17's vs 18's
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From: california
17's vs 18's
Looking at changing setups from my current 17" rims to 18" rims. Car is used as somewhat of a daily now with spirited driving and anticipated turbo set up (450-550whp). Looking for pros and cons of going to 18" rims from my 17"s from people who've had experience.
Relative current mods:
AP2
-Tein SRCs
-949 racing 17x9 +48 (fitment for stoptech 4 piston BBK) and 17x10 +72 with 255/275 NT05s
-saner front sway bar
-j's roll center adjusters front and rear
-generic bump steer kit
-ap1 steering rack with ballade sports steering ridge collars
-cr steering rack stiffeners
-gladman performance front strut bar
-whiteline front lower bar
-asm floor bars
-gladman rear under brace
-asm rear gt shock tower bar
Intended set-up:
-CCW C10 18x10 and 18x11 with 275/295.
-stoptech 6 piston front, 4 piston rear with e-brake
-450-500whp
Aside from the benefit of finding rims/tires in the appropriate size that'll fit an s2000, I can run the stoptech 4 piston rear kit that allows me to run an e-brake (somewhat big plus) as opposed to the non-e-brake 2 piston rear. I've always been opposed to 18"s since i've felt that they looked too big for an s2000.
For the aspect ratio, should I be running 275/35/18 and 295/30/18? Also, for people who've had experience with switching from 17"s to 18"s, did you feel that you had more steering feel and responsiveness with the 18"s? any regrets from upsizing?
Pros and cons that i've thought of for each:
17"s
Pros-lighter, easier to source tires(for common sizes), cheaper, more sidewall to absorb bumps (more comfort)
Cons-If upgrading to the rear stoptech BBK, I'll lose my e-brake, limitation of overall wider tires
18"s
Pros-steering response? bigger tire selection for larger widths,will allow me to run the stoptech rear brake kit with integrated parking brake
Cons-Heavier, rims and tires are more expensive, more susceptible for bending of rims on bad roads,more expensive set up due to upgrading the brakes as well, might have to roll my rear fenders even more
Any input is appreciated
Relative current mods:
AP2
-Tein SRCs
-949 racing 17x9 +48 (fitment for stoptech 4 piston BBK) and 17x10 +72 with 255/275 NT05s
-saner front sway bar
-j's roll center adjusters front and rear
-generic bump steer kit
-ap1 steering rack with ballade sports steering ridge collars
-cr steering rack stiffeners
-gladman performance front strut bar
-whiteline front lower bar
-asm floor bars
-gladman rear under brace
-asm rear gt shock tower bar
Intended set-up:
-CCW C10 18x10 and 18x11 with 275/295.
-stoptech 6 piston front, 4 piston rear with e-brake
-450-500whp
Aside from the benefit of finding rims/tires in the appropriate size that'll fit an s2000, I can run the stoptech 4 piston rear kit that allows me to run an e-brake (somewhat big plus) as opposed to the non-e-brake 2 piston rear. I've always been opposed to 18"s since i've felt that they looked too big for an s2000.
For the aspect ratio, should I be running 275/35/18 and 295/30/18? Also, for people who've had experience with switching from 17"s to 18"s, did you feel that you had more steering feel and responsiveness with the 18"s? any regrets from upsizing?
Pros and cons that i've thought of for each:
17"s
Pros-lighter, easier to source tires(for common sizes), cheaper, more sidewall to absorb bumps (more comfort)
Cons-If upgrading to the rear stoptech BBK, I'll lose my e-brake, limitation of overall wider tires
18"s
Pros-steering response? bigger tire selection for larger widths,will allow me to run the stoptech rear brake kit with integrated parking brake
Cons-Heavier, rims and tires are more expensive, more susceptible for bending of rims on bad roads,more expensive set up due to upgrading the brakes as well, might have to roll my rear fenders even more
Any input is appreciated
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,662
Likes: 4
Looking at changing setups from my current 17" rims to 18" rims. Car is used as somewhat of a daily now with spirited driving and anticipated turbo set up (450-550whp). Looking for pros and cons of going to 18" rims from my 17"s from people who've had experience.
Relative current mods:
-Tein SRCs
-949 racing 17x9 +48 (fitment for stoptech 4 piston BBK) and 17x10 +72 with 255/275 NT05s
Intended set-up:
-CCW C10 18x10 and 18x11 with 275/295.
Aside from the benefit of finding rims/tires in the appropriate size that'll fit an s2000, I can run the stoptech 4 piston rear kit that allows me to run an e-brake (somewhat big plus) as opposed to the non-e-brake 2 piston rear. I've always been opposed to 18"s since i've felt that they looked too big for an s2000.
For the aspect ratio, should I be running 275/35/18 and 295/30/18? Also, for people who've had experience with switching from 17"s to 18"s, did you feel that you had more steering feel and responsiveness with the 18"s? any regrets from upsizing?
Pros and cons that i've thought of for each:
17"s
Pros-lighter, easier to source tires(for common sizes), cheaper, more sidewall to absorb bumps (more comfort)
Cons-If upgrading to the rear stoptech BBK, I'll lose my e-brake, limitation of overall wider tires
18"s
Pros-steering response? bigger tire selection for larger widths,will allow me to run the stoptech rear brake kit with integrated parking brake
Cons-Heavier, rims and tires are more expensive, more susceptible for bending of rims on bad roads,more expensive set up due to upgrading the brakes as well, might have to roll my rear fenders even more
Any input is appreciated
Relative current mods:
-Tein SRCs
-949 racing 17x9 +48 (fitment for stoptech 4 piston BBK) and 17x10 +72 with 255/275 NT05s
Intended set-up:
-CCW C10 18x10 and 18x11 with 275/295.
