I can see how the ride is better with heavy wheels, but how does traction increase with all the extra unsprung weight?

 

Um, Duh... it's a lot harder to break 30 lb wheels free than it is to break 14 lb wheels free

Also, I find it hard to believe that ride quality is better with 18's, given the shorter sidewall. How is the ride "better?" If you mean "harsher" or "firmer" (which may equate to "better" handling) that makes more sense. But usually when people refer to ride quality, they mean it's softer.

NFRs2000NYC, you're riding on 18" BBS RGR's, no? So they're forged, yes? Nice wheels, they look good in those photos you've posted. I'd have to wager that if the OP was getting some 19/20's, they probably would NOT be forged. They'd probably be 2 or 3 piece, and pretty heavy. Just want to make sure he knows that, and doesn't think all 18" wheels are only "2 lbs heavier than stock."

 

The reason why the ride is better, is simple physics. Surface area. The same bumps are transferred to a wider track, thus not making the ride as jolting. Same concept as those guys that lay down on nails. One nail will puncture, but since there is more surface area on a lot of nails, the pressure is not as great.

My wheels are OZ supperleggera's. The fronts are 1.2lbs heavier than stock rim and tire combo, and the rears are 2.1lbs heavier than stock. Overall diameter is the same, thus rotational inertia is not applicable here.


However, I will agree with you, that my comments are for certain wheels. If you get wheels that are not the proper size, drastically change rolling diameter, etc, then yes, averse effects will occur. I assume that you want the best for your s2000, and get good, proper wheels.

 

Oh yeah, Superleggeras. My bad. Nice wheels.

I doubt the "more surface area" argument for a better ride will out weigh the "less sidewall" argument. Fact of the matter is that the tires were chosen by the manufacturer to absorb some of the shock. If you make those sidewalls shorter, there is less cushion between the road and your wheel. I have never heard anyone say the ride is less harsh when going to a lower profile tire.

Maintaining the stock rolling diameter with 19" wheels (we won't even talk about 20's) would probably require some sort of ludicrous 225/25 tire size, which is just asking for a bent rim unless you drive around on perfect roads every day.

Which is why some people (myself included) think it's ridiculous to put anything larger than an 18" wheel on an S2000...

 

I am with Nate on this one.

Radial tires are built to have flex in the sidewall, with a shorter sidewall the flex is less and therefore the tire doesn't absorb as much of the road as with a tire with greater sidewall hence the harsher ride.

In terms of the wider track I would agree with you NFRs2000, but that is highly dependent on the tread design and the void:tread ratio and not with the wheel itself.

 

an old pic, very old

19" Axis Hagens

 

becides id rather use the looks of my s2000 to pick up the ladies instead of impressing a bunch of guys at the track

 

Holla!!!

 

ferdian had a full C-West Spa that was on the cover of Super Street and he had 19" HREs. PM him for pix. Unless a member here has some ...

 

You think girls are that impressed by a Honda.... you need to buy a Boxster or something more superficial that gold diggers will flock to.