I'm just curious, would changing the overall diameter of your rear wheels yeild a performance gain or loss?

Bigger diameter = greater distance traveled per 1 revolution of the axle.
Does that mean your car would be faster if you changed the rear tires from the stock 245/40/17 to a 245/45/17.

Just a though, is there anything I'm not considering?

It would also fill up the wheel well just a bit better too.

I also don't think this would mess with your odo because I believe the odo/speedo measures up front (is this right?).

Anyone?

 

Theoretically, your top speed will be higher....since you've effectively lowered your final drive. Along those lines, your acceleration will be slighty slower. Now whether or not you'll notice this change will be another question....

 

oh yeah, i do believe the odo/speedo acts off the rear wheels....those of us who drive in the winter will know this when the rears loose traction and spin up, the speedometer climbs too....

 

Slower acceleration, yet better gas mileage due to the engine spinning less revs at the same road speed. Both would be marginal gains/losses.
Cheers,
-Mirror