AudiOn19s Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 I'm curious to see the research behind GM using 17 inch wheels in the front and 18' wheels on the rear of their cars. Can anyone explain this to me or point me towards the rational that GM used when picking wheel / tire sizes? Thanks. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty2Hotty Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 I'm still curious too, but I'm guessing keeps the car from "tracking". I've noticed that when you run the same wheel/tire size all the way around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lawnman Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 This might sound stupid, but I wonder if it is strictly for visual purposes ? The 17in. in the front and 18in. in the back give it that little bit of a badass stance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlackBoosted2 Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 This might sound stupid, but I wonder if it is strictly for visual purposes ? The 17in. in the front and 18in. in the back give it that little bit of a badass stance. That's what I've always assumed...otherwise I don't know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPFSTheFett Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 Mine has 18's in front and 19's in back. The Viper is the same way. It has to have a reason other then just looks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRocket1647545505 Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 I think it's so they can keep the rake angle where it's at without looking goofy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nurkvinny Posted November 7, 2007 Report Share Posted November 7, 2007 Rodders have ran split sizes forever. I think it's just for looks, also. And, I might add, it looks good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GonneVille Posted November 8, 2007 Report Share Posted November 8, 2007 Besides the obvious visual appeal, the same section width and ratio tire (i.e 325/35, for example) will have a slightly larger contact patch on a larger rim. A 325/35R19 has a larger contact patch than a 325/35R18, and so on. BTW it's a LONGER patch, not a wider one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diamonds Posted November 8, 2007 Report Share Posted November 8, 2007 That's what I've always assumed...otherwise I don't know well, oftentimes on tracked cars (someone mentioned that) people will run (seen it with supra guys before) a larger wheel up front (17 rear, 18 front) for BBK purposes. as far as the smaller wheels up front... its safe to assume that its either for aesthetics or (in drifting...non related) as a means of getting a larger turning raduis by cutting down on the wheel diameter that allows the wheel to travel in and out further (turning) without having to modify the fenders (as much) other advantages... 1. the front wheel will be lighter (Assuming all 4 wheels are same MFG ) 2. scrub clearance 3. to look dumb i think staggering diameters looks attrocious Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted November 8, 2007 Report Share Posted November 8, 2007 its a looks thing to give the car a different stance. corvettes handle better with a bigger front wheel and a smaller rear wheel but that would look dumb from the factory and most people don't use the car for what its designed for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AudiOn19s Posted November 8, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 8, 2007 I was really hoping there was some magic insight here about rotational weight vs. performance and also the effect of chassis balance based upon rake etc... oh well....thanks for the input guys. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokey Posted November 8, 2007 Report Share Posted November 8, 2007 and I quote from Jackie Gleason in Smokey and the Bandit "...you can think about it....but don't do it" HAHAHA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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