csj0952

Advantages of one versus another?

Assuming 17 inch is better in winter. It is also more durable against potholes.

What advantage does 18 inch bring?


Thanks for your help,
Chris

jwood_06TSX

I did a little research for this too because i was debating about what to get and my short summary would be that the 18's look better and are usually wider which provides more rubber equalling better grip, handling, and performance (given the surface quality of the road that is). Whereas the 17's can spin faster (obviously depending on weight), better in bad weather like you mentioned. And then there is the obvious difference in $$ for tires, having to ride badly if you have to put the donut on with 18's, and that is about all that i can come up with right now. I am sure you will get a lot more info from some more experienced people but that is just my opinion.

csj0952

What about gas milage?

dolparism

due to more surface on the ground, you get less MPG, and mostly 18s are heavier than 17s....10 pounds of wheels are like 80 pounds in the car....

ILoveMyHonda

Pros of 18's
1. Less tire sidewall = better steering response, corner handling. Together with a wider tread equals more grip
2. Aesthetically pleasing. (as you can see in the above RonJon Ad)

Cons.
1. Most of the time heavier (there are some exceptions) = more weight away from the center of the wheel thus robbing some HP.
2. Tires are more expensive.
3. More road noise (subjective)
4. More road vibrations (again subjective)
5. You's have to lower the car to make them look right

Pros of 17's
1. Lighter than stock (most of the time)
2. You can get wider tires and still attain a somewhat stock ride (subjective)
3. You don't HAVE to lower the car. (But I'd recommend it anyways haha)
4. Tires are relatively cheaper

Con's of 17's
1. If you buy any aftermarket wheel with a lip they will look really small on the TSX (subjective)
2. I can't really think of another one


Now I've owned and experienced both in my case.

I had 17x7.5 ROTA Circuit 10's on 225/45's and I did notice the car seem more peppier than stock and felt a little more nimble from a start and around corners. My MPG did improve some what but not substantial enough.

I also have 18x8 SSR's on 235/40's and i did notice how the weight takes its tole on gunning it from a start and in regular day to day driving. My MPG did suffer the most a loss of 1-2 miles a gal. The car did seem a lil heavier in the turns but gripped a lot better and showed a lot less body roll. (btw I have TEIN SS's)

Btw, speaking of potholes, I just lost the SSR's to one so that's a good living example

Hope this is helpful somewhat.

I'm no expert just sharing my opinion.

jwood_06TSX

Man, you did a good job at making me feel regretful for getting 18's.....LOL. That is until i put them on my car and love the way they look I just need to be careful and not hit any potholes!!

I got the 18" RJ Servos in that sale, which i think weight 2-3 lbs less than stock so hopefully my gas mileage won't change too much....we'll see in a few months when i slap them on!

afici0nad0

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35452

best looking 17's i've seen yet.

csj0952

Those Mugen MF10s are $2000+ for just the wheels. No thank you.

Looking for a charcoal rim though sorta like them....

Kinda like the WedsSport SA-70s or the WedsSport TC005 both found on Tirerack.

Both are 17x7.5s....how does that differ vs an 8?

Any other options out there?

Thanks,
Chris

MN-TSX

I got the 18x7.5 RJ Inspires, which are lighter than stock, then put on 215/45/18 Pirelli P-Zeros to keep the stock tire width and diameter. Result is better handling and better ride with reduced road noise. Looks great with the OEM body kit and the Aspec suspension.
But there usually are trade-offs when comparing diameters, widths, and weights of wheels/tires.
Good luck!

csj0952

Did you notice your gas milage drop?

I don't want to lose gas milage so I'm going to stay 17 I think and get some Wedsport rims....

MN-TSX

My MPG did not change noticably either way, but my change maintained the stock width and overall diameter while reducing the unsprung weight.

csj0952

You speak japanesseeeeee to me...

MN-TSX

And I thought it was English.
I am not an expert, but I will try again.
215/45/18 has the same width (215mm) as the OEM 215/50/17. Also both tires have an overall diameter of about 25.5". This means that your MPG should not be affected by the tire change (a wider tire can lower MPG, and tires that are much larger or smaller in diameter can affect your MPG).
Unsprung weight is the weight of the tires/wheels and some suspension components. Reducing this weight generally helps ride and handling, and increasing weight can hurt ride and handling.
I hope that makes sense, and helps you.
Good luck with whatever you choose.