wheel tech question

[Streets_of_Fire]

hello. i was wondering, with an s14, going from 205/55/16 to 215/45/17, is there a REAL handling improvement? i am contemplating if i should go with 17x7" wheels or just stay with 16x7", 16" are lighter and easier to drift with from what i have researched. just would like to know everyone else's opinions. (FYI the "PLUS SIZING" article link in the FAQ no longer works!!) and lastly, from reading the FAQ, 40 is proper offset right? so no matter what, i HAVE to get the wheels at 40 offset?

thanks
Modified by Streets_of_Fire at 12:13 PM 11/16/2006

[whiterps13]

16's vs. 17's is hardly much of a differance. As long as you get some decent quality wheels, the addition of weight will be barely noticable, if it all. There is no differance in 'ease to drift'. But, 17 inch tires can cost more, so take that into account.

You will notice a big change in handling when switching to plus size wheels for the fact that smaller sidewalls will flex less. In combination with a good set of spring and shocks or coilovers, your handling will greatly increase when using plus sized wheels. Trust me, there is a major differance in turn in, predicability, but also ride quality. I would highly reccomend switching to larger wheels.

As far as the offset thing, you dont have to get +40. You actually want lower offset wheels, so they come closer to the fender. Therefore, you can achieve the 'flush' look people always talk about.

[Streets_of_Fire]

cool thanks, so are you talking about 38? but if it comes from factory at 40 wouldnt it be better to keep it at factory? i am not concerned with the look, just want to keep everything close to spec.

[whiterps13]

See the thing is, the stock offset leaves much to be desired when it comes to looks. If you stare directly along your car, with both wheel well in sight, do you notice how far the lip of the wheels is away from the lip of your fender? Most people want their wheels to stick out as close to the edge of the fenders as possible, which is what would be considered flush. Lower offset brings the lip of the wheel closer to the fender, giving you a mjuch more aggressive stance and by far better looks.

For your s14, heres a general rule on what sizes will be considered flush with your fenders. Keep in mind tire sizing and camber can effect these numbers, but its a good starting point.

7.5", +10

8", +15

8.5", +20

9", +25

[whiterps13]

I just read your response, and the answer is no. Lowering your offset will not throw off anything from factory specs, but it will greatly improve the lookj of your car. Trust me, when you see the differance between flush and sunken wheels, you will be sold. Heres a picture for referance.17x7 +4217x8.5 +25

See the differance in the fitment of the rear wheel? I hope that helps.

[Streets_of_Fire]

it does look very clean! thanks for the pics

[nismofly]

fyi once you get above 8.5" you need to start taking inner as well as outer clearance into consideration....for example the x9 +25 whiterps suggested will not clear coilovers on the inside, you need something like a +15 to +20 to clear the coilover

[whiterps13]

Right, I forgot to mention that. I was just giving those offsets to use as a base for fender clearance.