Rear wheels - 18 in vs 20 in - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

WheelmanSS · 10-13-2016, 12:59 PM

Hey yo,

When I did my wheel/tire setup a few years ago, it was with a goal of being a driveable daily street car with capable performance.

I opted to go with Forgestar F14 wheels, 20 inches and Nitto Invo tires on all four corners.

While this was certainly streetable, traction at WOT was questionable despite my suspension work. The car makes too much power for this setup.

Now that this car is just a weekend/fun car that I have intentions of racing, I am looking to change the wheel setup.

I am pretty confident that I want to go to a NT05 or NT05R setup, given that I only drive it on the nice weekends and only put 1k or 2k miles on it per year. And I do want to hit the track more next year.

My question is that, will I gain significant more traction going with an 18 in wheel and a NT05/NT05R with a bigger side wall versus using those tires on a 20 inch wheel?

I want to focus on adding more horsepower, and the quote for a set of 18 inch rear forgestars with NT05s is north of $1,500. While the price doesn't concern me significantly, I don't want to spend the extra money without a substantial benefit.

Would 20in NT05/NT05Rs get the job done? Or will those tires on 18in wheels make a bigger difference?

CGbambam · 10-13-2016, 01:13 PM

Just go with the 18's with the NT05R, that's the best traction out of all those options. It be easier on your drive train also having more sidewall to squat on.

WheelmanSS · 10-13-2016, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CGbambam

Just go with the 18's with the NT05R, that's the best traction out of all those options. It be easier on your drive train also having more sidewall to squat on.

Well, that is pretty obvious. I am asking if it is a noticeable increase in traction going from a 20in to an 18in with that tire.

black79ta · 10-13-2016, 01:44 PM

well if it is obvious to you then it will prolly be noticable. we are all hypersensitive to how our cars perform. speaking theorectically..

WheelmanSS · 10-13-2016, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by black79ta

well if it is obvious to you then it will prolly be noticable. we are all hypersensitive to how our cars perform. speaking theorectically..

Ok I'm looking for a factual response from someone with actual experience/knowledge. Not speculation. Anyone can give an assumption or make a general statement.

If you are going to respond, I would appreciate it if you actually have something to contribute. Thanks.

760bowtie · 10-13-2016, 09:16 PM

I don't know how the nt05r handle but when I throw my MT et street r on with my 18" corvette replicas the difference is very noticeable. Of course only thing I have them to compare to are my 20" MT street comps, and those suck. I had traction problems at 460rwhp. Now making 620rwhp I'm looking to go to a 18" setup permanently.

10-13-2016, 12:59 PM	#1
WheelmanSS Logic is dead Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,804	Rear wheels - 18 in vs 20 in Hey yo, When I did my wheel/tire setup a few years ago, it was with a goal of being a driveable daily street car with capable performance. I opted to go with Forgestar F14 wheels, 20 inches and Nitto Invo tires on all four corners. While this was certainly streetable, traction at WOT was questionable despite my suspension work. The car makes too much power for this setup. Now that this car is just a weekend/fun car that I have intentions of racing, I am looking to change the wheel setup. I am pretty confident that I want to go to a NT05 or NT05R setup, given that I only drive it on the nice weekends and only put 1k or 2k miles on it per year. And I do want to hit the track more next year. My question is that, will I gain significant more traction going with an 18 in wheel and a NT05/NT05R with a bigger side wall versus using those tires on a 20 inch wheel? I want to focus on adding more horsepower, and the quote for a set of 18 inch rear forgestars with NT05s is north of $1,500. While the price doesn't concern me significantly, I don't want to spend the extra money without a substantial benefit. Would 20in NT05/NT05Rs get the job done? Or will those tires on 18in wheels make a bigger difference? __________________ 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS (LS3) 573 RWHP 498 RWTQ - Vortech V3 Supercharger - Kooks Stepped Headers, Magnaflow 16580 - Suspension by Pfadt, Hotchkis. 2007 Trailblazer SS- Sold 2001 Trans Am WS6 431 RWHP 408 RWTQ - Sold 1994 Camaro Z28 - Sold

10-13-2016, 01:44 PM	#4
black79ta Drives: 79 transam with 582cid dart motor Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: missouri Posts: 529 View My Garage	well if it is obvious to you then it will prolly be noticable. we are all hypersensitive to how our cars perform. speaking theorectically.. __________________ 2010 Camaro (inferno orange, 2SS, RS and such) cat backs, catch can, CAI on the way 79 Transam, 582 cid dart motor 779hp 315's out back 40spline gdaxles tko tranny

10-13-2016, 09:16 PM	#6
760bowtie Drives: 2014 1SS/RS, 2018 Silverado CC Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Oceanside, CA Posts: 1,487	I don't know how the nt05r handle but when I throw my MT et street r on with my 18" corvette replicas the difference is very noticeable. Of course only thing I have them to compare to are my 20" MT street comps, and those suck. I had traction problems at 460rwhp. Now making 620rwhp I'm looking to go to a 18" setup permanently. __________________ AGP 57/57 turbos and Dual Pump System, NA Cam, McLeod RXT clutch, MGW shifter, ZL1 Rear End, BMR Trailing Arms/Toe Rods, Pegasus Solid Cradle Bushings 10.7 @140mph M6

10-13-2016, 01:13 PM	#2
CGbambam Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Houston Posts: 410	Just go with the 18's with the NT05R, that's the best traction out of all those options. It be easier on your drive train also having more sidewall to squat on.