Effect of wheel size?

[kdkrone]

I drive a 92 Q45 with 15" rims; these are not the original ugly ones that came with the car but rims that Inifiniti had put on the car.

I am thinking about replacing the rims as I have decided to keep the car for while longer and wish to dress it up just a little to pretend that it is the new car I can't afford. I am unclear as to whether I have the option of increasing the rim size to 16" or 17"; if that is an option, what is the reason for doing so? Is it merely looks or is there a performance value in doing so?

I would be grateful for any insight that can be provided.

Thanks Ken K

[Nismo_Freak]

I drive a 92 Q45 with 15" rims; these are not the original ugly ones that came with the car but rims that Inifiniti had put on the car.

I am thinking about replacing the rims as I have decided to keep the car for while longer and wish to dress it up just a little to pretend that it is the new car I can't afford. I am unclear as to whether I have the option of increasing the rim size to 16" or 17"; if that is an option, what is the reason for doing so? Is it merely looks or is there a performance value in doing so?

I would be grateful for any insight that can be provided.

Thanks Ken K

In actuality increasing the rim size does nothing but hurt your performance... if you could make a 9 lb. 15x9 wheel that would live on the street you'd be set. It mainly has to do with unsprung weight.

As for the plus sizing the wheel diameter it's mainly for looks, and secondly it opens up different wheel choices, as well as different widths.

[Grant@tirerack]

If this is a daily driver, I would look at a nice 16" and a 225/55-16 tire. It would give the car more of a updated look and depending on the tire and wheel, it should give you a nice improvement in steering response and traction. I would look at the Michelin Pilot Sport AS for an all season or the Firestone Firehawk SZ50 EP for a nice Summer tire.