theElio

Hey all,

Looking through rims and tires and wanted to know the performance benefit to why someone would go with a 17x8 instead of or 17x7.
I'm looking at the Enkei RP03's which are 17.9lbs and 16.8lbs, respectively. I don't have a desire to go to 18s.
I was thinking of wrapping them with Avon M550 A/S. Does the extra inch of contact net me any performance improvement that would overcome the extra weight?

AamirCWITR

You will get a slight improvement in grip by going to a wider tire and wheel but the wider tire and wheel will also add weight which does have minor effects on acceleration. I think the tire weight would be a bigger factor when going up an inch in wheel diameter also because then the extra tire weight is also further from the center.

I think you would be best server by staying with 17x7 and getting a better tire. That way you keep the weight lower for both the wheel and the tire, also get much better handling. I am positive a 17x7 on a max performance summer tire would handily outperform you the tires you referenced on a 7.5" wide wheel.

feelgood13

if the wheels are too wide, it might look a little mexicanish.

AamirCWITR

I just reread what I wrote and realized I made 1000 grammatical errors.

What I was trying to say is, stick with a 7" wide wheel and don't get the Avon tires. Get a good summer tire such as Pilot Sport PS 2, Yoko Advan Neovas, Pilot PE Exalto. etc.

JTso

iTrader: (2)

Larger wheels and wider tires usually mean heavier weight but not always. I reduced about 9 lbs off each corner with 18x8 wheels (SSR) and wider tires (PS2) when comparing to the stock setup. The wider wheels with the correct offset also allow wider tires if necessary.

AamirCWITR

9 lbs...wow. that is impressive. What SSR's did you get and how much do they weigh?

JTso

iTrader: (2)

I got the GT2 and it weights approx. 16.7 lbs for the 18x8 comparing to the 17x7 stocker at 24 lbs. The 225x40 PS2 weights 21 lbs comparing to the 215x50 stocker at 23 lbs.

psteng19

Beefier tires for grip.

At the cost of possibly more weight, and worse fuel economy.

AlterZgo

Using the same 215-50-17 tire on a 17x8" rim will yield a larger contact patch than if you used it on a 17x7" rim. Therefore, it would increase your grip.