Upgrade from 15 to 17 wheels

[Pearl Sharkie]

Hi everyone!

I'm new here, and this is my first post. I drive a 1993 240sx hatchback here in Puerto Rico. I am going crazy thinking if I should change my stock wheels for 17" ones. I don't want to sacrifice my comfort. Any help will be appreciated.

[Bill Roberts]

It is a trade off that you...and only you will need to decide what is right for you.

Larger rims, lower profile tires, better handling.
Also custom look.

Stock rims, stock type tire for correct speedometer readings, good ride, ok handling.

Decide if you want to look sharp and corner fast or ride smooth and be a sleeper. The stock rims on our cars out handle a lot of cars on the road today.

You can also keep the stock, buy new rims and tires and have it both ways.

Personally, I am staying with stock alloys...as I don't need the more taut ride or the flashy looks.

[uiuc240]

look at my sig. that's what 17s look like. i love the enhanced handling, and the ride isn't *that* rough. it would be BAD with 18s though. however, i think 225/45-16s on 16" wheels are a really nice combo too.

Eric

[AKADriver]

225/45-16 is too short, especially if comfort is a priority.

225/50-16 is very comfortable. As is 205/55-16. 225/50-16 will also add significant grip over the stock 195 or 205/60-15 sizes. It gives up some precision to 17" wheels or a stretched size, but it's worth it if you want smoothness.

Another key to a smooth ride: light wheels. Heavy wheels will put more energy into the chassis as they're jostled by bumps. They make the suspension work harder.

[crioten]

wont the right wheel/tire combo keep the same spedo reading? wont it be like a 16 with really low profile tires though?

and ive never seen how to correct the spedo...maybe im dumb lol :doh:

[Bill Roberts]

Their is a tire /rim/speedo chart in "search".

You can find many combinations that are very close to correct on the speedo. Our speedos with stock tires and rims actually read 2 to 4% fast on average, giving a higher reading than you are going. When my speedo is on 72...I am going actually 70 with brand new stock tires.

[AKADriver]

Yes. Keep tire diameter constant.

The speedo isn't very accurate anyway. The factory also used many different tire sizes, so there's a generally acceptable range.

195/60-15 (base) = 24.2"
205/60-15 (S13 sport pkg) = 24.7"
205/55-16 (S14 SE) = 24.9"

So you can play around with tire sizes a bit to keep things constant.

tire size calculator (http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html)

[uiuc240]

225/45-16 is almost exactly the same size as a 195/60-15. it does a great job of keeping the speedo in check, and the sidewalls aren't THAT small.

i love my 225/45-17's though. i don't give a crap about the speedo reading, and this gives me a bit more gearing. only problem with them is that if you don't have that much power, they will make a big difference in acceleration.

Eric

[AKADriver]

24.0"

too short IMO

I like to err on the big side... I don't like 205/55-15 either

[Dousan_PG]

puerto rico! :) cool, im part puerto rican!

yeah go 17s
personally i dont care if my speedo is accurate. why? because i dont drive fast or push the speed limit. i just gauge and cruise w/ traffic. i think the 'speedo accuracy" is for old ladies
puerto rico..depending what city haha..i remember san juan had horrible traffic and the smaller cities were just cruising speed. anyways..your call

i'd go for the 17s
just try and get some nice widths, like 17x8 or 17x9. you'll turn some heads at the same time of having a ncie wheel. also watch your offsets, so you get a nice wheel. not stickign out past fender and not sunken into the wheel well. :)

good luck!!! :)

[AKADriver]

Yeah, "speedo accuracy" isnt a big deal anyway. You can run something way small like a 205/50-15 and it'll still be close enough, maybe 4mph off at 60.

I have my own reasons for liking tire heights tho. Gearing, grip, and I'll be honest, looks... a 25" tall tire really fills up the wells.

[fiebru1119]

where in PR are you in? i'm puerto rican too :)

i'd go 17s but you know how bad roads are there so be careful or you'll end up w/a bent rim pretty quick..

[Pearl Sharkie]

Hey guys!

I really appreciated all your comments. This forum is great, I finally found the forum for my type of car and with lots of knowledgeable people. Thanks again

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! :bowdown:

P.S. From Bayamon