Will changing from 16s to 17s make any significant change in my quarter mile time? I know a lot of drag racers prefer the 16s, but I'd like to move up to 17s if it won't make much of a difference.

 

The only rerason I could think is unsprung weight, but in my humble oppinion, the weight difference, can be more than compensated for by the driver.... And some rims are as light as the stock 16's... in 17" or 18" form... not many but some rare ones are close or identical...

 

The only thing you give up when going to 17s is sidewall flex, which can help you launch. Unless you are a serious drag racer, no big deal. If you are a serious drag racer, you can just mount some E/T streets on a pair of stock rims and bring those to the strip anyway.

EDIT: I realize I wasn't very clear. Sidewall flex = good for launches. 17s will have less sidewall flex than 16s.

 

Get light rims. Isn't side wall flex good for drag? I thought weight transfer to the rear is good. I'm not sure. I'm kinda a newbie drag boy, but weight transfer to the drive wheels makes sense, and sidewall flex with more rubber in the back helps that. Isn't that why some people have those wrinklewall drag tires? :p

 

I know sidewall is good for drag, but I wanted to know if 1 less inch would make a big difference.

 

In my opinion no come on lets be for real unless you drag pro. and are looking for every littttle edge possable I dont think it will make a diff.. 17 look nice on a street application and 18 looks even better.