18" rims vs 20" rims...Why go smaller? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

edog · 12-29-2008, 08:53 PM

I see a lot of post stating they want the 18" rims. I thought I knew about tires, but times have changed. Why would a person choose 18" rims over 20" rims? Is it just cost, or performance?

dieseldave24v · 12-29-2008, 08:55 PM

Anytime you can lower your unsprung weight or decrease the weight of rotating mass you will have a faster car, Plus you are limited to a smaller selection of performance tires with a 20" rim.

edog · 12-29-2008, 09:09 PM

Are the run times for the camaro listed with 20s or lower tire sizes? Are we really talking for track use, or is it a noticeable difference for street use?

I am getting 20s, and will probably do many stop light jumps with the competition, but most likely will never take it to the track to do a 1/4 run.

Inspector 17 · 12-29-2008, 09:22 PM

Edog, I think for those people just sticking with red light racing against Mustangs and the like, it won't make that big of a difference (especially with the V8).

edog · 12-29-2008, 09:47 PM

Cool, thanks guys!

stovt001 · 12-29-2008, 09:51 PM

It also helps the ride/handling balance.

edog · 12-29-2008, 10:00 PM

Is smaller smoother?

stovt001 · 12-29-2008, 11:08 PM

Smaller wheels allow for taller sidewall tires (assuming overall diameter remains constant). Taller sidewalls allow more flex. There is more rubber between road imperfections and the rigid wheel.

TaylorRyanSS · 12-30-2008, 12:14 AM

IMO 18s are way to small

I have 19s on my stang and I wish I would of went bigger... I am thinking 20s or 22s for the camaro

Xanthos · 12-30-2008, 03:36 AM

And IMO 20's are way too big. I personally like the look of a nice 16-18 inch rim myself. I'll be picking up a set of the steelies and having them widened to 8.5 inches, and then wrapping them in KDW's. I'll have to have the speedo recalibrated, because the total diameter will be smaller, but thats not a big deal to me. I'll be getting nicer tires and a drop at the same time. The stock rear tires will be burned off for the purpose of photo sessions (after the car is broken in, of course) and then replaced with snow tires to make my winter set. Hopefully I can find some in the same diameter as the KDW's I get - that way I don't have to worry about the speedo being inaccurate in winter.
- Xanthos

P.S. - 600th post!

*TAG UR IT* · 12-30-2008, 03:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovt001

Smaller wheels allow for taller sidewall tires (assuming overall diameter remains constant). Taller sidewalls allow more flex. There is more rubber between road imperfections and the rigid wheel.

What he said. More rubber on the ground (with air let out...20psi or so) helps in traction for 1/4 mile racing. Imagine letting some air out of a 28 inch tire on a 22 inch rim. Not too much rubber on the ground. But, now add 4 more inches of tire by going w/ an 18 inch rim. Go back down to that same 20 psi. More rubber on the ground.

Txturbo · 12-30-2008, 07:27 AM

All depends on what you use the car for. If you want better handling and feel for the road, a shorter sidewall is better but you may not get as much traction for drag racing. If you want taller sidewalls to soften up the ride and allow you to lower the pressure for better off the line traction you will lose some feel for the road and its gets mushier in the turns. But also, there is no rule that says you have to have short sidewalls with a 20" tire. They come in 50 series also. You just have to recalibrate the speedo to maintain the accuracy if you want both because you will increase the height of the combo. Which isn't always a bad thing, if you want to change the rear end ratio without changing the ring and pinion gears.

ponycrusher21 · 12-30-2008, 12:01 PM

yeah if you wanna look good get 20s if you wanna go fast opt for the 18s yo

lol

*GTAHVIT* · 12-30-2008, 12:50 PM

I thought we had to go at least 19s on the SS to make room for the brembo's???

