19" vs. 20" wheels

Driftomodachi

I didn't see a thread like this when I searched so I thought I would inquire.

From what I have read, most people go with 19's because 20 adds unnecessary unsprung mass but 20's fill out the wheel wells nicely so I am debating. Has anyone done a 19/20" stagger? I think Advan Racing GT's would look absolutely sick with that setup.

1st

Your poll doesn’t have 18’s. 19’s for oem, 20’s look sick but no way due to expensive tires and bigger possibility of denting your rim. 19’s with a drop looks perfect. I’m down for 18’s with a drop and cheaper tires if not riding oem 19’s. I voted 19's

BrandonSS

Actually... 20" tires are cheaper than 19"s. Compare 275/35/19 to 275/30/20 for example.

red2010z

All the cool kids have 20's

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Waiz

19's are fine, 20's work depending on the wheel

G37sHKS

There is a reason why Nissan chose 19" for 370z and 20" for GTR.

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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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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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Wonka2581

^^ yes!

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cooltoy

If the wheel is available in 19 then I'd stay 19, but if it's only available in 20 and you like the wheel, then go 20.

kenchan

i dont like the gaping hole between the rotor and barrel of the 20" wheels.

so if 20's i'd get mesh type (many spokes)... or get even bigger bbk.