Nigeyboy

Hi

I've currently got a MY02 WRX pretty std , but I'm getting a MY03 + PPP.

I'd love to know your experiences of moving up to 18" wheels: how its affected handling, ride etc..

Thx
Nigeyboy

darkblueturbo

I've got 18s on a classic - the ride isn't as bad as everyone says and the turn in and mid corner grip is much better cos they're wider profile (215 over 205, but you could easy get 215 on a 17 anyway).

And on the new shape ones I think for the look 18s have to be the minimum, unless you've decked it on ait or coliovers cos those wheel arches are HUGE!
If I had a newage I'd be at least considering 19s...

Blue_Boy

I've always been a fan of 18" wheels. the 17" just look to small and I've always had brake concerns (as I've always gone for 6-pots with 350mm+ brake kits), there are more 18" wheels out there than 17" to fit these babies under!

Performance wise, I've never felt the difference or the decrease in ride quality IMO (I've had 5 sets now on different cars, with the latest going to be on the STi8 Spec C). Got told by the Subaru dealer once that the difference in grip between the 17" and 18" tyres would only be utilised by Michael Schumacher, well I sure ain't him - so I'm probably not going to be noticing the gain.

Make sure you get a good light weight one with good clearance, if you go for it (Speedline Turini's fit the bill on both counts).

kidmark555

I have just fitted 18" Prodrive P1s with 225/40/18 PZeros to my 01WRX (275PS/ 360Nm). There is much better grip and handling at high speeds in corners, car feels stiffer not mentioning the looks. Disadvantages: 18" wheels are heavier, tyre is 225 (formerly 215) and 0-100kmh performance is affected a bit. I use to say it is like driving with one passenger. That is it. Morever, don't buy Pirelli PZero Rosso. Completely worn Bridgestone S03 will provide you with better grip than a new PZero. It is a nightmare, especially when wet.

Cheers,

Mark

darkblueturbo

I run PZero Assimetrico's and think they are superb...

There are better wet weather tyres available, definately but they're not bad. You only notice the loss in performance when you push it too much, which you shouldn't really do in the wet on public roads anyway.
But in the dry they are quite simply AWESOME

And 18s are a good idea. Mine ar 7.5 x 18, so I'm still only running 215 section tyres. Used to have 205 on my old 7 x 17

Nigeyboy

Thx for the responses guys.

As for tyres - I assume the Toyos and GSD3 are still the tyre of choice for 18" rims.

To keep correct speedo reading, do I need to go to 40 profile, rather than the 45 on the 17" wheels!

NB

darkblueturbo

I think so, but you can confirm it here...

I went from 205/40 x 17 to 215 / 35 x 18

Dougy Giro

Ive also got some brand new Goodyear F1 GDS3's 225/35/18's forasale !! £125 each - Bargin !!!

Cheers
Dave

Jza

By the way - think you'll find you'll actually lose weight going for 18's - if you pick the right lightweight 18' wheel (some are 7 - 7.5 kgs)

Jza