ok someone's gotta help me out here
i know some ppl think larger rims are more aesthetically pleasing (better to look at)

but do they have any technical purpose? functionality?

i've been wondering long enough and it's killing me


b0h

 

With larger diameter rims it is possible to go with wider tires. The wider tires along with the lower profile give you better traction and cornering. It does however give you a harsher ride as well, due to lower profile tires.

Red/Canadian

 

Probably the main reason people get bigger rims is for the looks. However, there can be some functional purposes as well. These can be:

1. Lighter weight - big factor in performance, both acceleration and turning. Of course, this can be accomplished with the same size as well, as weight is more a factor of the alloy/material used then the size of the wheel.
2. Brake clearance - if you're going to use larger brakes, then often a larger diameter wheel is required. Be carefull though, as the way the wheel is designed may mean that you don't get more clearance "inside".
3. More tire - "taller" is sometimes accompanied with "wider" which allows a wider tire to be used which gives you a bigger contact patch or footprint. This helps the car "stick" in the corner. Again, you can just get the same height wheel, just wider, if desired.
4. The "combo factor" - typically, a lower profile tire will give you a better handling car. In order to get the lower profile and not end up with a smaller (diameter) tire, you can get a taller wheel to match the lower profile tire and end up with the same height as stock. This is often called "Plus+ option". Plus+ 1 = 1 inch taller wheel w/ lower profile tire to match stock height; Plus+ 2 = 2 inch taller wheel, etc...

Hope this helps answer your question.

Drive safe, have fun, kick butt when necessary
<font color=green>'03 Emerald Mist</font color=green>
Premium/Sport/Xenon

 

Larger diameter rims do not allow a wider tire. You also need to go with a wider rim. Larger diameter rims are generally wider, but not necessarily so. They make 17x8 rims and 18x7.5 rims.

Note that if you don't pay attention to weight, a larger rim and wider tire could wind up being heavier than the stock rim and tire, which can actually degrade acceleration and handling.

Also, for the sake of G35's, which have an oddball size stock tire, going to a different rim can open up your range of performance tire choices in a more common tire size. There are definately better tires out there than the OEM shoes the G35 comes with, but none of them are available in a 215/55R17.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

thank you for all your replies

i think i see the purpose now,
and if i decide to switch myself
i'll keep those ideas in mind

b0h

 

except the mosquitos..

'03 G35 Sedan: ivory/aero body/sport/sunroof
Warning: Objects in mirror are FASTER than they appear

 

Lol.. that's one thing I certainly don't miss since moving out of Texas. Skeeters. I do miss the 3L soda bottles, though.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

Okay, all you guys with a 'C' cup, do us all a favour and stay away from the public pools! Also, under NO circumstances, wear Speedos. [img]/w3timages/icons/blush.gif[/img]

 

Let's just leave cup size out of this. [img]/w3timages/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Andrew

2003 coupe 6MT blue premium aero (on order)

 

""""Dan puts his speedos back in the dresser <<SIGH>>"""