hey i am new to this and was eyeing up some chrome rims, but they are 17 X 8 and was wondering why i would want these instead of 17 X 9? Not sure, any help would be greatly appreciated

 

The only thing I can think of is tires would be cheaper and the wheels are probably a little cheaper then 17X9s and you might have a tiny bit better turning diameter. Other then that 17X9s are the way to go.

 

yeah 17X9s are the more popular size

 

Frank,
I've been researching similar question, too. There are a few factors: size of tire that's going onto the wheel; wheel back-spacing (offset); will you be running stock sized tires? or plus sizes?; etc, etc.

For example, I contacted Eagle Alloy about their Series 211, which is very similar to the American Racing Torque Thurst II wheel that I have my eye on. Eagle themselves told me it would not fit my '01 Z-28, and that this car requires ~ a front wheel drive (FWD) wheel EVEN THOUGH it's obviously a rear wheel drive car. The backspacing is 5-5.5" and the lug pattern is 5 on 4.75". I was trying to save about $20/wheel, but it looks like American Racing TTII's are in my future.

Which wheel(s) are you considering?

Good luck,
Daryl

 

i was eyeing up the 17 X 8 eagles on ebay; not sure what i have, just got the car a few months ago, i know they are 17 inch though, i have an SS:

The ad reads:

Bolt Pattern: 5 x 4.75

Size: 17 x 8

Offset: +38 mm

I would think whatever tires i have won't be able to move over to these rims?? I like my tires, they're big and fat-just don't like the rims!

 

I am 97.359% sure SS rims are 17X9s so the 17X8s wouldn't be as wide.

 

i just emailed the guy, he said a 17 X 9 tire will fit the 17X8 rim- what do you guys think??

 

some sizes might fit, but it would balloon or bulge more around the sidewalls, reducing the effective tread hitting the ground.

go with the wider rim.

 

Yup, it will fit but it will be kind of a waste of tire.

 

hey do you think there would be abig difference if i ran 17X8 tire s rather than 17X9?

Would i lose traction because the tire is not as wide?

 

Try TireRack. Pick out a tire size and brand you have or plan to run, call it up and click on "specs". It'll tell you the recommended wheel width range. If this link works for you, notice that the 275/40-17 BFG KDW needs 9-11 in. wide wheels. Going an inch narrower isn't good. The tire won't be as flat on the road, and sidewall support suffers. I'd expect less traction and faster wear.

Stick with 9 inch wheels if you plan to run 275/40s. You could drop to 255/45s and be ok, however. That's a popular a size with a good selection of tires/prices.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Spec.j...orce+T%2FA+KDW