girlilove

I need some advice on my possible next mod.

Is there difference (s) in performance-wise (acceleration/ cornering) with a lowered/slammed 18" compared to 19"?

AW99GS400

From what i have heard in the past the bigger the wheels the slower the performance. I am running 19" with stragger setup , i notice on the launch at a light is a little slower than my 17" stock wheels ( but i could be wrong) . Between 18" , 19" , 20" i personnly like the 19" for looks and performance but not all show

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

This is a topic of a lot of discussion in the past here on CL, here are a few threads to get you started I found using search

Threads on 18's or 19's
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hlight=18s+19s
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hlight=18s+19s
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hlight=18s+19s
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hlight=18s+19s
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hlight=18s+19s
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hlight=19s+20s
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hlight=19s+20s
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hlight=19s+20s


Nice wheel guide
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...hlight=19s+20s

Polls in the voting booth
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/hall-of-fame-and-voting-booth/98821-did-you-would-you-upgrade-your-wheel-size-from-oem.html
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=128050

girlilove

So meaning even if the 18" is slammed with 1 finger gap (front & rear), it still perform better than a 19" 1 finger gap (front & rear)?

Dave, thank you for the threads, they helped on some insight but i'm still considering if i go for 19" and lowered, maybe it could not handle corners as good as 18" (that's what i've read from the comments from CL members) and19" does look visually perfect on a 161 GS

bmgs400

A larger diameter wheel has the "potential" to create a larger moment (torque in lb/in) working against acceleration. Weight distribution plays a big role here...if most of the weight in a wheel is distributed further away from it's center it will have a larger moment than a same sized wheel with most it's weight near the hub (center).

With all that being said...reducing unspung weight is a great way to reduce time for wheel spinup. It will also make the ride a little more sporty; easier cornering since the gyroscopic effect is reduced and road force will be sensed quicker by the shock absorber...better feedback.

A heavier wheel will ride smoother but need more force for turning.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

agree. if you talk about performance and handling, you should look at WEIGHT, not just size. some forged wheels are very light, and even at 19s they are much lighter than say some heavy cast 18s chrome. in that case the 19s will still out handle the 18s, and the lower profile tires on the 19s could help on handling as well.

looks and style aside, for example, if you get the volk racing te37, those are some seriously light weight wheels even at 19s.

GSLexi

so how would 18" G35C wheels perform compatred to stock wheels on a 98 GS3, or any other 19"?

I would really like to put on 18" G35C wheels but are they meant for performance?

bmgs400

It all depends on how the weight is distributed. Having less unsprung weight gives better road feedback. Having less moment improves wheel performance in acceleration and turning.

Like rominl stated; you can get more sport out of a lightweight forged 19" wheel; when compared to a heavier 17" or 18" wheel.

GSLexi

I see... are the G35 wheels heavy?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

my guess is they are just normal wheels. maybe around 25 to 26lb each? (which is typical, btw)

martini3

Rominl,
Very interesting point you've made. I do have the heavy chrome 18's and even though my car is lowered 1" all around, I do feel some minor uneven float around the corners. 19's made in lighter material seems to be the right direction that I may go in the future. But then again, would the 20's handle even better w/ the lighter 19's. Or it isn't much of a big difference other than the 20's filling up the wheel gap space much more for the looks.

thanks..teeman3

rominl

iTrader: (4)

i don't think 20s will help handling much, coz' if you compare same brand and model wheels, between 19s and 20s, 19s have to be lighter. and 19s already have low enough profile tires imho for handling imho

LEXSOOS

Not all cast wheels are heavy, Enkei RPF 1 are processed in cast technology but they are light and strong, 19'' wheel alone is about 20 pounds comparing to many other cast wheels which are 30+ pounds each wheel, so right there is 10 pounds weight savings on one wheel only.
40lbs total is a huge difference in performance accel.&cornering

Weight is very important, in this case MORE IS LESS

Blk96Supra

iTrader: (9)

For performance usually the smaller the wheel the better it is for performance. So its hard to compare 18's and bigger. I can only give my own experience with both 18's and 19's on a Supra. But the bigger the wheel the less you have off the line. When i ran the 18's they felt more like stock verses the 19's which took just a little more to get her going. as for cornering i heard that the wider the wheel the better.

stayblaze

You Guys seem to really know your stuff i actually enjoyed reading this thread felt like i was watching an online debate and i actually learned something.. Thank you for posting "Good Stuff"..