what size wheels handle the best?

Forum for Nissan wheel fitment, tire selection, suspension setup and brake discussions.
carps13guy
Posts: 291
Joined: Sat Jun 14, 2008 7:07 pm
Car: 91 coupe ka

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hi guys, i own a 91 KA coupe in charcoal. i am planning on getting enkei rsv wheels but dont know what size is better (16 or 17). i live near some bitchen mountains and run em a lot to and from work, so i want wheels that will keep stock or as stock to suspension travel. ive heard that 16's are good if you canyon race, and 17's are for a more show look. so im in a pickle cuz i dont want to get stuck with a size that changes gear ratio & has to use ultra low prof tires. what do you think? need input, thanks


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AZ89two4Tsx
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Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:02 am

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It's way more about the tires than the wheels. Also the width of the wheels, not the diameter.

IBTL?

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wackawacka
Posts: 646
Joined: Tue Jan 02, 2007 6:18 pm

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Ghey point #1. "mountain runs / canyon racing"

Ghey point #2. "stock suspension travel"

livinglegend2100
Posts: 1375
Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:11 pm

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uhh yea kinda a dumb post. harsh, but true. sorry. i have 18's on mine and it handles great

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Nissan240sx_s13
Posts: 337
Joined: Mon Jul 09, 2007 7:31 pm
Car: 1990 Nissan 240sx

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Id go with a 28 inch wheel. More balla status more handles yo! Honestly id go to the right forum.... or maby search? I Dunno but im with AZ89 IBTL!!!

livinglegend2100
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Joined: Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:11 pm

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oh yea i forgot. IBTL

S14toRPS13
Posts: 2333
Joined: Mon Apr 03, 2006 1:11 pm
Location: Back to CA

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Like said above. Width of the wheels is more important. Just a heads up, not too many people on here are too fond of tackling corners up in the mountains. Atleast talking about it.

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Tulsa_S-13
Posts: 1953
Joined: Sun Jun 19, 2005 2:14 pm
Car: 1991 SR 240sx

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It's all about what type of tire you use, anyone who says "16s are better for mountain runs" is obviously full of bull****.

Just get a set of 15x7 Konig Rewinds. They weigh in at 13lbs a piece, and when you trash your wheels and car it won't matter because they're cheapies.

You could also go with Rota Grids, they're also fairly inexpensive.

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baoweezee
Posts: 167
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 6:45 pm
Car: 93' ChuFoTy EsSex

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come on guys its just a question answer it and get it over with.

16 or 17 is fine just depend on the width so u put on larger tires for more grip. More grip=better handling.

if u want superb handling upgrade suspension, bushings,suspension components ect.. just go 16x8 or more width, 17x8+ is good too. run 225+ for better grip, make sure ur wheel offsets will clear ur springs/ shocks or coils if u have them. Im planning on running 16x8 0 offsets on 225/55/16 and slam it.

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Tulsa_S-13
Posts: 1953
Joined: Sun Jun 19, 2005 2:14 pm
Car: 1991 SR 240sx

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baoweezee wrote:Im planning on running 16x8 0 offsets on 225/55/16 and slam it.
Yea man, because you plan on making a handling beast the best way to do is it slamming it and getting the suspension geometry out of wack.

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simmode1
Posts: 7918
Joined: Fri Aug 17, 2007 4:51 pm
Car: Red '95 S14
Location: Euless, TX
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I think the op asked a pretty decent question. At what diameter does wheel size start to negatively affect handling?

I agree that wheel width and tire ratings are more important things to consider. But I'd love to have some open discussion on this. Right now, I run 17's with 45 profile tires. I felt a noticable drop in handling from when I used to use 40 profile.

I can't wait to switch to my 16's with 45(i think) profile. I'm sure they'll handle better since they're an incher wider. But how much will the diameter factor in?

Discuss....

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baoweezee
Posts: 167
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 6:45 pm
Car: 93' ChuFoTy EsSex

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Simmode since ur going 16's why not go with 50+ profile tires? i think 45 will look small on 16's. not sure but how ur car been.

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tramp_drift240
Posts: 4649
Joined: Mon Nov 20, 2006 2:43 pm
Car: 1992 240sx SE Coupe
Location: NoVA
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i dont see why people put lower profile tires on already small wheels.

like running low-pros on stock wheels, or any other 15 or 16 incher.

whenever ive made wheel plans and stuff, i go by the books in order to keep the stock overall wheel diameter.

tiny wheels/tires looks like crap.

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boznuttz
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Car: MS13

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Learn the geometry and physics of how your suspension and tires work first.

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simmode1
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I'm at work right now and I can't remember the exact tire profile size, but I bought the wheels with sticky tires (but very worn) on them already. They are about half a size smaller than I would have thought to choose as well. But when I thought about it, I think the slightly smaller diameter will result in more responsive handling. The previous owner had a very well modified chuki coupe and I kinda trust his judgement on this.

I think that combo combined with the close gearing of a J30 diff should result in a pretty peppy ride... But well just have to see.

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adrianfromthecastle
Posts: 18849
Joined: Wed Jun 29, 2005 5:36 am
Car: 1992 Nissan 240sx
Location: California

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1) dont street or canyon race. keep that sh1t to yourself.2) 17x9+15 225/45 or 235/40 all around. dont ask questions, just do it.3) welcome to nico.

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hannibal
Posts: 9680
Joined: Wed Sep 11, 2002 2:38 am
Car: Red Line to Glenmont
Location: Washington DC

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^ yeah what he said!

But the lightest wheel/tire combo is the best...


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