17 Inch Wheels

[Carlsupratoy]

Hi all.

Recently put Toyota standard TT 17 inch wheels on my car, and what a huge difference to the 19s I took off.

The car is far easier to drive, and doesnt wander around, following imperfections in the road, as it did before.

But I love the look of the 19s, and the 17s look so dull in comparison, so I thought about converting the money from the sale of the 19s, to a set of 18s.

So the question is, how will the car handle on 18s? They seem a popular size but I am concerned about going back to the old handling traits.

Any comments from people running 18s much appreciated.

Cheers from Carl

[UltraFlynn]

I can't answer that until I have my suspension geometry sorted out because at the moment on my 18s I get exactly the symptoms you describe. I have lived with them for 18 months though..... not entirely happy about that but soon I'm going to have my suspension properly set up so I'll see what difference that makes.

[Carlsupratoy]

Cheers Flynn,

Look forward to hearing the results of your suspension setup.

[UltraFlynn]

I booked it today actually. I'm having a service, full suspension geometry (by a guy who builds drift cars), MOT and investigation into an oil leak and a damned annoying rattle.

(Trivia: GBH are moving to new premises ....... in Langham ....... into where Nemesis traded from)

[UltraFlynn]

Another thing. If you speak to Chris Wilson he'll tell you that the car was designed for 17's and 19 and larger handle like poo. He does, however, have some suspension tweaks which return the car to near perfect handling when running 18s. (He is a suspension expert after all) So it just goes to show that it's possible to make 18s handle well. Don't know about 19s though.

[Martin F]

Originally Posted by Flynn

(Trivia: GBH are moving to new premises ....... in Langham ....... into where Nemesis traded from)

Not sure if that's a wise business decision IMO, but hey i've heard of worse.

[J-S14A]

My supra came with 19s. I've always thought that it handled well, and even on the nurburgring I could not fault it. Then again, i've not driven a supra with 17's or 18's, so I have nothing to compare it with.

Surely grip is an important factor too though. I can't imagine that the standard 17's handle a bpu'd supra very well.
The beauty of my 19's is that the rears are 10" wide, and even on the nurburgring, traction wasn't much of a problem (well, until it started raining anyhow)

[~Rob~]

Ive got a set of 18s on mine..however ive just had to put the stock UK 17's on. i only had a short drive with the 17s but couldnt really feel any difference. the 18's dont tramline or follow imperfections in the road and im very happy with them. they look much better than the 17's too IMO.