Aside from the benefit of finding rims/tires in the appropriate size that'll fit an s2000, I can run the stoptech 4 piston rear kit that allows me to run an e-brake (somewhat big plus) as opposed to the non-e-brake 2 piston rear. I've always been opposed to 18"s since i've felt that they looked too big for an s2000.
For the aspect ratio, should I be running 275/35/18 and 295/30/18? Also, for people who've had experience with switching from 17"s to 18"s, did you feel that you had more steering feel and responsiveness with the 18"s? any regrets from upsizing?
Pros and cons that i've thought of for each:
17"s
Pros-lighter, easier to source tires(for common sizes), cheaper, more sidewall to absorb bumps (more comfort)
Cons-If upgrading to the rear stoptech BBK, I'll lose my e-brake, limitation of overall wider tires
18"s
Pros-steering response? bigger tire selection for larger widths,will allow me to run the stoptech rear brake kit with integrated parking brake
Cons-Heavier, rims and tires are more expensive, more susceptible for bending of rims on bad roads,more expensive set up due to upgrading the brakes as well, might have to roll my rear fenders even more
Any input is appreciated
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,662
Likes: 4
As far as pros/cons, looks like you got them all. The biggest con IMO is tire prices...some tires cost 40% more for a comparable 18" size.
As far as tire sizes to run, keep in mind a 275/35/18 is 3% taller than the stock 215/45/17 which will throw off the speedo by approx 2 mph. I am not sure if there are any implications than this for using a taller tire.
As far as tire sizes to run, keep in mind a 275/35/18 is 3% taller than the stock 215/45/17 which will throw off the speedo by approx 2 mph. I am not sure if there are any implications than this for using a taller tire.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,724
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From: Atlanta, GA
Well I can't address all of you concerns, but I can add a few comments. If you are staying NA, I would recommend 17s over 18s. If you are going for a 500whp turbo car, then 18s become a more viable solution for the reasons you mentioned. With that kind of power, wheel weight becomes far less of a concern.
As far as steering response goes, it's going to be pretty good regardless of what wheel size you choose. Tire model will have much more of an effect on this than an extra 1/2" of sidewall.
On a side note... 18x11 with 295 width tires? What are you doing to your fenders in back to get that to work?
As far as steering response goes, it's going to be pretty good regardless of what wheel size you choose. Tire model will have much more of an effect on this than an extra 1/2" of sidewall.
On a side note... 18x11 with 295 width tires? What are you doing to your fenders in back to get that to work?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,433
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From: california
[/quote]Where are you finding this kit? I have never seen one that retains the parking brake.
[/quote]
I don't think stoptech lists it, but they made the 6/4 kit around when Homecoming 2 came out and had a booth that displayed it there.
The fronts shouldn't affect the speedo, should they? Since they aren't connected to the transmission/rear end in any way. Should I be going with a 275/30/18?
The rears are my biggest concern, but if spaced right, shouldn't require crazy fender modding. Right now, i'm running 17x10 with a 275 and 10mm spacer which should show you how much space the rear fenders have. the CCW's were made to be as close to the inside frame.
[/quote]
I don't think stoptech lists it, but they made the 6/4 kit around when Homecoming 2 came out and had a booth that displayed it there.
As far as pros/cons, looks like you got them all. The biggest con IMO is tire prices...some tires cost 40% more for a comparable 18" size.As far as tire sizes to run, keep in mind a 275/35/18 is 3% taller than the stock 215/45/17 which will throw off the speedo by approx 2 mph. I am not sure if there are any implications than this for using a taller tire.
Well I can't address all of you concerns, but I can add a few comments. If you are staying NA, I would recommend 17s over 18s. If you are going for a 500whp turbo car, then 18s become a more viable solution for the reasons you mentioned. With that kind of power, wheel weight becomes far less of a concern.As far as steering response goes, it's going to be pretty good regardless of what wheel size you choose. Tire model will have much more of an effect on this than an extra 1/2" of sidewall.On a side note... 18x11 with 295 width tires? What are you doing to your fenders in back to get that to work?
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Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,433
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From: california
It's hard to find high offset, big width rims for the s2000
I was thinking of the 17x10 ce28n's for a long time, but then figured if I'm going to go wider, I can kill two birds by going 18"s and retaining a parking brake. Brand new, the CCW's are roughly 3k? www.ccwheel.com
I was thinking of the 17x10 ce28n's for a long time, but then figured if I'm going to go wider, I can kill two birds by going 18"s and retaining a parking brake. Brand new, the CCW's are roughly 3k? www.ccwheel.com
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 5,662
Likes: 4
If I were you I would spend ~$1400-1600 and get Forgestars. You can customize your offsets just like CCW and they are rotary forged like Advans, Enkeis, SSRs etc.
They only have a few designs. I would probably get them if it weren't for tire prices. If I put my Downforce fenders on I'd probably run something like 18x10 +55 square. However, I am just trying to sell my fenders and go with a 17x9+63 setup because there are not many high offset, wide 17" wheels other than Volk.
http://www.forgestar.com/v2/wheels.php
They also have a spun forged one, but it might be in the $2500+ range
They only have a few designs. I would probably get them if it weren't for tire prices. If I put my Downforce fenders on I'd probably run something like 18x10 +55 square. However, I am just trying to sell my fenders and go with a 17x9+63 setup because there are not many high offset, wide 17" wheels other than Volk.
http://www.forgestar.com/v2/wheels.php
They also have a spun forged one, but it might be in the $2500+ range