'98 GTS 17" VERSUS 18" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

[DEVILDOG]

\'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

Any members that have owned both a '98 or earlier GTS and a '99 or later GTS, or have upgrade a '98 or earlier GTS to 18" wheels/tires,

Regardlees of what you spent, what are your "true" impressions of ride quality, performance, etc. of going from 17 to 18 inch?
I am particarily interested in feedback from any of you that have upgraded a '98 or earlier GTS to 18s. In researching the specs. between a '98 and '99 GTS I noticed that in addition to the change from 17" to 18" wheels/tires they changed the coil springs from 2.5 I.D. to 2.7 I.D. I'm guessing that was due to the lower aspect ratio and ride aspects of the 18" tires. I like a firm , performance oriented ride, however, my kidney crunching days have passed me by. I'm most interested in hearing from those of you that upgraded a '98 or earlier GTS and kept the stock springs. Any changes in ride quality or handling ie. too firm??? Also, anyone that upgraded a '98 or earlier to 18s that changed springs...what springs??? maintain ride height or lowered??? If lowered, how much??? Do you have problems with front end clearance??? how is ride/handling???

I'm considering uprgading to 18" HRE 545s and would appreciate any and all input before making that $$$ investment.
THANKS

 

[Joel]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

Can't say much other than my 18" wheels ride very well, and don't crash or bang the susp about. Much better than I would have expected for such a low aspect ratio. Might be a bit more susceptible to big pothole damage though.

 

[DEVILDOG]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

Jason,
Thanks for your response. What kind/style 18" wheel did you choose? If you do decide to lower please let me know how much , what springs and what your experiences are regarding front end clearance. I can't turn into alot of off-street entrances now. Seems like road inclines/declines have gotten worse since the dreaded " I can't see over, under or around SUVs going too slow in the left lane " became the latest "status" vehicle.

 

[DEVILDOG]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

Joel,
Thanks also. What are the roads like in Ireland? How many VIPERS there? Ireland has been one of the places at the top of my list to visit...landscape/cliffs/ocean look beautiful in pictures and film. If I make it over can you tour me to your favorite pubs for a pint or two...or three...??? I'm buying!!!

 

[Devin 97 Blue GTS]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

I feel it gives a stiffer ride, and a snappier steering response

You must be registered for see images

 

[VIPR GTS]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

Devin, that wheel looks fantastic on your car. I really like
the new wheels, but really prefer your blue to my sapphire.
Looks like the perfect GTS setup to me.

 

[DEVILDOG]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

Devin,
I agree with VIPR GTS that the 18" wheel looks great on your classic blue and white original GTS. A snappier steering response is also a definite plus. Thanks for your input!

 

[Joel]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

Jim the pints are on me, let me know if you make it this far, it is a beautiful country, I guess I take it for granted, the perfect life would be summer in Ireland, winter in So Cal (or Texas!) with my viper of course.

 

[ruckdr]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

Jim,
If you calculate the Overall Diameter of wheel and tire, you will see that the 18" STOCK wheel size and STOCK tire sizes are a little shorter than the 17" (same conditions - STOCK)
17" tires: 275/40 front; 275/35 rear.
18" tires: 335/35 front; 335/30 rear.
Calculate: ((size)(aspect ratio) x 2 / 25.4) + wheel dia.
Example: 275x.4x2=220/25.4=8.66"+17" = 25.66in. overall Dia.
You can run the rest and discover the small insignificant difference. The difference is about .3 inches in the rear.
JonB -- will this affect the overall speedo calabration ? About 1.2 %.

 

[ruckdr]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

Oooooooops
Typo errors !!!!
SHOULD READ:
17" tires: 275/40 front; 335/35 rear.
18" tires: 275/35 front; 335/30 rear.

SORRY!!

 

[Gerald]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

That's a signature to even make the corvette forum guys VERY jealous!


Gerald

 

[JonB]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ruckdr:
....JonB -- will this affect the overall speedo calabration ? About 1.2 %. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

....at an indicated 100 mph, the 18" equipped 92-98 Viper is really going 98.8 mph.

"Judge, I could NOT have been speeding......RuckDr sez so!!"

Myself and several customers report "crisper turn in....less understeer" is the primary result if 18" w/ 285s up front. Ride on paved highways is hardly noticable as a bit stiffer........

Commercial: "PARTSRACK HAS 18" Viper TakeOff WHEELS: $2300/set !!...new HREs 18" from $3777 / set !!!!!!!!!

 

[DEVILDOG]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

JonB,
Thanks for the good deal and excellent customer service. Thanks also for the advice on the 285s up front on the '01 stock 18" wheels. I decided of course on those because they have a wider spoke and it extends all the way to the outer edge of the wheel versus the HREs. Plus I saved enough money to buy the new 18" Pilot Sports.

Hope that snow lets up for you and the cats!
Jim

 

[JonB]

Re: \'98 GTS 17\" VERSUS 18\" WHEELS/TIRES UPGRADE???

THANKS, Jim, for the purchase, trade in, and kind words. Youll Love the new look the 18"s impart, thanks to an HRE Organ Donor!

(The avalanche-bombardment of 12" of tree-dumping wet snow has indeed abated)