Handling difference w/ wider rims? also Konsei Seneca RG q's
 

I notice these are 17x7" wheras some others are 17x7.5 or x 8, etc. I know I should (theoretically) have faster straight-line acceleration on narrower wheels, but is there a noticable difference in handling and turn-in between narrower and wider tires? At least in that .5" margin of difference?

Does anyone have these on in 17x7"? Post pics if at all possible! The 18x8's are 25LB's so I would think these are about 18-20. Not bad for a 17 inch @ $129, huh? I looked them up on tire rack and I'm just not real happy with the job their picture engine does. I'm positive these would look absolutely smokin' on a super black max, how about my beige one? They are sporty and have a tiny bit of bling-bling to them so I think 99.9% of people will like them, but more importantly I like them.

Lemme know what you think!

they look nice, with the rim width if you're not going to do any racing or crap like that it wont really make a difference, if you do the best width is 17x8 or 17x7.5 if you dont have the luck finding 17x8s

i have 17x8's and handling is 1000x's better than the stocks... but i think it has to do more with wider low-pro tires than the rim width.

From what I gather from you guys the rim width won't have a noticible difference in either handling or acceleration, right? As long as they're not four inches wide or ten inches wide there's no perceivable difference away from the track?

Well, there aren't many tires available in the 215/50/17 size, so going to a 17x8 with 235/45/17s will provide you with many tire choices that will provide much better handling than any 215/50/17 will. Plus, the extra inch of rubber will make a considerable difference anyway.

That's what I was afraid of hearing. These rims are mad cheap and pretty light and I like how they look, but if there's that much difference in handling maybe I should look for something else? The RE950's are available in that size. Actually, TireRack recommends 235/45/17 for these 17x7 rims. Are they wrong? Could the 235's be mounted on the 17x7 without compromising the contact patch or turn-in? I'd think ther would be alot of sidewall flex if I go with such an oversized tire.

That's a good point, but notice that with the same brand rims 17x7 are about 2lbs lighter then 17x8. In Konig Tantrum's case 17x7s are 3.7lbs lighter then 17x8s according to wheel weights list from 4th gen FAQs, and that seems like a huge difference.

the 18x8 (out of production) are 25LB's so I'll say these (17x7) are between 18 and 22 LB's. Not bad for cheap, good-looking rims. Also, as for 235vs215 there is a thread on it here

Ultimate grip is way more important to me than saving a few pounds of unsprung weight. Lightweight wheels are good, but they won't save your life when you dive in to a tight turn doing nearly double the posted speed limit (like I do on the country roads around my house every day).

Good point. But again, is there such a HUGE difference that you can feel?

My 17 x 7's are fine. I rode in 17 x 8's and didn't notice the difference.

Erik

Sweet, thanks! It's pretty cool that I can get a complete set of rims, tires (which are $20 more than the rims) and AGX's all around for about $1600 delivered. As soon as I scrape up the money I'll definately get them.

Another great thing is that I have yet to see a max with these on, so I'l prob. be the first. Thanks for all the advice everyone!

Merely riding in a car that has 17x8s does not mean that you can compare the ultimate grip levels of all available tires. That doesn't prove anything.