Originally posted by SVTDriver1:
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



sounds like you are a good candidate for a nice, lightweight 17" wheel. I believe that a lightweight 17" rim is probably the best option for optimum handling while still providing an improved look over the stock wheel. But personally I would go with a light 18" wheel because the look is siginificantly better and the handling would be extremely close to the performance of the same wheel in 17" form.

I ran two different sets of 18's including the RS5's with 225/40/18 Yokohama Parada's and the handling was better than the stock svt wheel/tire combo at stock height. And don't let the fear of rubbing stop you, there are SVTs with well over 2" drops who aren't rubbing with 19" wheels let alone 18's. If you do the necessary modifications I don't anticipate you having any problems. just something to think about.

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