Quote:

Just get 18s, you won't regret it.

I kinda regret only getting 17s, but oh well...

FWIW, 17" RS5s. Somebody will post the same wheel in 18" form, and it definitely stands out more...





Yes, they will stand out more and be much nicer to look at but here is my delima/argument. I want looks without degraded performance. I LOVE taking curves and sharp turns. I'd still love to do this with 18's but I am being told that it will cut down my turning radius a lot, and if not a lot then more than I would care to lose considering I love to manuever my SVT. Also, I am getting comments on any wheel above 18 inches is weak, especially with a five spoke wheel like the RS5's. Considering the exteme amount of pressure on the wheels during hard cornering, would this be a factor to consider? Or are these assumptions being made because it would seem a larger wheel is weaker? 17's look good enough to show modification, and they are more conservative, I think, when considering performance AND looks. What are your opinions on this everyone? Can I pull off 18's with high performance without scrubbing the inside of my fender wells? I don't want to scrap my car to death or scratch my wheels. I don't drive crazy but I enjoy the occassional "rush" from some performance driving. I don't want to be in the middle of cornering and hear my fender wells grinding away. Anyone with experience with 18's and 17's who have or have not experienced bad rubbing or degraded performance, please let me know. I am close to getting my wheels and want to know which way to go. I will be dropping the suspension 1.8" all the way around. [Also I am eyeing those Enkei RS5's or something of the like in any other brand to put on the SVT.]

SVT Driver

*Invisible Hero* 1999 SVT Contour/Amazon Green Keep It Real. Beware the fury of the silent man.