18" vs. 19" wheels

[Bob K]

18\" vs. 19\" wheels

It's time for me to upgrade my wheels and I have pretty much decided on the brand and style I want. The question is do I want 18's or 19's? What are the advantages and disadvantages of one over the other. I plan to use my OEM's for any track time and save the new ones for "good". I obviously want the car to look sharp but I don't want to ruin the ride quality and handling. Please advise and / or share your experience.
Thanks

 

[BlackACR]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

I had the same questions for my ACR. All it took was a ride in a GTS with 19"s to know they weren't for me. The ride was terrible, and look out for *** holes.They will easily crack 19's. This is just my observation. Some with 19's may differ. I have been 100% happy with plating my ACR wheels.

 

[snake dreams]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

I'll go with Tony on this one. I don't own a Viper, but from being into imports I can tell you that although bigger rims look nicer, they are a much stiffer ride and those lower profile tires needed for clearance will wear faster than the larger profile tires on your car's 18's. Hope this helps you out, and be sure to post pics when you get them on!

 

[Anthony - 98 GTS]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

I have 19" HRE's with 295/35's on front and 345/30's on the rear. The rear is a little taller than stock but fills the wheel well better and has plenty of sidewall height for a good ride.

You can't beat the look of a larger wheel diameter.

 

[BYT U L8R]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

I went through the same experience...If you plan to race, stick with the 18's. Lower CG, better handling. I guess it depends what you want to use them for. I think the 19's look best, but for me, performance out-weighs looks. You might want to stick with 18's for all around use.

 

[Janni]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

Bob,
One thing to consider is that your 1996 OEM wheels are really not suitable for the track. The construction has failed in the past - pics were posted here not too long ago. Should only be a problem if you run something other than a street tire (Hoosier) but I still would not risk having the 1996 cast wheels on the track.

 

[GaryA]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by BYT U L8R:
I went through the same experience...If you plan to race, stick with the 18's. Lower CG, better handling. I guess it depends what you want to use them for. I think the 19's look best, but for me, performance out-weighs looks. You might want to stick with 18's for all around use.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I'm not sure how you think a 19" wheel affects center of gravity (over an 18" wheel). The center of gravity is changed if you raise the car, but in most cases that I've seen when people go to a 19" rim, they "plus size" the tires, meaning they reduce the sidewall height to compensate for the increase in rim diameter. Using plus sizing you keep your overall tire diameter the same, thus not changing the center of gravity.

I have 19" HRE 540s on my RT/10 and the main thing I noticed (besides the improved looks) was that the tires seem to flex less (seems obvious). This is not so good when you hit a bump, but it seems to help cornering.

Just my thoughts...

 

[BYT U L8R]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

Gary A,
I was assuming no change in tire selection as far as height going from 18 to 19. Your point is taken, though.
Regards

 

[Scott J]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

I'd go with 18's. I had 19's and they're absolutely horrible for daily driving given that you feel every bump and uneven break in the road. ***-holes will jar any fillings you may have loose!

My Jaguar and the Viper both have 18's and they look nearly the same as 19's, but ride smoother. Further, you'll be able to find a wider selection of tires for 18's and usually at a lower cost.

 

[Jason-Middle Tennessee]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

Here's a few pictures of Prashant Patel with his new HRE's installed.

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[Bob K]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

Thanks for all your input. I decided to go with 18's and have ordered them from Jon B at PartsRack. He gave me a very good deal and was very helpful. I ordered the HRE 543's and Pilot Sports to go with them. I've seen too many of the 5 spoke styles (not enough difference from my OEM's for my taste) and the ACR style wheels are also very common - hence my choice of the 543's. I'll post pictures after they are installed.
Bob K

 

[BYT U L8R]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

Bob,
That was my thinking when I ordered the exact same thing a week ago!! To be original!! You're killing me...Which Viper are they going on? Mine is silver and I pick up the wheels next week. I also have to wait 'till then to put on the Stoptechs. How does one deal with the waiting?!

BTW. JonB is the man!

Ps finish the look with the eibachs, you won't be disappointed!

 

[Bob K]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

BYT U L8R

The wheels are going on the GTS - my fun car! I've decided to leave the RT/10 stock. As far as the waiting is concerned, it doesn't bother me much. The weather is not that great here yet, I'm pretty busy and the car does have wheels so I can drive it. It should look awesome though.
Bob K

 

[Dr Roof]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

Excellent Choice all the way around. I also ordered the HRE 543's. That is a mac daddy wheel!!! Also good choice ordering from Jon B. My man seems to know alot about everything. Post your pictures as soon as possible!!! The waiting is terrible!

 

[Anthony - 98 GTS]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

I have 295 x 19's on the front and 345 x 19" on the rear.

 

[MtHam ACR]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

Assume you're asking Anthony in the post immediately above? Did you happen to make it to Viper Days last weekend in Thunderhill, only about 80 miles (50 minutes!) from Sacto?

Archer had a set of 19" Forgeline VRs (new, 2nd set in existance) that were gorgeous. They used Pilot Sports in those sizes, 295/35/19 in the front and 345/30/19 in the rear.

To the rest of the guys whining about sidewall flex (or lack thereof), a 19" tire running a 335/30/19 isn't going to provide any more or less sidewall flex than the 18-inchers on your cars today (unless you change tire brand, in which case all bets are off). The 345/30 actually provides .12" more sidewall height (read more flex) than an 18" 335/30 tire.

The only other disadvantage Bob should be concerned about is the additional cost of the wheels and tires. But hey, if you drive a Viper, you have one of those "gouge me" signs stuck to your back anyway.

Eric

 

[Anthony - 98 GTS]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

I have the Michelin Pilot Sports just like Eric described. Plenty on sidewall - especially for a 19" tire.

 

[YellowSnake]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

Advantages of 19" Rims:
1. They look nice on some cars. The Viper is one of them.
2. Slightly better gas mileage with larger wheels.

Disadvantages of 19" Rims:
1. The 19's are heavier which will put extra weight on the unsprung mass. That is the worst place to put it.
2. Also usually your 0-60 time will decrease do to higher rolling resistance.
3. Your ride quality will deminish. (In general most road racers will go with sticky tires and smaller rims, for faster acceleration. The wheels are smaller on road racers for lighter weight as well. On drag racing there is the same school of thought .
4. If the car tire profile is 35 or less it is a bad idea as well. A pothole will cost you thousands.
5. Besides your camber would be thrown to $hit. If the camber is to aggressive it looks $hitty too.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Re: 18\" vs. 19\" wheels

That's a lot of negatives YN. I'm still debating as to whether or not they look as good as so many claim.