Bigger wheels - Increase ground clearance?
#1
![Question](https://g35driver.com/forums/images/icons/icon5.gif)
Hi folks,
Just as the title alludes to: Will larger wheels necessarily increase my ground clearance?
I currently have the OEM 17's with an Eibach Pro Kit, and I bottom out A LOT. Plus, I cannot take my car to a car wash (I know... boo, hiss from some of you).
I currently have OEM 17" wheels (c. 2003) , and I am looking to upgrade to OEM 19" wheels (c. 2006) this year.
I know the tire plays a serious factor in determining such, but just assume that I will be rolling with the factory recommended rubber.
Also, as a side note: Are the 19" OEM wheels heavier than the 17" wheels? Just curious how a change may affect my performance... rotational inertia, bla, bla, bla.
Thanks,
Clint
Just as the title alludes to: Will larger wheels necessarily increase my ground clearance?
I currently have the OEM 17's with an Eibach Pro Kit, and I bottom out A LOT. Plus, I cannot take my car to a car wash (I know... boo, hiss from some of you).
I currently have OEM 17" wheels (c. 2003) , and I am looking to upgrade to OEM 19" wheels (c. 2006) this year.
I know the tire plays a serious factor in determining such, but just assume that I will be rolling with the factory recommended rubber.
Also, as a side note: Are the 19" OEM wheels heavier than the 17" wheels? Just curious how a change may affect my performance... rotational inertia, bla, bla, bla.
Thanks,
Clint
#3
Originally Posted by dannyboi2088
umm i guess ill give it a shot but i think the 19" maybe a little bit heavier or there lighter im not so sure on that part but yes bigger wheels do give you more ground clearance......your performance should not be affected
this is what i think but if im wrong someone correct me
this is what i think but if im wrong someone correct me
#5
No real difference in ground clearance between 19" vs 18" vs 17". The tires on a 19" have a lower profile/shorter sidewall when compared to an 18" or 17" tire, but the rim makes up that difference. Overall diameter of the 3 sizes is approx the same.
You need a less aggressive set of springs if you're scraping all the time.
You need a less aggressive set of springs if you're scraping all the time.
#6
Originally Posted by AthensBlueG
No real difference in ground clearance between 19" vs 18" vs 17". The tires on a 19" have a lower profile/shorter sidewall when compared to an 18" or 17" tire, but the rim makes up that difference. Overall diameter of the 3 sizes is approx the same.
You need a less aggressive set of springs if you're scraping all the time.
You need a less aggressive set of springs if you're scraping all the time.
right. If you keep the overall diameter of the new tires the same as the OEM, ground clearance won't change. The sidewall ratio will change to adjust for that.
Since the OEM 19's are forged, they are lighter than non-forged and should weigh about the same as the 17's. I doubt you would notice.
#7
Not only they don't give you a higher clearance, but they *shouldn't.* If they did, that would mean you changed the overall diameter of your wheel (tire+rim), which is bad. This changes your speedometer reading, can affect VDC, brake performance, and more.
(If you want to be specific, it's only bad if you changed your speedometer reading by more than 3%).
(If you want to be specific, it's only bad if you changed your speedometer reading by more than 3%).
Trending Topics
#10
Maybe I originally focused on the wrong item...
Please see this picture to see how little ground clearance I have.
I have ~ 3.75" of clearance on my side skirts--enough to prop up my Blackberry against a side skirt to give you an idea. Is this normal for just an Eibach Prokit to drop a G this much?
I have ~ 3.75" of clearance on my side skirts--enough to prop up my Blackberry against a side skirt to give you an idea. Is this normal for just an Eibach Prokit to drop a G this much?
#11
Originally Posted by c35
Please see this picture to see how little ground clearance I have.
I have ~ 3.75" of clearance on my side skirts--enough to prop up my Blackberry against a side skirt to give you an idea. Is this normal for just an Eibach Prokit to drop a G this much?
I have ~ 3.75" of clearance on my side skirts--enough to prop up my Blackberry against a side skirt to give you an idea. Is this normal for just an Eibach Prokit to drop a G this much?
#12
Here's a good tire calculator to show you how close your new tire height matches your stock tire height.
#14
Originally Posted by BadBoy06
Is that correct. I thought the prokit gives you a closer spring# compared
with OEM or maybe thats on the Sport Suspension.?
with OEM or maybe thats on the Sport Suspension.?
https://g35driver.com/forums/brakes-suspension/65190-g35-350z-aftermarket-coilover-springs-shocks-spec-s-w-updates.html
#15
Registered User
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Long Island, N.Y.
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by Gilley
Check out Gsedan35's thorough thread about nearly every available spring and coilover combo available, with the stock spring rates.
https://g35driver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65190
https://g35driver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65190
WOW..thats a ton of info and also something I've been looking for.
Talk about killing 2 birds with 1 stone
![Wink](https://g35driver.com/forums/images/smilies/wink.gif)
thanks!