Performance advantage to bigger wheels?

[Cameron]

I really like the look of the larger (16" or 17") wheels but the price of new wheels and tires is difficult to justify on appearance alone (at least for my budget).
:/
Is there a performance advantage?

[forrest]

By going to a larger diameter wheel, yet maintaining the same overall diameter, you decrease the sidewall height of the tire.

This means less flex when turning or cornering, giving you (in theory) better handling.

The downside, is a harsher ride, since there is less sidewall tire height to absorb the bumps on the road.

I'm running 18's on my red PT, and 18 front/20 rear on the black panel, and do it (honestly) for the looks.

Performance in a 3300#, 150 hp car - you gotta be kidding.

[Arne]

I've got 17" 225/45s all around and I'd say there was a fairly significant increase in handling with a minimal decrease in smoothness. I'd even consider lower profile tires if I thought handling would be that much improved, but I don't think it could get much better than it is now. It goes around corners and through twisties like a cat. I've also got the Mopar springs and struts, so that probably helps some too.

I wouldn't have gone to 17" wheels for appearance alone. I don’t care about wheel gap and all that. I do think the new wheels look pretty good though (Axis Touring Cup Whites). It is a significant investment, but I think it was worthwhile.

[coolZero]

I kept my original chrome rims and went to a 225/50 Falklen tire. Its a good bit wider and just a hair taller (not enough to affect speedo or trip od) Does respond much better in the steering and feels real good at the higher speeds too.

[naeS_TP]

Eddie-PT (03 Sep, 2001 09:44 p.m.):
I kept my original chrome rims and went to a 225/50 Falklen tire. Its a good bit wider and just a hair taller (not enough to affect speedo or trip od

carefull now! Unless the overall height is EXACTLY the same as stock, it WILL affect your speedo and od.

Try this site- enter the OLD measurements and NEW ones- select "Compare A to B" and see what happens.

http://www.c5-corvette.com/tirecalc.htm

I agree that you are within 3% of stock however.

My $0.03 (adjusted for inflation)