Will 20 inch wheels hammer the handling?

[Razza]

Seen a roadster which is quite nice, it has 20 inch wheels on it though, how badly does this affect the handling?

 

I know if these were on the supra it would be like driving on ice, just wondered if anyone's got 20's on their Z?

[lomoto]

Loads of members have 20" wheels fitted, doesnt seem to bother the handling

 

In fact I was following Stuey last Wales run and he seemed to be coping quite well

[stuey]

nope....................

[M13KYF]

you do have to consider the added weight though as well as the thinner tyre wall

[Razza]

Have 19's on mine at the mometn with low profile tyres, the ride on this seemed so much easier....had a little spin in it and it seemed fine, but not having driven one before couldn't really tell. I wasn't giving it loads round corners so not sure how it would've held up,.

 

Looks like it's ok though from the replies. Thanks guys!

[Andy]

20's are the way forward....right Stuey!

[Stew]

My 20s will be on this week...... maybe if the weather is ok... :wacko:

[stuey]

My 20s will be on this week...... maybe if the weather is ok... :wacko:

 

mine too

[Liam's Z]

Impo Yes... Worst thing about going big is you tend to 2 go wide!!! First lane on most motorways it hunts like hell. Unless you change the suspension setup, 19's are the way forward

[Zedrush]

Impo Yes... Worst thing about going big is you tend to 2 go wide!!! First lane on most motorways it hunts like hell. Unless you change the suspension setup, 19's are the way forward

 

Since Ive had a Z with 20 inch rims and now have a z with 19's I much prefer the 19's but its also down to personal preference, either way the car works with both, but better with the 19's imo

[Mathys]

I prefer 19" as well. Friend has a Z with 20" and the ride is definitely less comfortable with 20". Also turning in feels heavier.

[Kev946]

My 2p.

 

If it's performance you are looking for then go lighter. 18's are more than adequate for handling with modern tyres, in fact 17's would be equally fine. Weight is the enemy, particularly unsprung. If it's looks then, 19's are probably the limit. When I had my Zed and upgraded I was so dissapointed with the effect wide 19's had on the standard suspension, I upgraded the whole lot, springs and dampers.

 

I've just upgrade my Lotus to forged rims and saved around 12kg unsprung weight which is a lot.

[Stew]

My 2p.

 

If it's performance you are looking for then go lighter. 18's are more than adequate for handling with modern tyres, in fact 17's would be equally fine. Weight is the enemy, particularly unsprung. If it's looks then, 19's are probably the limit. When I had my Zed and upgraded I was so dissapointed with the effect wide 19's had on the standard suspension, I upgraded the whole lot, springs and dampers.

 

I've just upgrade my Lotus to forged rims and saved around 12kg unsprung weight which is a lot.

 

Pics of the lotus with new rims Kev?

[Kev946]

My 2p.

 

If it's performance you are looking for then go lighter. 18's are more than adequate for handling with modern tyres, in fact 17's would be equally fine. Weight is the enemy, particularly unsprung. If it's looks then, 19's are probably the limit. When I had my Zed and upgraded I was so dissapointed with the effect wide 19's had on the standard suspension, I upgraded the whole lot, springs and dampers.

 

I've just upgrade my Lotus to forged rims and saved around 12kg unsprung weight which is a lot.

 

Pics of the lotus with new rims Kev?

 

 

[Stew]

cool!

[Trev-the-Rev]

[MartinGT]

my 20s are heavier than the standard rays but the handling is superb. probably more to do with a decent set of matched tyres and the eibach springs, but i cant fault it. ride doesn't feel any different. its the same overall diameter as the original wheels/tyres so the only difference should be sidewall flex and the width of them.

[Kev946]

my 20s are heavier than the standard rays but the handling is superb. probably more to do with a decent set of matched tyres and the eibach springs, but i cant fault it. ride doesn't feel any different. its the same overall diameter as the original wheels/tyres so the only difference should be sidewall flex and the width of them.

 

But the point is lighter wheels will improve handling, less weight means less stress on the suspension, less gyro effect so quicker turn in etc.

 

When I fitted 19's to my Zed they were heavier and the ride and handling was noticeably worse when the car was pushed. Normal driving was fine. I had to compensate by upgrading springs and dampers, so the overall gain was purely cosmetic.

[Beavis]

So fitting 19 " nismo wheels will be an improvement because even though they are bigger, they are 4-5LB lighter than the standard GT4 wheels?

[Stew]

Guess so Beavis.

 

I'm just an ASW that drives like a fanny so I'll be ok on my big boots!

[Andy]

Guess so Beavis.

 

I'm just an ASW that drives like a fanny so I'll be ok on my big boots!

 

[mugwump]

So fitting 19 " nismo wheels will be an improvement because even though they are bigger, they are 4-5LB lighter than the standard GT4 wheels?

 

Yes.....and no, its not quite that simple, although the wheel is lighter the rotating mass is further from the hub, so it affects the handling, acceleration and braking performance.

 

I know it is the extreme but ever notice that F1 cars and karts dont have low profile tyres (but they dont have much suspension travel either and much of this movement comes from the tyre).

 

Touring cars on the other hand have fairly low profile tyres but on *very* lightweight magnesium rims, try finding these in 20"s though.......

 

If you want performance stick with the 18's, for looks go bigger. If you want both, have both and swap them for track days, trying to compromise is exactly that, a compromise.

[Kev946]

So fitting 19 " nismo wheels will be an improvement because even though they are bigger, they are 4-5LB lighter than the standard GT4 wheels?

 

Yes.....and no, its not quite that simple, although the wheel is lighter the rotating mass is further from the hub, so it affects the handling, acceleration and braking performance.

 

I know it is the extreme but ever notice that F1 cars and karts dont have low profile tyres (but they dont have much suspension travel either and much of this movement comes from the tyre).

 

Touring cars on the other hand have fairly low profile tyres but on *very* lightweight magnesium rims, try finding these in 20"s though.......

 

If you want performance stick with the 18's, for looks go bigger. If you want both, have both and swap them for track days, trying to compromise is exactly that, a compromise.

 

+1 and well put..

[captint]

I'd say rule of thumb, the bigger the wheel the more the handling will deteriorate, but as said above, if you do your research and spend enough, you can get a good balance, but I think 20's are just that bit too far

[rickya]

Yes