · Aug 4, 2006

no point in buying 17's, you already have them. if your going to spend money gat the 18's. if you pay extra like me, the 18's wont even weigh as much as stock.

^ was right its the tires that hold all the weight.

Susky · Aug 4, 2006

Good points all. I assume that with the correct aspect tires, the 18s would be pretty close to the 17s in terms of overall diameter, so besides the obvious cost, the considerations are pretty much contact area (width), mass, sidewall flex, and appearance.

I appreciate the feedback. The wheels are probably close to last on my list of things to do, but it's good to know what I'm getting into ahead of time.

Cantslowdown · Aug 4, 2006

I like my 17/9s but if i had more money i might have went with 18's..I just need to get some wider tires out back gonna see if 285s will fit on a 17/9 rim..

17s versus 18s

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