I have ordered custom forged wheels. I am wondering which set up would be better... 18x8f/18x9r or 18x7f/18x9r. What I mean by better is which would give better handling and grip? Please asap. Today is my last day to change the order.

Thanks in advance.

 

Wheels are only one part of the handling and grip equation. You forgot the most important: TIRES!
Each size of wheels will have a finite size range, type and brand that will fit. You need to ask if the best tires for the kind of grip and handling you want will fit those wheels.

 

I plan to run either S03's or Kumho MX's. I live in Southern California, we don't get much rain. When we do I will probably drive the wifes car. I am sure I can get these tires in these sizes. They are pretty common sizes right?



Thanks Xviper

 

7" fronts and 9" rears would stay closer to the stock stagger. But I would get the 8" fronts and a stiffer sway bar. Bigger front tires equates to more stopping potential.

Just my .02

 

Funny that you say that. Originally I did ask for 18x8 fronts. Then I decided to go with 7 to try to stay with an aggressive stagger. I have often wondered it is that important to have 1.5" or more stagger. Please anymore info would be helpful.

Thanks again

 

Would there be any adverse affects if I stayed with the 18x7 fronts?

 

Tire stagger is generally designed and chosen to give a desired handling and stability. You need to key in to the stock stagger of roughly 205 front and 245 rear. The aspect ratio determines the rolling diameter of the wheel/tire set and also affects the tire's sidewall firmness (or lack thereof). Whatever tires you decide to get for whatever purpose you intend for them to do for you, must determine what size of wheels you get. The width of those wheels governs how the tire sits on them and this affects how the sidewall is stressed or not stressed.

I guess this doesn't precisely answer your question but it's very difficult to do. You can start with the wheels and then go with the tires you need to put on them and hopefully, the desired tires sizes exist that will fit the wheels.
Or, you begin with the tires that will do the job for you and then find the wheel sizes that will accommodate those tires.

Oh, and noone mentioned "offset". The wheels' offset is also very important.

 

The only thing that I can think of with 18X7 fronts is that you may be restricted to the sizes of tires you can get. If you go to the TireRack site:
http://www.tirerack.com/upgrade_garage/Whe...02&autoModClar=
You will see that all of the fronts they offer in 18" are also 8". There must be a reason and I think it may be mainly due to the available tires that will fit an 18" wheel and still give the same overall diameter (speedo error).

 

Thanks for your response. Looks like I will need to go with 18x8 if there are no tires available. I originally wanted to go with 18x7.5 but they don't offer half sizes.