18 inch wheels

[Speedy Emira]

I’m interested to know if anyone has bought a set of 18 inch wheels and maybe the 305 width tyres like the GT4s have. I understand on standard suspension it’s probably not going to be perfect due to the suspension effect of higher profile tyres.
The other thing I’d be interested to know if if the combination of tyre and rim is lower than on the 20 inch set for the same brands and models.

 

[lynchy73]

I’m interested to know if anyone has bought a set of 18 inch wheels and maybe the 305 width tyres like the GT4s have. I understand on standard suspension it’s probably not going to be perfect due to the suspension effect of higher profile tyres.
The other thing I’d be interested to know if if the combination of tyre and rim is lower than on the 20 inch set for the same brands and models.

Haven’t bought them, but there is a tuning shop in China that offers 18s for the Emira and they work with OEM brakes. 9” wide on the front, 11 on the back with 265 and 305.

 

[Nova]

I thought 18's wouldn't work as they won't clear the parking brake actuator.

 

[seriously]

Curious. What is the benefit here if you’re going to maintain the overall wheel height?

Less weight? Cheaper tires? Different suspension setup using higher profile tires?

 

[Rcktmn]

Curious. What is the benefit here if you’re going to maintain the overall wheel height?

Less weight? Cheaper tires? Different suspension setup using higher profile tires?

Smaller wheels and more tire sidewall will give you a more cushy ride. Also less likely to damage wheels on potholes and stuff. And tires are cheaper usually

 

[lynchy73]

I thought 18's wouldn't work as they won't clear the parking brake actuator.

This tuner shop says their 18s work with OEM brakes. They are custom designed to clear everything. They are wider too, 9” front and 11” rear. They run 265 and 305 tyres.

 

[Nova]

Curious. What is the benefit here if you’re going to maintain the overall wheel height?

Less weight? Cheaper tires? Different suspension setup using higher profile tires?

Others who are more knowledgeable about this can chime in, but tires with some healthy amount of side wall is better for performance driving on a race track. The flex of the tire allows it to bite the road better and absorb shocks and transitions that would cause a shorter/stiffer tire to break traction.

Take a look at the rear tire of a top fuel dragster - all that sidewall twists during acceleration to help the tire maintain traction.

 

[kitkat]

This tuner shop says their 18s work with OEM brakes. They are custom designed to clear everything. They are wider too, 9” front and 11” rear. They run 265 and 305 tyres.

Have they checked the parking brake? I checked the other day and i’m not sure many 18” wheels will work. The GT4 car probably works because I’m guessing it doesn’t have an electric parking brake.

 

[virtualmacho]

I thought 18's wouldn't work as they won't clear the parking brake actuator.

And here I am, imagining something like this until it dawns on me...