12-29-2008, 08:53 PM	#1
edog Drives: 2010 2SS/RS IOM Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: F'BURG VA Posts: 3,828 View My Garage	18" rims vs 20" rims...Why go smaller? I see a lot of post stating they want the 18" rims. I thought I knew about tires, but times have changed. Why would a person choose 18" rims over 20" rims? Is it just cost, or performance? __________________ Update...Build in process, Forged Rods, Pistons and rings, Johnson Lifters, NOVI1500 ECS SC, 13lb boost or more, LS3 Conversion 114/228/241 COMP CAM, Frostbite 4 row Aluminum radiator, 6L80 built, Circle D 6L80 PRO SERIES MULTI 258MM 2D, Stock 3.45 gears, 1-7/8 American Racing Headers w/HF cat, X-Pipe, Lingenfelter dual fuel pump, E-85 flex sensor, ATI super damper pulley, Ported TB, 160 therm, Trans cooler, Pedder's sways/end links/sub frame bushings, BMR trailing arms & toe rods, Coil overs. HP/TQ pending

12-29-2008, 08:55 PM	#2
dieseldave24v PowerStroke this Ford boy Drives: Like Don Garlits "Big Daddy" Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Richlands/Camp Lejeune NC Posts: 462	Anytime you can lower your unsprung weight or decrease the weight of rotating mass you will have a faster car, Plus you are limited to a smaller selection of performance tires with a 20" rim. __________________ Hey big man let me hold a dollar

12-29-2008, 09:09 PM	#3
edog Drives: 2010 2SS/RS IOM Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: F'BURG VA Posts: 3,828 View My Garage	Are the run times for the camaro listed with 20s or lower tire sizes? Are we really talking for track use, or is it a noticeable difference for street use? I am getting 20s, and will probably do many stop light jumps with the competition, but most likely will never take it to the track to do a 1/4 run. __________________ Update...Build in process, Forged Rods, Pistons and rings, Johnson Lifters, NOVI1500 ECS SC, 13lb boost or more, LS3 Conversion 114/228/241 COMP CAM, Frostbite 4 row Aluminum radiator, 6L80 built, Circle D 6L80 PRO SERIES MULTI 258MM 2D, Stock 3.45 gears, 1-7/8 American Racing Headers w/HF cat, X-Pipe, Lingenfelter dual fuel pump, E-85 flex sensor, ATI super damper pulley, Ported TB, 160 therm, Trans cooler, Pedder's sways/end links/sub frame bushings, BMR trailing arms & toe rods, Coil overs. HP/TQ pending

12-29-2008, 09:47 PM	#5
edog Drives: 2010 2SS/RS IOM Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: F'BURG VA Posts: 3,828 View My Garage	Cool, thanks guys! __________________ Update...Build in process, Forged Rods, Pistons and rings, Johnson Lifters, NOVI1500 ECS SC, 13lb boost or more, LS3 Conversion 114/228/241 COMP CAM, Frostbite 4 row Aluminum radiator, 6L80 built, Circle D 6L80 PRO SERIES MULTI 258MM 2D, Stock 3.45 gears, 1-7/8 American Racing Headers w/HF cat, X-Pipe, Lingenfelter dual fuel pump, E-85 flex sensor, ATI super damper pulley, Ported TB, 160 therm, Trans cooler, Pedder's sways/end links/sub frame bushings, BMR trailing arms & toe rods, Coil overs. HP/TQ pending

12-29-2008, 09:51 PM	#6
stovt001 Drives: 2006 Cobalt, 2004 Taurus wagon Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,812	It also helps the ride/handling balance. __________________ "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day There's a great big beautiful tomorrow Just a dream away

12-29-2008, 09:22 PM	#4
Inspector 17 I love crepes Drives: 2017 ZL1 NGM A10 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 4,955 View My Garage	Edog, I think for those people just sticking with red light racing against Mustangs and the like, it won't make that big of a difference (especially with the V8).

