15" vs. 17"

[dbcflash]

I think the primary practical reason for switching to 16" wheels or larger is to accomodate Much larger rotors and calipers. Many of the big aftermarket brakes will not fit inside a 15" wheel. Other than that, there really is no advantage. You can get a really short sidewall in a 15" tire and reap the handling benefits without all the fitment issues.

The most realistic reason for switching to larger diameter wheels is that it's the cool thing to do right now, just like there was a time when 13" wire spoke wheels were cool, or Chevy wheels with adapters were in, or big balloon tires on the back with stock wheels in the front was hip.

It's easy to get sucked in to these trends, but remember, if you don't have the big brakes to fill those tall, tall wheels, you're likely to be labeled a "poser."

I'm very happy with my 15" Pedrini's and the 185 55 15 tires in the front are just about perfect for the way I drive.

Not to say I can't appreciate a good looking show car with 17's or 18's on it. I just think I get more performance bang for my buck with the smaller wheels. I suppose the "ladies" dig the dubs though. That is another compelling reason for big wheels.

[boygenius]

I bought my 18" rims because I got a great deal on them and I plan on upgrading to massive brakes in the future when I have the power to require them. I like the fact that I can have the lowered look with the edge of my rims close to my fenders without the chassis being too close to the ground.