Jump to content

Will 20 inch wheels hammer the handling?


Razza

Recommended Posts

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?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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?

 

CIMG5862.jpg

 

CIMG5863.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.. :thumbs:

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...