TheBestCow
11-13-2002, 02:32 PM
I'm contemplating switching from my 15x7" stock bottlecaps (style E) to 17x8" BBS RK. I need to explain to my Dad how this is not a safety issue. Keep in mind I have Koni Sport Shocks and H&R Sport Springs.
If I understand this correctly, what I need to try and avoid is larger overall diameter, especially with a 4 cylinder, as this will bog down acceleration and also throw my speedometer off.
15x7" with 195/65/15
15" = 381mm
381mm + 65mm + 65mm (rim diameter plus the two sidewalls of the tire, going for overall diameter here) = 511mm diameter
17" BBS RK with 235/40/17
17"= 431.8mm
431mm + 40mm + 40mm (again, rim + two sidewall = overall diameter) = 511.8mm
The RKs weigh less than the stocks, I am assuming though. So with tires the RKs would still weigh less.
Basically I am trying to convince my Dad that the larger rims will not be a safety issue, and, in his words "mess with the engineering of the car" [negatively]. Correct me if I'm wrong, but handling will improve? Any other benefits other than looking a lot better?
Will the lower profile tires on the 17" make them more likely to allow damage [i.e. bending] of the rims? I know the RKs are strong but I'm driving 300 miles each time I go home to college or vise versa, and the interstates aren't exactly perfect, especially at some of the bridges and it really slams into it hard (read as: random drop/jump in pavement height where a bridge meets the road).
Thanks guys/gals!
If I understand this correctly, what I need to try and avoid is larger overall diameter, especially with a 4 cylinder, as this will bog down acceleration and also throw my speedometer off.
15x7" with 195/65/15
15" = 381mm
381mm + 65mm + 65mm (rim diameter plus the two sidewalls of the tire, going for overall diameter here) = 511mm diameter
17" BBS RK with 235/40/17
17"= 431.8mm
431mm + 40mm + 40mm (again, rim + two sidewall = overall diameter) = 511.8mm
The RKs weigh less than the stocks, I am assuming though. So with tires the RKs would still weigh less.
Basically I am trying to convince my Dad that the larger rims will not be a safety issue, and, in his words "mess with the engineering of the car" [negatively]. Correct me if I'm wrong, but handling will improve? Any other benefits other than looking a lot better?
Will the lower profile tires on the 17" make them more likely to allow damage [i.e. bending] of the rims? I know the RKs are strong but I'm driving 300 miles each time I go home to college or vise versa, and the interstates aren't exactly perfect, especially at some of the bridges and it really slams into it hard (read as: random drop/jump in pavement height where a bridge meets the road).
Thanks guys/gals!