i currently got stock 15s with 195 55 15 tires. (crappy tires)
i was thinkin about goin to 16s with 205 45 16 tires. my predicament is... will it worsen the traction problems i already have now? minor wheel hop and mainly tire spin. the tire is wider, yet skinnier... so im havin doubts about goin to 16s. 16s just look better. anyone go from 15s to 16s and find it a good thing, rather than a bad thing? ive heard a few people go from 17s to 16s... and now wantin to go back to 15s.

 

That is the exact problem that I am faced with. I have the stock 15s as well and I was thinking about getting some new Slip Streams - I just don't know what size, 15 vs 16.

I want to go 15's because they are cheaper and wrap them with some good tires, but my thinking is that a lighter wheel will amplify the wheel spin, right?

WHAT TO DO! Will 16 really make that much of a difference if they are slip streams?

Dave

 

i thought the cure to this is get bigger tires

 

get some 205/50/15's

 

yes... but for cosmetic purposes... 16s would look nice.

 

I went from 15's to 17's and it more appealing to the eye for daily driving. As far as racing goes, shorter was better. If I'm looking to race someone, I'd prefer it would be on the 15's with sticky tires. The bigger rims didn't help much, if any, with my traction problems. Seemed to me the increased weight and size just slowed me down quite a bit. Once I get traction it just seems to sandbag after that point.

But, like I said the 17's look soo much nicer and that's why I'm on them daily.

 

well i went from 17's to 15's and I think it was the smartest thing ive ever done. I ran a 14.2 on my 17's when i went to the track and the next time I went with the 15's i hit a 13.6, alot of that was the drag radials too but the gearing definitly helped me out alot too. U just need to put some 205/50/15 Azenis on there like we discussed and u will b alot happier. I think 16's are the best rim for someone who wants a compromise between looks and speed.

 

goin from 17s to 15s sure does make a difference. i dunno about you.. but i get tired of rollin on stock rims... and gettin 15in rims wouldnt be worth it... so im lookin into some nice 16in gunmetal rims. but that 205 50 15 azenis suggestion is still definitely an option.

 

I guess I will stick with the 15 too.

How much do those suggested tires cost?

Dave

 

16's are a good compromise, but as far as the brands of rims I liked 17's had a bigger selection. Just something to think about while shopping.

 

Like DIRep said, 16" is a compromise. To make the difference even more slight, go with very lightweight 16's if you can afford it.

It's not the size issue mostly of going from 15 to 16, 195/55/15 to 205/45/16, but rather the type of tire you use that is very important . Put on something really sticky like a Falken Azenis, Bridgestone S03 Pole Position (very expensive), or a BFG or Nitto drag radial, and your traction problems will be much lessened.

Also, maybe you were thinking that the 16" tire has a much smaller sidewall because you are comparing the middle number 45 vs. 55 of the 15". Well when you work it out, you are comparing 3.63" to 4.22", about a half an inch. Newer tires these days are designed to have stiff sidewalls, so don't necessarily assume that having a taller sidewall will help you gain traction (perhaps thinking of the "wrinkle" idea of a slick). All that's going to happen really is that you will get better handling with the 16", along with having a better contact patch.

 

Contrare!

195/50/15 S-03's are $79 a pop from Tire Rack right now!

205/50/15 S-03's are only $110!

Including 2 day shipping, I got my 195's for my new Rota's for 340! Rock on TireRack.com!

 

hmm... still debating.

 

Another thing to consider is if you ever plan on upgrading your brakes? I don't think you'll find many upgraded pistons and rotors that will fit onto 15's. But they will fit 16's. 17's is way too big!

 

dont hate on my big bling bling rims...
I love my 17's



[Modified by integra-modder, 7:20 PM 9/2/2002]

 

I have been stuck between 15" or 16" / Gunmetal or bronze / Rota C8's or Konig Heliums......

I just want to make a f**kin' decision

I think I want 16's since you get looks and still performance.....

 

what color car do you have?

 

I heard that they only make the Heliums in 15 and 17, no 16's. This may make your decision easier...

 

what are your opinions about Toyo FZ4 205/40ZR17?

 

fz4 = garbage

 

15's!
no wait, 14's!!
no no wait... 13's!! !!

 

**** that....just get some 11's... or if you're really pimp, get 10's

 

These are the Falken Ziex 512's, anyone have them or heard anything about them?

or even:


Falken FK-451

 

I have the Falken Ziex 512s... They are pretty decent tires. Not to expensive. Good traction after they are warmed up.

 

my plan is to get some nice big 18's with 225/40 tires on em. the extra weight and much wider tire should help with traction a little. Plus they will look sweet. Its not like any street tire will take any serious abuse without spinning.