Remember that the effect on acceleration is due to the Moment of Inertia of the stuff that is rotating: wheel and tire. The further the mass is from the middle of the wheel, the higher the MOI. So in order for the car to accel as well as stock, the 17 or 18 inch wheels need to be lighter than stock. Some tire companies such as Pirelli are trying to lighten their tires to help out too. Those steel belts under th tread are killers.

This is a more extreme case than for the stook, but it may prove illuminating. Sport Compact Car compared Civics with 17 inch wheels and stock diameter tires with the stock steel 14s on a dynojet. The 17s acted like they absorbed about 6 hp with only two of them spinning. In this case the17s were around 8-9 pounds heavier than stock. Big 13 inch brakes ate 2hp. Food for thought!!

Stan

 

 

AaronS2K, nice wheels. Are those silver polished? Do you know if they come in chrome polish? Thanx.

 

Thanks Aaron! I love the look!

 

The wheel's centers are a metallic silver color. The outer rims are pollished and anadized clear.
I don't think they are available in chrome.

 

Thanx. Did you have to lower your car with 18'' wheels?

 

I believe Aaron's tire O.D. is the same or smaller than stock. So the lowering would be to close fender gap not to restore ride height (if he did lower). Am I understanding your question correctly?

 

I lowered the car .5" to 1". (very little) I didn't have to. I just like a lower stance. I might actually lower it more, for a more aggresive look. Either way they will not rub on the fenders even if I put a 255 35 18 on the rear.

 

Thanx again...Works wheels really compliment your silver S2K very good but then they sure don't come cheap though. Now I have to decide whether to get Works wheels first or Comptech SC...Hmmmm...Pretty tuf decision

 

BTW, did you also get the sport springs from RM Racing to lower your car?