JuggernautTCW
03-03-2008, 02:14 PM
I am thinking about purchasing this set of Prodrive P7s (17x7) for my WRX but they are pretty heavy, about 21/lb each, but they are very strong. My question are...
- Do heavier rims make better winter wheels?
- My winter tires are 225x45x17... are these too big for the 17x7? (I think they will fit, but will that decrease the performance and responsiveness of the tires by a lot?)
- Will I notice any decrease in performance in general?
Any help will be appreciated... thanks in advance!!! :)
Luke@tirerack
03-03-2008, 03:27 PM
225/45-17 will fit a 17x7 wheel
JuggernautTCW
03-03-2008, 03:36 PM
Thanks Luke. Is 215/45-17 a better fit than 225/45-17 or it doesnt matter?... Can you compare fitting 215 and 225 in general?... (the ride, handling... etc)
Luke@tirerack
03-03-2008, 03:41 PM
the difference while does exist would be nominal for most drivers and applications ... the 215 would offer better steering response than the 225 but, the difference would hardly be noticable ....
misterwaterfallin
03-03-2008, 05:34 PM
not to hi-jack, but how would running a 245 or 255 on a 8 inch rim work? I dont want to sacrifice any steering response and get a mushy set up just so I can go wide. I ask because lighter rims are hard to be had any wider than 8" in a 5x100 wheel pattern.
subenerd
03-03-2008, 07:04 PM
Will I notice any decrease in performance in general?
Any help will be appreciated... thanks in advance!!! :)
Yes and No, I used to have 20+ lbs Konig wheels on my old wrx wagon, here are some pros and cons that I noticed:
Cons:
- Acceleration will feel sluggish (your stock wheels weigh 16.5lbs)
- Downshifting will feel harsher on the drivetrain
- More NVH (noise, vibration, harshness)
- Tires are more expensive
Pros
- 17's will handle better (but there are also light 17's out there, they just cost more)
That being said, I went back to 16" wheels after a few months of having the Konigs on, the car just felt sluggish. Some people say they cant feel the difference... :confused:...I dont understand how...its a night and day difference imo. If you value looks over performance, it probably doesnt matter much.
bluescoobywagon
03-05-2008, 02:35 PM
not to hi-jack, but how would running a 245 or 255 on a 8 inch rim work? I dont want to sacrifice any steering response and get a mushy set up just so I can go wide. I ask because lighter rims are hard to be had any wider than 8" in a 5x100 wheel pattern.245 will be ok on 8" rims, but the 255's need an 8.5" rim.