does size matter?

[dreamindrifter]

i just bought a 04 altima and i wanna replace the stock wheels with something special. you kno, to get them heads turning. my question: does size matter? not only in looks but in performance-wise?

[crzycav86]

You mean rim diameter? Yes. Larger diameter in conjunction with a smaller sidewall(plus sizing) will let the sidewall flex less during cornering.

If you mean rim width, wider rims will let the tread deform less during cornering.

I think some of this stuff is in the stickies up top. There are definitely some good links in them, so check them out.

[Dori Dori]

Size matters little when you compare it with the benefits of good tires.

[dreamindrifter]

if i go for a larger diameter, will i get better handling? or is it only if i get a wider wheel?

[Dori Dori]

As crzycav86 said, you'll be able to run lower profile tires which will provide stiffer sidewalls...so you'll have less sidewall flex.

What size wheels do you have now and what are you looking into?

[dreamindrifter]

i got 16's right now but i wanna get 20's on there. i juss found out that nitto juss released a tire that can work for me, but upon gettin the new wheels, imma have to stiffen my ride, right?

[Grant@tirerack]

Check the FAQs and you will find a volume of info on this. For an '04 Altima, I wouldn't go any bigger than an 18". A 17" would be a very nice upgrade without turning the car into a kidney stone crushing ride. 20s make no sense at all. You will be hard pressed to find a 20" tire with the 94 load rating you need to safely run on the car that will still fit in the wheel wells without a lift kit. A 17" or even 18" will give you improved handling but a 20" is only for the 'bling' factor. You won't see any of the cars running in the ALMS races running 20s. There's a reason....

[dreamindrifter]

thanks grant, you juss saved me from a $2000 mistake of buying those 20's. im gonna stick to the 18's.

[Grant@tirerack]

Now if you did happen to have kidney stones, it could save you at least that much in ultrasonic treatments to break them up:D

[dreamindrifter]

what are the advantages of going for a larger diameter?

[skydragoness]

Generally there is no advantage, especially when your'e talking about a daily-driven street car. Like Grant said, 17" would be plenty improvement, as 16" rims are versatile enough as it is. Going any bigger your'e going to have suspension and tire-wear issues.

And, the bigger the wheel, the more rotating mass, meaning more work is being put into spinning the wheel, than accelerating the car.

[whiterps13]

"you aint no big dogg unless you ridin dubz"

[sleepyRPS13]

some girls says size does matter

[Touchdown038]

some girls says size does matter

Man, that's SO what I expected this thread to be about!

[dreamindrifter]

sry about giving u guys the wrong impression, but u got to admit it caught your attention. =P