12-29-2008, 10:00 PM	#7
edog Drives: 2010 2SS/RS IOM Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: F'BURG VA Posts: 3,828 View My Garage	Is smaller smoother? __________________ Update...Build in process, Forged Rods, Pistons and rings, Johnson Lifters, NOVI1500 ECS SC, 13lb boost or more, LS3 Conversion 114/228/241 COMP CAM, Frostbite 4 row Aluminum radiator, 6L80 built, Circle D 6L80 PRO SERIES MULTI 258MM 2D, Stock 3.45 gears, 1-7/8 American Racing Headers w/HF cat, X-Pipe, Lingenfelter dual fuel pump, E-85 flex sensor, ATI super damper pulley, Ported TB, 160 therm, Trans cooler, Pedder's sways/end links/sub frame bushings, BMR trailing arms & toe rods, Coil overs. HP/TQ pending

12-29-2008, 11:08 PM	#8
stovt001 Drives: 2006 Cobalt, 2004 Taurus wagon Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,812	Smaller wheels allow for taller sidewall tires (assuming overall diameter remains constant). Taller sidewalls allow more flex. There is more rubber between road imperfections and the rigid wheel. __________________ "It's kind of fun to do the impossible" - Walt Disney There's a great big beautiful tomorrow shining at the end of every day There's a great big beautiful tomorrow Just a dream away

12-30-2008, 12:14 AM	#9
TaylorRyanSS COTW: 12/13/10 Drives: 1969 Camaro Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 7,880	IMO 18s are way to small I have 19s on my stang and I wish I would of went bigger... I am thinking 20s or 22s for the camaro __________________ "Are you one of those boys who prefer cars to women? - I'm one of those boys that appreciates a fine body, regardless of the make." 1969 CAMARO JOURNAL: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=341239 \| FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/taylor.ryan.apt \| GRAPHIC DESIGN: www.aptdesigns.net

12-30-2008, 03:36 AM	#10
Xanthos PWA Relapse Drives: Formerly-Stick Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 12,588 View My Garage	And IMO 20's are way too big. I personally like the look of a nice 16-18 inch rim myself. I'll be picking up a set of the steelies and having them widened to 8.5 inches, and then wrapping them in KDW's. I'll have to have the speedo recalibrated, because the total diameter will be smaller, but thats not a big deal to me. I'll be getting nicer tires and a drop at the same time. The stock rear tires will be burned off for the purpose of photo sessions (after the car is broken in, of course) and then replaced with snow tires to make my winter set. Hopefully I can find some in the same diameter as the KDW's I get - that way I don't have to worry about the speedo being inaccurate in winter. - Xanthos P.S. - 600th post! __________________ 2017 1LT/RS A8 Hyper Blue Metallic

12-30-2008, 07:27 AM	#12
Txturbo Keeper of the Faith Drives: 2001 Z28 Agressively Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Rosenberg,Texas Posts: 1,383 View My Garage	All depends on what you use the car for. If you want better handling and feel for the road, a shorter sidewall is better but you may not get as much traction for drag racing. If you want taller sidewalls to soften up the ride and allow you to lower the pressure for better off the line traction you will lose some feel for the road and its gets mushier in the turns. But also, there is no rule that says you have to have short sidewalls with a 20" tire. They come in 50 series also. You just have to recalibrate the speedo to maintain the accuracy if you want both because you will increase the height of the combo. Which isn't always a bad thing, if you want to change the rear end ratio without changing the ring and pinion gears. __________________ 2010 Camaro SS R6P 2001 Camaro Z28 1969 Camaro SS clone

12-30-2008, 12:01 PM	#13
ponycrusher21 Christopher Fernandez Drives: Toyota Prius Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Nashville, Tn Posts: 372	yeah if you wanna look good get 20s if you wanna go fast opt for the 18s yo lol

12-30-2008, 12:50 PM	#14
GTAHVIT Blessed Drives: 2013 Sonic RS MT Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Saint Augustine FL Posts: 28,444 View My Garage	I thought we had to go at least 19s on the SS to make room for the brembo's??? __________________ Click image to see build thread. PQ - "the love of cars. It's a boys first step toward manhood and a mans last hold on boyhood." Fbodfather - "We do not want to use the Z28 moniker on a car that does not deserve this hallowed name." The_Blur - "Let's not confuse competitors with equals."

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