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Author
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Topic: 15, 16, 17, and 18" rims - why one over the other?
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Amherst
Gearhead Posts: 255
From: Amherst, WI, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 10-02-2001 06:23 PM
   
I have been kind of wondering this for awhile. Are the "taller" rims just to add a certain look, or is there a reason to go taller? What is better at the strip? If you can achieve a desired overall wheel height just by increasing the sidewall height, why go from a 15" to a 17" rim? Are taller rims (17" and 18") recommended when you want to run low profiles, and 15" rims are for when you want to run a tall sidewall? Just a little confused!
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Moneypit
Gearhead Posts: 109
From: Sacramento CA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 10-03-2001 04:41 PM
With a taller wheel you can run a lower profile tire to improve cornering. By keeping overall tire height close to stock specs you keep your speedo and gearing correct. I don't know the answer for what is best on a drag strip.
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IIGood
Moderator Posts: 2542
From: Arnold, MD, USA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 10-03-2001 05:10 PM
What Moneypit said.  Handling/cornering are usually good reasons to upsize your rim/tire combo. Looks are a close second, if not a tie for first. I just did an upsize back in May on my '99 V6. It had the stock 15"x6"(?) rims on it, with 205/65R15 tires on them. Saw a lot of sidewall on those. Now I've got the 17"x8" GT wheels, with 245/45R17 tires. Not as much sidewall showing, wider (to give more grip to the road...I can tell that), but still about the same overall diameter as the old tire/wheel combo. ------------------
Frank S.----MCA Member 40390
'99 Mustang coupe
'77 Ghia--"II Good"
'76 Cobra--project
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pthornton
Gearhead Posts: 588
From: Austin, TX USA
Registered: Jun 99
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posted 10-06-2001 10:23 AM
Taller rims are great for handling, but kill your launch at the drag strip. Tall sidewalls are always better for launch. Drive to the track on your 18" and then swap on the 15" slicks.------------------
Randy Thornton
Boss 302 & Saleen S281
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TomP
Gearhead Posts: 4765
From: Delta BC Canada
Registered: Dec 99
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posted 11-13-2001 02:24 AM
sometimes you don't want the drag slicks wrinkling that much, usually you add air pressure. A bigger rim would work too. it's mainly that there are hardly any slicks for 16" or bigger rims
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Amherst
Gearhead Posts: 255
From: Amherst, WI, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 11-13-2001 08:52 PM
Thanks for the tips. I should be thankful for the 17x8 split spoke rims that came with it. Would a 15" rim even fit on there?
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ylw0178
Journeyman Posts: 6
From: ttt
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 11-28-2001 09:43 AM
Smaller wheels means less wheel spin per tire rotation. If you are goin to race it at a track for time, then a smaller wheel wuld be better than a larger one. ------------------
Just another Stang
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savannahgt2000
Journeyman Posts: 3
From: Savannah, Georgia
Registered: Nov 2001
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posted 11-29-2001 08:01 PM
I think the 18's look great on a late model Stang.------------------
Black 2000 Mustang GT Convertible - 5 spd
Purchased 11/20/2001 -->
-- Mods --
B&M Hammer Head T-Handle
-- On Order --
Steeda Tri-Ax Shifter
-- Next Upgrades --
Steeda Sub-Frame Connectors
Eibach 2" Sport Springs
4.10 Gears [This message has been edited by savannahgt2000 (edited 11-29-2001).]
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Amherst
Gearhead Posts: 255
From: Amherst, WI, USA
Registered: Aug 2000
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posted 11-29-2001 09:08 PM
By the way, welcome to M&M Savannah and YLW! I am not the official greeter, but what the hell! We need more people to use the SN95 thread in M&M, so I am glad you guys have signed up. I think you will like it here. Very rarely, if ever do you see flaming posts, and you can never ask a dumb question (believe me, I have asked some real basic ones and nobody has ever jumped down my throat.) The 65-70 thread is really cool, and there is a lot to be learned there that can apply to our types of cars. Same goes for the racing site (if not more.) In any event, keep checking in so we can build this sucker!! Chris
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mustangs68
Moderator Posts: 17504
From: Hampton,Virginia,USA MCA#39406 M&M #12
Registered: May 99
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posted 12-01-2001 08:20 PM
savannahgt2000,
Welcome to Mustangsandmore.
Join in and enjoy
sam
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