Jonesy

I've searched and not found the answer I'm looking for. Do 18" wheels make a difference to the handling. I've got a 2004 Sti, PPP and Prodrive springs but still find it jittery over some surfaces.

I don't want to splash out on a new set of wheels if I'm not going to get any benefit. I'm due a new set of tyres soon so now is the time to upgrade.............

Cheers
Neil

Fangoria

iTrader: (1)

Cant say I saw any real driving benefit over standard - tramlines a little more, but looks a little better. Have standard ones on track not 18's........

mid_life_crisis

Profound improvements with 18" on my 2005 STi with PPP and Prodrive springs, car is more "planted" and much less jittery on bad roads (18" x 8 with 225/40/18 W92). Had a similar but less pronounced effect going to 18" on an '04 WRX also. I'd do it if I were you.
I posted my thoughts here http://bbs.scoobynet.co.uk/showthread.php?t=437711

corradoboy

The biggest benefit you'll get when changing wheels is if you can find some very lightweight alloys. I fitted OZ Superlegerra to my old VW and the handling improved significantly (not placebo, did a blind test with a.n.other whom was familiar with the car). The average 17" alloy comes in at around 18kg, so with the tyre you're looking at around 26-29kg. OZ 'Legs are about 8kg +tyre and so let the suspension work much more effectively (imagine holding a bucket at arms length and trying to stop it in a controlled way, it is much easier to do with an empty bucket ) Only problem you'll have is that 18" 'Legs don't fit over the Brembo's on STi's, so you'll have to find an alternative or go up to 19" I just wish I could spare the cash to put some on my WRX, 18 or 19

STI @ 21

Not believing the above, have got an STI8, and have just fitted 18 inch superleggeras, and they fit fine over my standard brembos.

Only got them today so waiting for the tyres to wear in, but first impression, very nice look awesome, and with tein suspension car feels more planted, acceleration is better as well.

Chris

corradoboy

Chris, I can only assume that OZ now offer 18's with the correct offset for STi's with Brembo's. They certainly didn't for a long time.

mid_life_crisis

Yes they do now for the 05 STi, 18 x 8" 114.3mm pcd and ET45. With 245/40/18 W92 tyres they come in just on 3Kg lighter than the standard 17 x 8" wheel with the 225/45/17 W90 RE070's. Silver only with gold due as I understand it, got silver myself and they fit like a glove