And "NO", I'm not talking about your taste in women! :shock:

What's the deal with "big rims"? What happened to 14" wheels?

Got any good links? :scratch:

 

You tell me...

American Racing Hopster Rims / Falken Tires
17" x 8" American Racing Hopsters, custom built with 5-1/8" backspace
Front - P225/45ZR17 Falken GRB FK-451's
Rear - P235/45ZR17 Falken GRB FK-451's
American Racing "Cobra" polished center caps
Spincap's billet aluminum valvestem caps

 

 

Well, if you insist...

If you look at the graphic Jay provided, you'll see that the overall diameter of the tire doesn't really change - just a taller rim and shorter tire sidewall. Since rubber tires "flex" and metal wheels don't, you get quicker steering response, improved handling, and better cornering. The larger rim also allows you to use larger disc brake rotors for increased braking capability (more swept area). In addition, most of today's performance tread designs and rubber compounds are only offered in the larger tire diameter's, due to their performance nature. It's difficult to find many Z speed rated 14" or 15" tires, at least not the LARGE selection available in 17".

Why 17's? On a 15" wheel/tire, the tire sidewall is close to the upper balljoint, typically limiting you to 4.25" max backspacing. On a 16" wheel, the rim is exactly even with the upper balljoint/ a-arm, limiting you to 4.5" backspace (and THAT's very tight)... On a 65/66 car, 4.5" BS is the absolute minimum you can run with an 8" wide wheel to avoid interference with stock fender lips. With 17" wheel, you can easily run 4.75" BS, since the rim clears the upper balljoint. That extra 1/4" makes a HUGE difference in clearance.

The larger & wider rims use a tire that has a more "square" cross-section - the sidewalls tend to be straight up & down [ ], instead of "bulging" out ( ). This allows wider tread width than the smaller sizes. More rubber on the road = increased grip.

What plus sizing WON'T do: (if properly sized)
Raise or lower your vehicle - they are the SAME overall diameter.
Change your speedometer
Physically "fill" your wheelwell. Yes, VISUALLY, the larger rim attracts the eye to where you notice less gap, but the overall diameter stays the same.

Disadvantages:
Easier to damage the rim on curbs or potholes
Stiffer ride
In extreme horsepower situations, the tire sidewall doesn't flex to help absorb "launch impacts", result in slightly slower drag times.

Here's a track test of some plus size tires.

As far as appearance - "to each his own", but some people prefer seeing a black tire instead of a shiny rim :nono: . And, if you go TOO extreme (20" ), the car can take on a "cartoonish" appearance that some don't like.

 

I knew you were the man for the job.

 

yeah but i like the stealthiness of 15" wheels, especially with really fat rubber in the back like a 295/50-15, currently i have 275/50-15's on the rear

 

i personally love seeing a set of meats on a car...