19" vs. 20" wheels

SS_Firehawk

20's don't fill the wheel well any different than 19's unless your running a larger diameter tire.

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Driftomodachi

The diameter doesn't fill the wheel well any more but the face of the wheel does because of the larger diameter. And since 20" tires are cheaper it would both aesthetic and economical. 19" in front will put less stress on the steering system because of the lighter unsprung weight.

SS_Firehawk

My personal opinion, 19's are plenty big. 20's will only reduce the performance of a performance car. The ONLY reason to go 20's is for aesthetics if you are into having the thin sidewalls and oversized rims. Having said that, the best performing tire for the Z are 18's, and the 19's are a great compromise between the two. The ONLY 20" rims I thought fit the Z well were the F14's.

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Driftomodachi

Just wondering why 18" tires are better than 19" performance wise?

jcosta79

They are lighter and you have a LOT more options when it comes to track tires. (Race cars don't ride on dubs) Plus, even the biggest big brake kits will fit behind a properly made 18" wheel.

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2012 PW NISMO #0559 - GT Spec Brace Kit - Swift Springs - ARK TP & Invidia CBE K&N Intake - UpRev Tune - 15mm Z1 Spacers & Studs - StopTech Slotted Rotors & SS Lines - ZSpeed CMAK with Stage 2 Clutch and Lightweight Flywheel

DarkJak

Also, it brings the barrel half an inch closer to the hub. That's over a 5% reduction in radius. I=MR^2. That's already a 10% reduction in moment of inertia before figuring in things like a lighter barrel and spokes due to the smaller rim.

Plus it's easier and cheaper to find good tires in 18".

The only downsides I can think of are the brakes might get a little less air flow (not sure if significant) and the sidewall flex is a bit more due to having a taller sidewall. Although I'm willing to bet that the slight decrease in air flow is more than offset by the lowered inertia of the wheel putting less strain on the brakes.

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