Forgive me for asking the obvious, but I'm no tuner. For the most part, I've kept my cars stock. However, I bought a 2001 Prelude last year and the butt-ugly wheels have finally gotten to me. They've got to go. Ordinarily I would just replace the stock 16 inch rims. But many claim to see significant handling improvements by moving up to larger rims and lower profile tires. So my questions:

1. If I move up to 17s, will I see a honestly see a noticeable improvement in handling ?
2. What suspension changes would be necessary to realize the full benefit of larger wheels?
3. What is the downside? I would expect reduced mileage and shorter tire life. Anything else?

Any information will be appreciated

- Andy Y.

 

Warning, the following statement is based upon personal opinion:

Just going to 17" wheels (and keeping a similar tire) I don't think you'll see a signifigant handling difference. Now if you go to a 17" wheel and get a softer compound tire then you will notice a great increase in the handling ability of your car but you'd notice the same thing with a softer compound 16" tire. My recommendation, get a nice light 16" wheel and some semi-soft tires (Kumho ECSTA Supra 712 or Falken Azenis if your feeling adventurous). I personally wouldn't go for 17" wheels just because tires are so darn expensive. Oh, obviously with a softer tire your going to see reduced mileage.

If after upgrading tires you still don't feel like your car handles quite as well as you'd like maybe look into some lowering springs and shocks (example: Eibach's and Koni's) or some coilovers (example: Teins).

There have been numerous threads on similar topics before, try searching if you don't find the response your looking for. HTH


[Modified by Chris93Si, 9:39 AM 3/20/2002]

 

If you went with 17s you will be able to get a wider rim, than you could with the 16s. This would help your lude's handling. IM honda318dx if he doesn't reply to this soon.

 

Thanks for the information, I think I'll stick with 16" rims. It sounds like the only thing to be gained with 17" rims is more width. I read through some archived posts that describe problems with wide tires (rubbing) that I'd rather not deal with.

 

Even though you've already decided to go with 16's, I just thought I'd give you the answer to #3 - the downside to larger diameter wheels is acceleration would be slower.
Good choice sticking with 16s, IMHO. Now you just need a good set of tires