Rep Power: 0

Ok, im just wondering what effect having a larger diameter rim will due to how your car handles, performes, whatever? Even though the stock cap on my civic is 14", I can put on a 17" rim without a problem or anything? Yes this is very n00b but I honestly have no idea and I know at least one of you guys know something!! Someone just explain how this all works, please! Thanks a lot.

Aaron

 
Rep Power: 0

It is not the larger diameter that makes it handle better it is the wider tire and bigger contact patch... when you upgrage to a 17" rim you will go to a 205 or 215 mm wide tire gaining 10-30mm in width making th car stick to the road and handle better... And as far as them fitting they will be almost the same total diameter (wheel and tire) as stock because you gain some more rim diameter and loose some of the tire (get low pro's) hope this explained everything if you looking to get a set or need mor einfo feel free to got to our site....

 
Rep Power: 0

I'll just add one thing, street tires that are not low profile (ie. 60+) tend to give when cornering hard. A lower profile tire with a shorter and stiffer sidewall will hold traction better by keeping the tire patch firmly planted. You can't really put a 45 series tire on your 14' rims without messing up your calibration. the diameter of the tire/wheel will be too small. Now, some 60+ series tires can also be performance, V,Z rated, but still won't have the performance of a 45- tire in the same rating. Anyways, this is what I know. If I'm wrong, someone correct.

Oh, and when reading tire sizes:
215/45 R17
The first number (215mm) is the width, the second is the height of the sidewall (45%), and the third is the size of the wheel (17")

 
Rep Power: 318

I'll have to agree with that.

To simplify: shorter sidewall = stiffer sidewall = less sidewall deflection during cornering = faster turn response.

 
Rep Power: 0

well ill tell u one thing...those stock firestone tires handle better in the rain than these kumho's

 
Rep Power: 0

Keep in mind that they are talking about dry pavement traction and handling. If you add a layer of rain on the road, or you add some snow or ICE, these larger tires are actually less safe than the stock tires. Things really get messy if you add a layer of dry sand on dry pavement.

I will be buying a set of good all seasons in the stock size to run during the winter, and I will run my "pretty" set of tires during the summer.

 
Rep Power: 0

beyond the technical side of it, its just the coolest thing to see 17" rims on a civic if ur car is put together right. 14" rims are for those who stay stock.

 
Rep Power: 0

14" honda alloys here. stayin with the firestones too, plan to upgrade to the "indy 500" special edition firestone tires. if i could find my honda rim in 15" or larger id do it, but i cant and i love these rims.