LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

how much do bigger wheels slow you down?

Old Apr 10, 2003 | 03:59 AM
  #1  
PredatorZ28's Avatar
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how much do bigger wheels slow you down?

say i put 20's or 18's on my car how much will it be slowed down?i put 20's with 35 series tires next to mine stocks and their about the same size as my stocks..
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 04:07 AM
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They may look about the same size, but will probably weigh a lot more. Also, if you have wider rubber then you will be able to feel it. My welds and 315's are actually lighter that stock, but I can fell the 315's back there. Just a thought. Weigh them and see. Stock should be around 45 lbs depending on wheels.
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 04:27 AM
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the 20's are probably lighter... think it will be slower?
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 04:48 AM
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I doubt they will be lighter. Exactly what size are they and what size tires you gonna run? FYI, your not gonna get any traction. Also, I think 20's will be too big, and not look good.
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 07:38 AM
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It's a Camaro, not an SUV
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 07:43 AM
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all depends on the weight of the wheel. not the size. rotating mass will hinder your braking and acceleration, and might destroy your transmission. i put 17" wheels on my z, came with 16's, and they are lighter than the 16's. and wider, but the 275 tires weigh a little more than the 245's did. so, it depends on your setup. firn the lightest wheel you can
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 08:02 AM
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just a thought...when the guys at www.ws6.com widened their 17" firehawk rims to 11" for the rear they saw a loss of 3.6hp and 3.5# torque on the dyno...that being due to more rotating mass to spin. combine this with the addition of similar rims/tires up front and you can see how it adversely affects power...or more, the ability of available power to accelerate the wheels.

on a side note....i think 20's look hideous on fbodies...18's are as big as i would go...corvette thin spokes baby...saving up as i speak
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 08:06 AM
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I guess I am into performance not looks... 17's would be as big as I would go, 20's and all I can say is bling, bling, welcome to the ghetto. Toss some tassels in your window and add some curb feelers and your the man...
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 08:08 AM
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It depends on the WEIGHT, not the SIZE...
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 08:15 AM
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I agree, but there is a point where size has an affect... I wonder this:

Nascar uses 15's
F1 uses 15's
NHRA uses 15's


Sidewall has a lot to play in tire performance... Less is not the best, there is a happy medium..
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 08:25 AM
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with a 17" tire and wheel, the tire will flex slightly before it decides to break free. with the 18" tire and wheel, there is almost no indication of when the tires will give. street racers use factory 16's so they can determine when the tires will yield to the street, like former 86 camaro said, a happy medium. do some research and find a few friends with 17's and 18's, ask if you can drive their car. i like the 17's i have.
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 08:29 AM
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There is a guy that put 20's on the rear and 19's up front.

He said it amazingly helped his track times. His 60' was slower, and his 1/4 was quite a bit faster...
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 08:32 AM
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20's on a TA save the money and do some performance...I just dont think 20's would look so good
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 08:35 AM
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Bling Bling.. save the cash, put it in a mutal fund for when your old..... To much wasted cash for 20's..... Just IMOP.
Old Apr 10, 2003 | 01:52 PM
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well for one the 20's are only 1100 from a friend and there 245/35r20 nitto 555's.. and i dont want to be like everyone and there mother with covette rims or TT2's those cars look like they are stock now that you see so many of them. Two i didnt want 20's but for this price.. and three i put one of them on my car to see how they look and they look good you would have to see them in person there not really bling bling and the cars come with 20's now bmw ,mercezdes, even some imports come on 18's and so does the vette.. one more thing TT2's are FORD mustang wheels.oh and the guy im going to buy them from gets nothing but thumbs up when they where on his car and my car looks like 100% better than his ...here are the wheels http://www.camarocasanova.freeserver...s/mvc-018s.jpg

Last edited by PredatorZ28; Apr 10, 2003 at 01:54 PM.

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