Changing from 15 inch to 17 inch wheels...

**gaijin** · July 6th, 2005 12:23 AM

I'm planning on changing my stock 15 inch wheels for the 17 inch type alloy rims. What are the advantages/disadvantages of doing such?

**ILuvDetailing** · July 6th, 2005 12:37 AM

advantages: The "porma" factor, better handling.

disadvantages: Ride quality suffers if you don't change springs / shocks, 17" tires ain't cheap.

**Doc Diesel** · July 6th, 2005 03:43 AM

aside from being off the speedometer...

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

**Karding** · July 6th, 2005 05:24 AM

Kaya pala ang stock 17" ng MZ3 205/50/17 at sabi ko bakit hindi ginawang 205/40 or 45. Its to minimize the off reading of the speedometer. But it looks like I can upgrade the tire to 215/45 and 1% lang differential. Kung kakasya, 225/45 and a 0.4% too slow lang ako.

Doc Diesel, thanks for the link.

**111prez** · July 6th, 2005 06:38 AM

Originally Posted by Doc Diesel

aside from being off the speedometer...

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

galing ng link! very informative

in my case, changing to the new tires (same rime though) makes me travel 7.3% slower or the speedometer reads 60kph while actual speed is 64kph

tanong ko lang:

1. does this mean that i am consuming more fuel?
2. puede kaya i-adjust and speedometer to match the new tires?

**ghosthunter** · July 6th, 2005 07:53 AM

bigger mags also mean more weight... so acceleration will be slower and more fuel will be used to accelerate the car.

**ssaloon** · July 6th, 2005 10:28 AM

unless you get lightweight 17s

**espeago** · July 6th, 2005 12:06 PM

Ride Quality - A low-profile tire such as a 50 or a 40-series looks great, but can be harsh over bumps or potholes when compared to a 55 or 60. In general, a lower profile tire also exposes the wheel to damage more easily. Lower profile tires also have stiffer sidewalls, which improves handling but increases rides harshness.... It's all about compromise and there's no such thing as free meryienda.

**odell** · July 6th, 2005 01:48 PM

konting ingat lang pag naka 17's na and i suggest you get a rota for the durability in our roads. hehehehe

**niky** · July 6th, 2005 02:12 PM

You can't have your cake and eat it, too.

17-inchers are definitely going to make the ride stiffer. Heavier 'pa-porma' mags will significantly increase fuel consumption and decrease performance, often to the tune of 5-10 hp at the wheels. Lighter 'performance' mags like ROTAs will minimize this consumption increase while freeing up maybe 1-2 hp at the wheels, if your stock 15s are heavy. A 17" ROTA with tire often weighs around 35-38 lbs, while stock 15s can weigh between 35-40++ lbs with tires, depending on design. Therefore, any decrease in top speed and fuel efficiency will come down to the width and height of the tire itself.

Problem with 17" ROTAs (especially with thin tires) is the increased 'bengkong' factor. Over a few years, if you go over enough potholes, they will DEFINITELY deform. Just because they're cheap and sturdy doesn't mean you don't have to be careful with them.