lets say you have stock 15's and you put on 18s-20s would the wheel gap still be the same? sorry for the dumb question

 

No, if anything it gets exaggerated because of the increased "dead space" where there's no rubber or rim to take up volume. The bigger the rim, the more you see it even though everything is actually the same diameter. I'd say 16" rims are the generally accepted limit for replacement rims without someone commenting on wheel-gap. 17" and bigger and some people will suggest lowering.

Supposedly bad on 3rd Gens (I dispute this somewhat though - I plan on going 17" w/o lowering) and even worse on 4th Gens. This is that "4x4 look" you hear people talk about.

 

you want to see pics of when I wasnt lowered with 16" aftermarket wheels? probably the most 4x4 u will ever see Thank god im lowered now

http://www.isaworld.net/nismo4.JPG

 

4 X 4

 

4th gen......(j/K)

 

Na that aint no joke I hate that gap, your good with your 3rd gen those drop nice, heck they come with little gap almost.


17-19 depending on the tire size they have overall wheel diameter including the tires. 20's large wheel diameter, very large. Wope send me a PM with your number and I can try to meet sometime tomorrow or tonite or something. Or email me at Latin250@hotmail.com

 

With 17"-19" it is going to look like a 4X4. With absolutely any type of wheel. But with 20"s the wheel gap dissapears and it looks pretty flush. But then you have the problem of your car an extra inch off the ground, and it still looks like a 4x4!
-Cyrus

 

If you are buying the right size tires the wheel gap will stay the same whether your putting on 15's or 20's. The height of the tire should stay approximately the same. Only the size of the wheel will change. For example:

You have your stock 15" wheels with stock tires and put them up against your shiny new 20's with tires. They should be about the same height. When viewed at the face of the wheel the 20's will have much more wheel in the middle and only a thin band of black rubber while the 15's will have less wheel in the middle but a much more "thicker" tire.

So to answer your question in short, yes, your wheel gap will be the same with 15's or 20's. If you want to eliminate your wheel gap, lower your car.

Happy modding...

 

If wheelgap were anything other than just a visual illusion, you are doing something VERY WRONG!!

 

huh?

 

What are you dropped with,, I would hate my car un lowered, even a 97 stock height with stock wheels is to high for me I have intrax but may get coil overs with my tax return

 

I'm agreeing with you. My original post was only about the illusion of increased gap, which is what people refer to 99% of the time. I mean if the gap gets bigger in reality, not just in appearance, then the tire is the wrong size.

 

I'm sure I'm going to get flamed over this one, but I just don't think a Maxima sits too high up. I'm getting a 02 SE and I can't say that I have any intention of lowering it. It looks fine to me. Between driving in the snow and pulling in and out of driveways I'd rather not be scraping the bottom of the car on stuff.

Stereodude

 

YEAH!!! Fight the power bro! I ain't lowering either!! ....then again I've got a 3rd Gen!

 

I hear you. I would have lowered my Max a LONG time ago but I don't want to lose my nice comfy ride.

 

theres a dude down the street with a 98' maxima on 20s, hes up there with the tundra. hella high!

 

Just cut one coil off the front and youll love life. It will be a sprint drop on the front, looks good and rides good.

 

I think I'll get some 13's and high profile baja claws! The rally-Max look! Someone with some extra time and good drawing software should make a picture like that. I bet it'd be funny.

 

I think 5th gen is fine too without lowering, but 4th looks really ugly with after market rims & stock height IMO

 

I have APEX springs which are a 1.6" drop (same as B&G springs) and Koni shocks.

 

bigger rims isn't = less wheel gap cuz the overall diameter of the rim + tires is the same size as before. In other words you get thinner tires with bigger rims. Otherwise your speedo and stuff would be affected....

got it? Good