How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

Would there be that big of a difference in handling in a same width 16" wheel/tire versus a 17" wheel/tire (Assume same wheels/tires, just differnt "profile"). I've always wanted 17s for a) looks b)handling and c) room for BIG BRAKES! After I put on my stainless lines, I like the brakes so much that with a better pad I'll probably have all the braking ability I want. So 17"s almost seem like a waste of money... Then I'd almost like to get some lightweight 15" rims if I'm gonna use the stock brakes. Hmm, opinions anyone?

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

Sidewalls will effect the handling greatly. Some tires have stiffer sidewalls than others. To offset a softer sidewall you can just up your tire preasure. If your main purpose is to build a 1G than can handle get some nice lightweight 17's. I had the Baer 13" track-kit and highly recomend them, great setup with some Porterfield R4-S pads. Have you removed your front bumper support yet? That saves a lot of weight over the front wheels and can improve turn-in greatly.

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

I read an article where they track tested a car with 15, 16, and 17" rims on the same car. The 15's were the slowest, and held the least lateral g's, the 16's had the fasted average time, and were neck and neck with the 17's on the skidpad, and the 17's had the fastest lap overall, but the average was slightly below the 16's. All of the lap times were within .5 to .75 seconds, and the skidpad was withing a couple points, nothing major.

All of the quarter mile times were within .1 second too, so basically, whatever you can afford, and looks best to you is all that really matters.

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

I would go 16's and stiff sidewalls. Best of both worlds.

What is this bumper support you speak of?

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

The type of tire matters way more than tire size. If you want something that really sticks get some Azenis in any size and be done.

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

I vote 17's. If the performance is similar, may as well go for the better looking of the two

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

The 35 lb. hunk of metal that hangs off the front of the car. Remove the front bumper cover and its held on by 4 bolts I think.

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

On my last car, I had 16" rims with BFGoodrich Gforce t/a KDW, and that was my only handling mod and it handled perdy good. If/when I get rims, I am SET on the Falken Azenis RT-615, I've heard awesome things about those tires. I was kinda looking at 17" Rota Subzero's as well. (Haha, I wish I could have some SSR/Work/Volk with some Pirelli P Zero Corsa's)

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

3 bolts on my car. ;)

Does that effect anything other than crash safety?

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

All it does is hold up and support the bumper and making crashing safer.

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

17's will help on turn in, other than that it won't help a lot. Like CVD said, the tires make a much larger difference.

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

...for benefit glorious nation kazakhstan.

As for sidewalls, as these guys:
http://www.pictures-of-cars.com/Renault-F1-Car.jpg

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

Tire PSI is also a very important consideration along with what actual tire you choose.

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

Ahh, well then I might just get some better tires for my stock rims. The previous owner did an awesome job PAINTING them gunmetal. I've gotten many compliments on the stock rims, and they're growing on me ;) Not wide enough tho :/

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

Going to a wider wheel was the biggest benefit I have seen. It gets rid of a lot of sidewall flex.

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

A friend has some black powdercoated FD Rx7 wheels he might want to get rid of...

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

Those are light and wide.

Re: How Does Sidewall Affect Handling?
 

1. I'll go 17's.. but it has to be leight wheels.. can't be more then 18lbs.
2. Better looks.
3. Less sidewall.

Base on this I'll take the 17's