Any opinions on whether 18's hurt performance in any way? Ive heard that despite going with a lower profile tire, that 18s can hurt performance . Is this true at all? The largest sizes I ever see at the track (other than ricers w/ 20's) are 17's. Any input would be helpful. Thanks

 

i have 18's w/ bridgestone rubbers, and i have to say, the car books alot better than ever.

 

99 tims out of 100 larger wheels add rotating mass.

Even if the wheel is the same weight, moving the bulk of the mass farther from the center means it takes more energy to get moving, and is more prone to keeping moving (also hurting deceleration). In order to maintain the same properties during delta V, a larger diameter wheel must be severely lighter.

Next you have the issue of sidewall. Cars built to handle use short, stiff sidewalls. Cars meant to accelerate in a straight line use tall, soft sidewalls.

You will physically loose HP to the ground,be slower off the line, perhaps worse fuel economy, AND less straight line traction. These things have been proven and even some on the dyno.

Your car will probably look better and handle better though, depending on the tire...

Like my 315' rear tires dont hook as well as the 275' Nitto 555's...

Personally, the 245/50r16, 275/40r17, and 315/35r17 are a good balance. They still have good sidewall for some traction with decent tires and lower pressure, but look and handle decently most of the time.

What are you trying to gain by going to an 18" wheel? Performance WILL suffer, but if looks and handling are more important, then go with it. If handling alone is your goal, do other things before the expense of wheels and tires.

 

Yes large wheels will slow you down. In fact I recommend that you put some 15" civic wheels on your Z

 

Which magazine was it that put a stock (down to the air filter) nissan (sentra?) into the 12's or 13's? They used 4 donuts and cut off 70% of the car That was great.

 

I think it was Sport compact car, and it only got to the lows 14s.

http://www.nerocam.com/SCC_TAPnew.asp

 

They gained .3 seconds going from 19's to 15's