If the rumor of 17" tires is true I was curious, all things being equal, what affect the larger size tires will have on performance.

Just off the top of my head it seems the top end might improve at the expense of some acceleration.

BTW do the current factory tires come in 17" size?

 

The top end will only improve if the entire tire/wheel combo diameter increases.

 

I don't know about the other thing, but if they did do a 17" rim, that I would assume they would have a 17" OEM tire to complete the package. I would love to put 17"s on my car, and keep the traction of the 16" OEM tires. This might make it happen.

 

It would help with performance if they were lightweight (13-14 lbs.). You will feel a little peppier on the bottom end and less resistance from each gear with lightweight wheels.

 

Are you saying that 17" wheels and 17" tires can have a smaller overall diameter than the current factory 16's?

Seems odd.

 

Yes, this is possible if they go with lower profile tires. The wheel size would be bigger, but if the sidewall decreases by more than the wheel size increases you have an overall smaller diameter.

 

Since it has been determined that Honda will also change the gearing in the MY04 car, it's possible that an overall diameter change in the tire/wheel combo won't hurt performance at all. However, this Honda that we're talking about. . .a very conservative car maker. My guess is that the tire/wheel combo change won't be drastically different overall. We'll probably be seeing something keeping with the current overall diameters. The wheel diameter will go up by one inch while the tire profile will drop by 1/2 inch. Hopefully the tires will also be just a tad wider (i.e. 225s in front and 245s in back).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by wickerbill
[B]

Yes, this is possible if they go with lower profile tires.

 

The current 16" OEM tires do not come in any other size that 225/50/16 and 205/55/16.....kinda sucks doesnt it?!?!

 

The rears have a 245 footprint though...