17" vs 18"...which is better for the fd?
#28
I've owned virtually every 17 or 18" combo, and there is always compromise in anything depending on use. You can't get one combo thats the "best" for every occasion.
Do 18" wheels mean a compromise in straight-line traction or ride quality? Not necessarily. If you put 30-series tires on them, probably a bit on both counts. If you run a 35-series combo, I don't believe so, allowing for variations in tire brands.
Are 17" wheels lighter? Not necessarily. My 18x10" BBS is lighter than my 17x9" SSR integral. But, nothing is as light as my 17x9.5 SSR comps. However, the 275/40/17 tires on both of my 17" SSR's are heavier than the 275/35/18 on my BBS.
What's better for track use? Tough one. The "in" combo for tracking is 18x10 w/ 285/30 all around. I've got 275/40 all around on 17x9.5's. There's definately a clearance issue up front... so my combo is lighter and cheaper and handles great, but a little less convenient. I'd say that since ride and launch traction are not issues here, that 18 gets the nod on overall performance if you can afford them.
Finally, With 18" wheels becoming the standard, you are starting to get more choices with regartd to models, aspects, and widths with 18" wheels... both for street and track. Generally speaking, you can get wider widths with more aspect choices with 18, and you can actually get more clearance with 18" wheels to fit around trailing arms, etc.
On ballance, i'd say 18" are better. However, for the thread starter who wants to drag race... maybe 17's are better if your only going to have one set.
Do 18" wheels mean a compromise in straight-line traction or ride quality? Not necessarily. If you put 30-series tires on them, probably a bit on both counts. If you run a 35-series combo, I don't believe so, allowing for variations in tire brands.
Are 17" wheels lighter? Not necessarily. My 18x10" BBS is lighter than my 17x9" SSR integral. But, nothing is as light as my 17x9.5 SSR comps. However, the 275/40/17 tires on both of my 17" SSR's are heavier than the 275/35/18 on my BBS.
What's better for track use? Tough one. The "in" combo for tracking is 18x10 w/ 285/30 all around. I've got 275/40 all around on 17x9.5's. There's definately a clearance issue up front... so my combo is lighter and cheaper and handles great, but a little less convenient. I'd say that since ride and launch traction are not issues here, that 18 gets the nod on overall performance if you can afford them.
Finally, With 18" wheels becoming the standard, you are starting to get more choices with regartd to models, aspects, and widths with 18" wheels... both for street and track. Generally speaking, you can get wider widths with more aspect choices with 18, and you can actually get more clearance with 18" wheels to fit around trailing arms, etc.
On ballance, i'd say 18" are better. However, for the thread starter who wants to drag race... maybe 17's are better if your only going to have one set.
#35
Honestly, I liked the looks of my 17" fikse's from 3/4 angles and such (like the photo above), but from profile, they just looked too small. I think the only time 18's look funny is if the car isn't lowered, and/or the tires are super-low profile. Both accentuate the "dub" look.
Done right, they look way better than 17's.
Done right, they look way better than 17's.
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2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
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05-28-09 02:19 PM