18" or 17" alloys

[Paul C]

Just wondering which alloy size,profile, offset would suite a vr4 saloon. tyres need changing soon so was thinking of doing alloys at same time. I want to avoid tyres rubbing and also is there much difference in ride stability. All help would be greatful, thanks.

[Spirit]

Do you plan to do a brake upgrade of any sort ?

Do you plan to lower it ?

These need to be considered when selecting size/offset etc

[Paul C]

Do you plan to do a brake upgrade of any sort ?

Do you plan to lower it ?

These need to be considered when selecting size/offset etc

neither in the near future just after bigger and different alloys

[Wodjno]

Do you plan to do a brake upgrade of any sort ?

Do you plan to lower it ?

These need to be considered when selecting size/offset etc

Considered for brakes Yes .. But lowering won't make any difference as long as you keep the diameter and widthe the same

[Spirit]

Not always, I cannot fit 18's on mine without getting the arches rolled

[Wodjno]

Not always, I cannot fit 18's on mine without getting the arches rolled

Sorry Pete.. But i can't see why that is ??


If the Off Set is the same and the Diameter is the same and the width is the same then all the dimensions are identical to if it it where a 15" 16" or 17" wheel ??

[Spirit]

Can you get 18" wheels with a 7" width though ?

Mine are 17" x 7" with a 38 offset to get over the Kads. When I tried Kev's 18" x 8" wheels (still 38 offset) I couldn't even get a fingernail between the tyre and wheelarch

Back to the original question though, I would still stick with 17s as the tyres are a lot cheaper, but then I do use 2/3 sets a year so if you arn't tracking I guess that may also not be an issue

[Wodjno]

Can you get 18" wheels with a 7" width though ?

Mine are 17" x 7" with a 38 offset to get over the Kads. When I tried Kev's 18" x 8" wheels (still 38 offset) I couldn't even get a fingernail between the tyre and wheelarch

Back to the original question though, I would still stick with 17s as the tyres are a lot cheaper, but then I do use 2/3 sets a year so if you arn't tracking I guess that may also not be an issue

My Konigs are 7" rims... Thats why i have no issues with Scrubbing, even though mine is Slightly Lowered

But yes, back to the thread As Pete says 17's are cheaper

[bradc]

18x7" wheels do exist, and if you pick low profile tyres you can end up with the same or less overall diameter. For example

205/55/16 = 631.69mm diameter
215/45/17 = 625.09mm diameter
215/40/18 = 629.15mm diameter

In saying that I wouldn't pick 18" wheels myself, they are a lot heavier and slow the car down, they are more expensive and 18" tyres are more expensive too.

If you don't plan on lowering it then 17x8" with about a 38mm offset will be fine, you will rub if you have a heavy load and a lot of people in the car, but 99% of the time you will be fine. You will also get wider tyres on an 8" wide wheel, 235/45, 235/45, 225/45 are all suitable for a 17x8" wheel.

[Paul C]

not looking for cheapness more about style. if i can get 18's on without issues i think i will go for them. But if 17's are more suited to the car then that is also an option. I have done a few search's about wheel size an are more confused then first started. I suppose i am looking to avoid having to send a set back due to wrong fitment.

[Paul C]

18x7" wheels do exist, and if you pick low profile tyres you can end up with the same or less overall diameter. For example

205/55/16 = 631.69mm diameter
215/45/17 = 625.09mm diameter
215/40/18 = 629.15mm diameter

In saying that I wouldn't pick 18" wheels myself, they are a lot heavier and slow the car down, they are more expensive and 18" tyres are more expensive too.

If you don't plan on lowering it then 17x8" with about a 38mm offset will be fine, you will rub if you have a heavy load and a lot of people in the car, but 99% of the time you will be fine. You will also get wider tyres on an 8" wide wheel, 235/45, 235/45, 225/45 are all suitable for a 17x8" wheel.

cheers mate for good description i need a guide for dummies to point me in right direction

[Wodjno]

cheers mate for good description i need a guide for dummies to point me in right direction

I'm running 225 40 18's on a 7" rim, and as i have said, no issues with rubbing

You may want to try this as well http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

It's what us other Dummies Use

[Spirit]

Fitment wise you need:

5 x 114.3
PCD 67.1mm

[Wodjno]

Fitment wise you need:

5 x 114.3
PCD 67.1mm

I knew that

[stuartturbo]

I'm running 225 40 18's on a 7" rim, and as i have said, no issues with rubbing

I run 235 40 18,s and lowered but suspension is hard. I get rubbing on dips in the road and weight seems to make no difference.
Camber is set a 2Deg so this is helping me if they where straighter i would have a few more issues.
As for weight it depends on wheel make mine are 6kg each I believe
But you will find a pikey 17" wheel will weigh more than a pukka 18".

[Wodjno]

I run 235 40 18,s and lowered but suspension is hard. I get rubbing on dips in the road and weight seems to make no difference.
Camber is set a 2Deg so this is helping me if they where straighter i would have a few more issues.
As for weight it depends on wheel make mine are 6kg each I believe
But you will find a pikey 17" wheel will weigh more than a pukka 18".

What width are your wheels Stuart ?

[stuartturbo]

when mesured they seem to be 8.5" the tyre do are wider this tim as the previous 215 where a bit to narrower even with rim protectors curb scuffage

[Wodjno]

I would say there 8" then As the measurement IIRC is from the Outer Front Rim to the Inner Rear Rim

Being 8" would account for the rubbing and especially with 235's on

I tried 235's on my rims and they scrubbed

[stuartturbo]

it is close all round the rear seem to just clear the suspension arm
And there is no room for brembro not with out massive spacer got to try the KAD setup yet got me template LOL

[SGHOM]

18 x 8.5 with 235's. & they've only caught the arch 150 times !!
each time at devils elbow.... mallory park.

[ ps...... 67.1 is not the pdc ]