Do 17 " rims affect a cars performance?
#4
17" wheels do not guarantee lower ET's. As stated, if they are heavier or lighter it will affect performance one way or the other, but there are several other factors to understand. The first is tire height. Taller gives less gearing (like going to a lower numerically gear), and vice versa.
The next is sidewall height. A 17" tire will typically have a shorter sidewall than a 16" tire, which will flex less on a dragstrip launch. Sidewall flex puts more tread in contact with the pavement. This typically makes it harder to launch the car on 17's.
Last, but far from least is related to weight, but not static weight. The 17" wheel/tire, assuming it weighs the same as a 16" wheel/tire, will typically move the weight father out from the center of the axle. This gives the mass more leverage to work against the motor, and is similar to adding more static weight.
That being said, if I was still a drag racer I would stay with a 16x8 wheel out back shod with BFG 255/50/16 DR's or 245/50/16 Nitto DR's.
I switched to 17's for the better turn in on an autox/road course.
The next is sidewall height. A 17" tire will typically have a shorter sidewall than a 16" tire, which will flex less on a dragstrip launch. Sidewall flex puts more tread in contact with the pavement. This typically makes it harder to launch the car on 17's.
Last, but far from least is related to weight, but not static weight. The 17" wheel/tire, assuming it weighs the same as a 16" wheel/tire, will typically move the weight father out from the center of the axle. This gives the mass more leverage to work against the motor, and is similar to adding more static weight.
That being said, if I was still a drag racer I would stay with a 16x8 wheel out back shod with BFG 255/50/16 DR's or 245/50/16 Nitto DR's.
I switched to 17's for the better turn in on an autox/road course.
#6
I never plan on changing.. people think that larger wheels look better, but IMO it doesnt look natural.. Seems to be out of place on cars they arent designed to be on.. like trucks with 22" rims..
but again thats my opinion..
is it true that people that go to larger wheels are trying to compensate for smaller... well thats what i heard anyways.. hehehhe
but again thats my opinion..
is it true that people that go to larger wheels are trying to compensate for smaller... well thats what i heard anyways.. hehehhe
#10
17" rims give lower et's than 16" rims because due to the larger diameter of the wheel it takes fewer revolutions of the wheel and axle to get the same distance down the track. So we all should get 40" monster truck wheels and be really fast.
#13
Yes, well it all depends on what you want the purpose of your car to be, looks, go, or a little bit of both. I'm in the both category where I buy enough performace parts to pull around my new stuff for looks, and still have enough power to smoke a couple ricers on the weekends. I'm never going to do anything major to my, just bolt ons. I'm sure a new lid or something similar would pull around those new 17's like they were 16's. My $0.02
#14
I am looking mostly for the street. I don't have any big plans on becoming a big contender at the strip, although I will eventually get there to see what I have been doing on the street (and maybe for some bragging rights).