engine stress caused by wheel size? Options

[Razgriz]

First note that I looked around but didn't happen to see anything that mentioned this (pardon me if I missed it.)

Ok guys, Im looking into buying some new rims for my car, and I love the way 18's look on the celica. I know that physically they fit on the car no problem, but also i'm planning to put in the silvertop 4age. Now i know the 1.6 4age technically has more torque than the 1.8 7afe, but at a much higher range in the rpm band. Because of this would i be putting any unnecessary stress on the motor during stop and go traffic due to the wheel size?

Basically are 18's to big for a 1.6L? Or am I worrying over nothing?

Thanks ahead of time guys!

[Hanyo]

When you increase wheel size you increase stress on EVERYTHING. Brakes and suspension should be more of a concern then your engine.
With your engine you can control the amount of stress you put on the engine by how hard you drive your car.

[Razgriz]

I've already considered brakes and suspension but thanks for bringing it up. i realize its more stress on everything, but is it too much for the motor you think? would 17's be more appropriate?

Thanks

[jason]

i dont think you will have too much of a problem. just dont launch it hard.

also... a 2nd gen 3sgte clip runs $2000.00 about plus a gt trans n any other loose ends you're lookin at $3000 for 250hp thats good for everyday driving almost. a 4age engine swap is easier... but i dont think its very cost effective, or for the fun factor, comparable to the 3s. just some food for thought =)

[ZGear]

I'm running 18in now and I'm really having issues with picking up speed as when my 15in alloys were spinning like crazy......

[jason]

larger wheel, more weight, less acceleration, less deceleration (braking) slower handling response, more (i forget the term) but weight the suspension has to move so poorer handling.

most is barely noticeable. but how often are you pushing your car to those limits, except picking up speed which most do all the time unless you drive "normal".

[ZGear]

Believe it or not....7.5 width tires did feel a lot better with performance when I was sliding trying to turn on 15in, ofcourse the turning radius wasn't as much.....but more surface area on 18in gave me more grip...however when I installed tne Teins....it performed 10x better...now next mod for power to get her up there on speed....

Wish I had disc brakes in the back to stop my 18s faster......!!that will be my next mod!!....haha!

This post has been edited by ZGear: Mar 12, 2008 - 11:18 PM

[6_GEN]

Some 18's are lighter than others(more $$$)

PROS-they will have better handling,and the looks.

CONS-accelerating,braking,stress on the engine,trany,brakes,steering,struts.

If you dont drive crazy or race often,i think it will be fine.

[MercuryFree]

more (i forget the term) but weight the suspension has to move so poorer handling.

Rotational mass a.k.a. the devil child

[Rayme]

18" are for the looks, it's all it is about (unless you fit some crazy ass wide tires).

[markjbutler]

more (i forget the term) but weight the suspension has to move so poorer handling.

Rotational mass a.k.a. the devil child

isnt it unsprung mass?

[alltracman78]

Yes, unsprung weight for the suspension [anything that isn't supported by the springs].
It is also more rotational mass for the engine to turn.

It will add some load to the engine [stress], but probably not enough to damage the engine long term. :shrug:

IMO I don't run any larger than 16s on a 4 banger, just personal preference.

[Helix]

Don't forget the increase in fuel consumption.....

[6strngs]

different brands of wheels are different weights too. and the weight of the wheel is really what's going to be causing all these negative things more-so than the actual size of the wheel. They won't fit on our car, but just as an example, I've picked up a 19-inch OEM infinty g35 wheel, one of the forged wheels that is actually manufactered by Rays, and I'd say that 19-inch wheel feels lighter than our stock 15 inch wheels. So, if you can afford them, I'd say get a set of forged wheels like Volks or Works. They are way lighter and way stronger, so you won't need to worry as much about bending them if you hit a pot hole or something.

[EXQUIZITCELICA]

when i went from 17's to 19's, i didnt notice any difference in acceleration but needed to upgrade the rotors for braking. 19's to 20's... still didnt notice any difference in acceleration considering i dont race or drive mine like i stole it..... and braking no difference from 19's.

[alltracman78]

different brands of wheels are different weights too. and the weight of the wheel is really what's going to be causing all these negative things more-so than the actual size of the wheel. They won't fit on our car, but just as an example, I've picked up a 19-inch OEM infinty g35 wheel, one of the forged wheels that is actually manufactered by Rays, and I'd say that 19-inch wheel feels lighter than our stock 15 inch wheels. So, if you can afford them, I'd say get a set of forged wheels like Volks or Works. They are way lighter and way stronger, so you won't need to worry as much about bending them if you hit a pot hole or something.

Even if it's lighter moving the weight out will increase it's "drag" on the engine.

Hold a 30 lb weight at your chest, then hold a 25 lb one at arms lenth if that doesn't make any sense.

[6strngs]

different brands of wheels are different weights too. and the weight of the wheel is really what's going to be causing all these negative things more-so than the actual size of the wheel. They won't fit on our car, but just as an example, I've picked up a 19-inch OEM infinty g35 wheel, one of the forged wheels that is actually manufactered by Rays, and I'd say that 19-inch wheel feels lighter than our stock 15 inch wheels. So, if you can afford them, I'd say get a set of forged wheels like Volks or Works. They are way lighter and way stronger, so you won't need to worry as much about bending them if you hit a pot hole or something.

Even if it's lighter moving the weight out will increase it's "drag" on the engine.

Hold a 30 lb weight at your chest, then hold a 25 lb one at arms lenth if that doesn't make any sense.

yeah, that makes sense. I didn't think of that.

[Zelstin]

different brands of wheels are different weights too. and the weight of the wheel is really what's going to be causing all these negative things more-so than the actual size of the wheel. They won't fit on our car, but just as an example, I've picked up a 19-inch OEM infinty g35 wheel, one of the forged wheels that is actually manufactered by Rays, and I'd say that 19-inch wheel feels lighter than our stock 15 inch wheels. So, if you can afford them, I'd say get a set of forged wheels like Volks or Works. They are way lighter and way stronger, so you won't need to worry as much about bending them if you hit a pot hole or something.

Even if it's lighter moving the weight out will increase it's "drag" on the engine.

Hold a 30 lb weight at your chest, then hold a 25 lb one at arms lenth if that doesn't make any sense.

Unless you change the rolling circumference by a lot the "stress" will be negligible. Ride quality and performance, however, WILL be affected. I suggest doing a search for wheel sizes. I've read quite a few peoples complaints about moving up to an 18" wheel. 17's can fill the fender well pretty good with a decent sidewall and they will perform much better.

[thespacepanda]

Seriously, you guys realize that when getting a larger rim size you get a smaller sidewall on the tires, thus the overall circumference doesn't change (maybe a few mm but not enough to matter). If you didn't not only would it put stress on the engine and suspension but your speedometer would be way off. Just get a smaller profile tire and it won't be an issue.

[bhawk94]

I just moved from a 17 wheel to a stock 15 inch GT wheel. I can tell a difference in the time it takes to get up to speed from a stop from my 17's. The car seems to rev quicker with the 15s for sure. Tires are a lot cheaper too!