Besides looks, why go to a larger wheel size?

Shelly

 

there is no other reason.

 

>>Besides looks, why go to a larger wheel size? Lets say moving from 16" to 17"

Shelly,

Pros
Some designs (like those of Centerline Dominator series) only come in 15x7 and 17x7.
17" rims may come in a wider size rim to fit a certain wider tire better
Can use wider tire sizes and lower series sidewalls (can give slightly better performance on cornering)
Makes more room for big brake kits
If an open design, can see the brake caliper and rotor better
Open design helps to reduce some brake dust deposits on rims
Better quality rim may be lighter in weight yet very strong

Cons
Higher cost- especially if lighter in weight
More weight for both rim and tire (depends on which one)
May come in size that doesn't fit well with a particular tire (like Falken Azenis Sport in 17&quot.
Performance tires may be rougher riding, noiser and thread may wear faster (results vary with different tires)
17" not legal for stock autocross racing in an MC.

 

>>there is no other reason.

I agree....there seems to be a contest to see who has the biggest wheels. I think a 16" wheel an a car as small as MINI is plenty big enought, even considering racing, bigger brakes or whatever. It's nice to have tires that don't look like rubber bands.

I wonder if anyone has 22" wheels on a MINI yet?


R.E.

 

IMO, the ideal rim size for the MINI is probably 16" or 17" max. I especially like light wieght wheels with non-runflat performance tires.

 

>>there is no other reason.

ditto that.

 

The reason behind using larger wheels originally was for the wheel to be able to
accomondate larger brake rotors and calipers. But on our MINI's, brake
rotors are so tiny unless you have some custom big brake kits no need to
really inchup other than for cosmetics.

 

Oh yeah and we all forgot the best reason...

Size up?
That's the only way to justify JCW works 18" wheels! Of course.

 

>>Oh yeah and we all forgot the best reason...
>>
>>Size up?
>>That's the only way to justify JCW works 18" wheels! Of course.

Ditto!

 

Larger wheel diameters mean shorter sidewalls. Shorter sidewalls mean quicker steering and cornering responce.

Alex

 

>>Larger wheel diameters mean shorter sidewalls. Shorter sidewalls mean quicker steering and cornering responce.
>>
>>Alex



And a fatter paycheck for tire vendors!

 

>>Besides looks, why go to a larger wheel size?
>>
>>Shelly

why not

 

>>>>Besides looks, why go to a larger wheel size?
>>>>
>>>>Shelly
>>
>>why not

I agree, if you like the looks of 19 or 20 or even 30" wheels, go for it.

It's just that there is no real reason performance wise that justifies the added expense, very hard ride and clearance problems associated with huge wheels.

But if course, if you think they look cool....go for it!!!



R.E.