monkiboy48

What exactly is the advantage to larger rims? Is there any besides the looks? For one, I know that the lower the profile the more direct the steering will become as there is less flex between your steering input and the tire sidewall. Second, if you increase the width you will increase grip as the surface area touching the ground increases. The downfalls are ride quality, greater rotational inertia (you go slower), and possible rim damage.

I ask because I am considering getting some new wheels to replace my stock TL-P ones. What do you guys think?

Thanks

fsttyms1

looks. Ifany thing they hinder the car. Less performance worse ride

lindros2

I agree - all looks - bigger, heavier wheels include more unsprung weight...

joseph_99tl

i just put back onmy stock 16in...
the car feels quicker

monkiboy48

Thanks guys. I think instead of investing on new wheels I'll buy more grippy tires. This way, my investment would enhance my performance instead of decrease it (just for looks).

Edward'TLS

Larger rims with lower profile tires will allow the car to carry more speed into a turn, meaning that handling is vastly improved because you can negotiate the same turn with a higher vehicle speed. However, the larger rims also weight more (unless you go for expensive ultra-light forged rims) and will become slower when accelerating out of a turn. So faster into corners, but slower out of corners.

fsttyms1

Well inless you plan on racing the car professionally i wouldnt worry about it and just get a nice set of rims that you like (18-19") Just try not to buy a 50 lb rim!

paul_huryk

Honestly, it depends on the overall diameter and width of the tires and wheels. For example, a TL-S with 17" wheels has a lot less sidewall than a 300C with 18" wheels - the 300 tire diameter is 3" larger.

Most performance gain in terms of tires comes from a width increase of tires - going from a 205-60-16 to a 225-55-16 on a wider wheel is 10% more rubber - that is what improves handling, the amount of rubber on the road.

Of course if you have a 14" wheel and tire on a TL, you will be at a disadvantage becuse the sidewall is so large that it "rolls over" when you corner hard. Its all a tradeoff.

I remember seeing a test of tire sizes in a big car mag a few years ago - they tested a car with 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18" wheels with the same tire width. The conclusion was that the 14" had too much sidewall, the 15" was very good, the 16" was the best (slightly better than the 15"), the 17" was ok, and the 18" was horrible (horrible ride and car skipped over road bumps). I can't remember the car, but I'm sure the tire diameter was similar to a TL.

TunedTL

BBK usually have bigger calipers, they won't clear with stock rims. Sometimes you also need a spacer even you got bigger rims because the way spokes are designed.

monkiboy48

Maybe I should keep the wheel size the same at 16" but find a lighter wheel with a greater width.

Why is the sidewall on our stock wheels not as stiff as other low profile tires. Is it because our sidewall is too high (causing it to "fold over") or because it is not as stiff?

Thanks for all of you input!!!

RickRoush03

[QUOTE=Why is the sidewall on our stock wheels not as stiff as other low profile tires. Is it because our sidewall is too high (causing it to "fold over") or because it is not as stiff?QUOTE]


Yes, and more aggressive tires, ie. ultra high performance tires are made with much stiffer sidewalls than michelin mxv4's for example. you could add some psi also to stiffen up the tire, but sacrifice ride quality etc. if your not racing around a race track, get whatever looks good to you, you already new pretty much the main differences. I wouldn't get the yoko avs es 100's though, lots or road noise. Just my .02.

Edward'TLS

But for our cars, the overall diameter is fixed. So bigger wheels always mean less tire sidewall. Otherwise, the speedometer and the VSA system will be screwed up.

Edward'TLS

Keep in mind that the overall diameter of the wheel/tire must be obeyed. If you want to go to a wider 16" tire, the sidewall aspect ratio must be smaller.

205/60/16
225/55/16 - minimum rim width 6"
245/55/16 - minimum rim width 7"

I don't know how width is the OEM 16" rim. Always follow the recommended minumum rim width.

But then 245/55/16 would be too wide and slow down the car considerably

fsttyms1

actually on the 225 most tire manufacturers want a 7" rim or larger which is larger than what the TL-P is(6.5) Ive been running a 225 since day 1 with out a problem though

Edward'TLS

Goto Tirerack, pick a few 225's, and read their specs. Even 225/50/16 only requires a mininum of 6" wide rims.