Guest

Can anybody tell me if 18's are too big for my Max? I think 18 inch looks good but what are the downsides to these sized wheels. I was considering buying 225/40ZR/18's.

foozed

Aside from looks, the downsides I would think of for me personally are:
Weight - more metal, more weight.
Small profile tires - the smallest I consider safe for around the city driving are 45's. Too many pot holes, so the rubber is needed around the rim to protect it from cracking, and to cushion the ride somewhat.


[Edited by foozed on 09-18-2000 at 07:37 AM]

PIONEER

iTrader: (1)

Foozed said it right.. weight is the biggest problem. the size on the tire for 18inch would be 235/40/18. 225 would be too thin. watch out for those potholes. if they don't hurt the rims they might hurt your body when U bounce around in the seat.

Y2KevSE

iTrader: (13)

The ride quality will degrade with the wheels.

SaVas

ever rode in a car with 18"+ rims? if not, give it a try first. Reasons:

1 Noise
2 Comfort
3 Spine
4 Potholes=rim dents
5 weight
6 Cost

honestly, unless you want the car to feel like a harsh Mack Truck, I wouldnt go over 17"

But hey, if you live in a pothole free zone, by all means, go for it.

mingo

iTrader: (4)

that means i'm gonan stick with stockies for a while then

xtantmaxima

Have any of you driven with 18" wheels before? Unless the suspension is drastically altered then there will not be an unacceptable ride. If you think the ride is smooth with the stock 17" then you won't notice much of a difference. Now, the truth is that the wheels will way more unless you go with some superlighweight racing wheels. They look hidious and will bend rather easily. On the other hand, if you are going only for looks, which i assume you are since the system you describe, then a quality set of 2 piece rims would look great. You can easily go with Nitto tires in a 35 series and if you drive smart, have no problems. If 18" wheels were so bad then why would Porsche, Corvette Z06, Viper, Mercedes: S500, CL500, ML55, E55, etc. are all equipped with 18" wheels?

mingo

iTrader: (4)

the ppl whom can afford those cars could most likely be able afford new rims ne time. just my thot.

SaVas

Why 18's on Porsches, Vipers, ferrari, etc? Because the super low profile tires on those rims stick like superglue to the road. Thats what those cars were made for. A 4 door sedan like the Maxima, which does weigh a mint, isnt made for such joys. it is a tourer made for comfort with enough oomph where it counts

Personally though, my experiences with 18" and one car with 19" was like listening to a cobblestone road beneath me. It was definitely the low profile tires causing excessive road noise.

BTW, Ive been in a couple of mid 80's Ferraris, and late 80's porsches and man, they ride like a box of bricks. The suspension is too harsh for my tastes, but the cars were definitely sweet. To each their own. I think 17" look just perfect on cars. 18" do as well granted.

Slightly off topic though: What the hell is up with 19" and 20" rims? looks like a car riding on a shiny Planet Jupiter

A grown up's Hot Wheels

Y2KevSE

iTrader: (13)

Check your sig... you forgot to close something in your code.

freeze2k2

Currently im running 235/35/18 p7000 on 18x8 with 40 offset. The fit is great with no rubbing or anything. True i lost a bit on off line acceleration, but for me the look of aftermarket wheels and tires far outweights .3 of a sec. zero to sixty. Anyways i have already ordered a blue 2k1 se and am going to sell my 18's to a buddy with a talon. Why would i do that you ask......its simple 19 are on order the day i take ownership of the car. 235/35/zr19. As for potholes if you know the road well enough and pay enough attention, bending a rim is very rare.

xtantmaxima

FIXED????

xtantmaxima

I got it now!!

xtantmaxima

The big wheels do not look ridiculous if they are on the right car. My friend has 20's on his pathfinder with 45 series rubber and it rides and looks amazing. If everything is kept in proportion (aka using the plus system) then there aren't that many problems except price.
The real reason that the exotic cars have huge tire packages is because of the monster brakes behind them. A 13" rotor needs a big open rim to breathe.
Take a look at his pictures.

Y2KevSE

iTrader: (13)

Change this:
<a>href="http://members.cardomain.com/xtantmaxima">My car audio web page</a>

to

<a href="http://members.cardomain.com/xtantmaxima">My car audio web page</a>

PIONEER

iTrader: (1)

Kev U DHTML DOG... I'm working my way towards U.. In my car, My # of posts and In DHTML Now..

Y2KevSE

iTrader: (13)

.............

Cloud

Running Fitipaldi 18x8.5s with Michelin Pilot Sport 245x45ZR18s. With Tokicos & Eibachs it doesn't rub ever on my `99SE. Yes the ride is tight but in AZ we don't have problems with potholes. Handling can't be beat; looks good too. Pics if you want.

xtantmaxima

Pics please

JdoubleOe703

iTrader: (6)

Hey, I currently have 18 inch C5's. I feel that they are still a bit small. I feel that 19's would best suite the Maxima because it is a larger car. My reason for larger rims? THEY LOOK GOOD! All show no go. Its a trade off, the ride is a bit rougher and a bit louder, but it makes people look. I love it when people look at my car and compliment me on how it looks. Just my $.02

PIONEER

iTrader: (1)

Hey I know what U mean about the 19' look. yeah they use next to nothing of rubber on em but they look damn good. I saw a Gray maxima or maybe it was black in a Mag not too long ago with Volks Racing 19x8 and 19x9 and that Thing looked Sweeeetttttt but I think the tire was $365 each 275/30/19, had a little rub on the fenders but they said the 265/35 would be a better choice and no rub. car was lowered, and had a stillen kit on it. MUMMmmmmmmmm perfect

KJ

With those 40's there will be a neglible trade off in your cars ride, and the handling will be improved to the point u will be able to tell the difference. For those tire ratios I assume u have an SE with the 17's which is 225/50/17 then u should be looking at 235/40/18 to keep everything in check ratio wise. As far as tearing up your rims as long as you don't live somewhere with f/u streets u should be o.k. And stay away from cheap rims. Its all preference.. to me more rim and less tire looks much better and your car will handle better.