What mags would suit my car? Options

[Liam_c]

I need your opinions....

I currently have 16" Avanti Mags and dunlop SP tyres, and I'm interested in upgrading to directional sport tyres...

The only issue i have, is that the for the tyres i want (Sport, lower noise, etc) Are very expensive.. Plus im not really that keen on the mag wheels that i have currently.

I've been told that upgrading to 17'' mags that i'd be better off, as i can style my car, tyres are more readily available and are cheaper.

So, here is what i'd like to ask... What do you think would suit my car better?

http://www.hyperdrive.co.nz/product/wheel-...o/303765/detail

http://www.hyperdrive.co.nz/product/wheel-...o/166938/detail

Both are the same price, and include tyres.

Uploaded with ImageShack.com

Thanks

This post has been edited by Liam_c: Jul 31, 2013 - 1:11 AM

[JoshuaM]

I know everything about style. If you want to look like:

I suppose that's your prerogative. It's an economy car, big rims are daft on it. The engineers chose the sizes they did for a reason, and it's generally accepted you don't oversize by more than 2 inches. If you want to make your economy car slower and less economic then by all means throw on your bling.

Stock = 15" (For any half decent engine )..... +2 inches is..... 17"!!!!

Its only an economy car if you want it to be... the OP has a 3SFE, which is very similar to the 5SFE in output - which despite your arguments is a darn sight better than a 7a. I noticed no difference whatsoever going from stock 15 -> 7GC 16", apart from a slightly harsher ride over rough surfaces due to the lower sidewall.

Your argument is only valid when oversizing the rolling diameter, and getting 18,19 or 20 inch wheels (which I have seen all of on 6GC's). Going 19+ is purely for looks, and will definitely have an impact on performance, as you would be unable to maintain the correct tyre size.

If you don't like the look of wheels bigger than 14" than that is perfectly acceptable... but you are in the minority on that one, and the OP is not.

In reality, as long as you don't get particularly heavy rims then it would be fine handling

You are correct, and wheels are lighter and stronger than they were back then. Thing is, the car was built in a time when 14 or 15 was standard and 16 was a performance option of sorts, and after going between the two sizes in concern myself I feel that the lower ranges fit the innate design of the car much better.

Another advantage of a slightly smaller diameter alloy, lower ride height. I gain 12-15mm of height going to the larger size.

Disclaimer, I say this being the owner of the lowest power 6th gen. What do I know... :dunno:

I was following you until you said ride height... if you kept the correct rolling diameter there should be no difference in ride height, am I right? Because for every inch you add to the rim, you would subtract one inch from your sidewall when selecting the new tyre size. That said, if you changed your rolling diameter then you will be altering your gearing, which could perhaps be more suited to your driving style?

In any case, with my 5S I noticed no performance difference going 15 -> 16, keeping the correct rolling diameter (205/55/15 -> 205/50/16). There could be a much bigger difference with your cars, but I don't have any experience with those.

TBH, I really think it comes down to purpose... If you are tracking the car and want absolute best performance get 15's (14 was never an option here), as they will generally produce the lowest unsprung weight, if you want some looks with performance too go 16, more looks without sacrificing performance (but losing ride comfort) 17, just looks 18+.