just a quick question to all the wheel/tire pros here

my stock wheels [i believe] are 18x8 and the tires are 225/45/18

my question is if i were to go with wheels that are 18x7.5 but the tires are 225/40/18 would i experience any difference, if any at all with the swap? even if the tire width is the same?

 

Only difference is going to be the side wall/bead will be squeezed a 1/2" closer in on both sides. Now if that affects the side to side motion of the tire, I'm not positive. I would think in the general dynamics of things it might. Whether it's noticeable to a daily driver, good question.

 

yea, i was aware of the side wall, but, you are right, since i dont track my car [at least for now] i want to know if it will be noticeable to daily driving, street/highway. on certain weekends however, i do some spirited driving in the canyons with some friends to head to the beach or eat out, but nothing close to what others would notice on the track.

 

wuddn't think going down a size would be a wise choice even for saving money or whatever reason it is...

 

even if it was a straight trade? no cash involved?

 

Comon guys this is basic stuff. YES there's a BIG difference in these choices. YES there are non-trivial consequences to this swap.

Namely,

1. Your speedo will be off 3.4 % to fast (indicated 60=58mph)
2. You'll be dropping your car ~.5" closer to the ground, .5" less road clearance.
3. You'll be needlessly hiking the revs in normal driving to no advantage
4. You'll burn more gas as a result or higher rpms at all speeds.
5. Your ride quality will suffer due to less sidewall height ~1/2", and improve slightly due to narrower wheel. The balance will likely be to lessen ride quality, but also the tires on each setup matter here too.
6. You'll accelerate slightly faster (most useful on track) under full acceleration runs.
7. If the OEM whees/tires didn't fill the wheel wells, these will look still dorkier.

All in all for a DD not really such a good idea if you drive many miles a year and esp. if the roads aren't in good shape due to the drop and hasher ride.

 

If those rims will be used for putting snow tires on then thats ok, otherwise I HIGHLY recommend not getting a smaller rim than stock.