Rim Size

[mattc]

Thinking of changing to some aftermarket rims.

OEM spec
15x6.5 +45

Aftermarket
15X6 +40

i know its only .5" width difference but would there be much affect on handling adversely etc? or change in handling at all?

would there but a big difference to the tyres putting 195/50 from oem to aftermarket besides slight "ballooning"

cheers guys

[androo]

Don't downgrade dude... You'll feel the difference! Everyone tries to go wider. Doing this will make your car have less grip.

I know you probably have some nice rims on offer you can't resist, but do so. You'll regret it as soon as you put it on.

On the other hand, it'll most likely be lighter than stock? It'll feel more 'sprightly' and rightly so, but imo not worth sacrificing the grip/cornering ability.

[string]

The general consensus is, the wider the better, but in reality, it's all about getting the correct fit for your tyre.

6" is pretty weak and most performance 195/205 tyres won't be in their happiest place with such a narrow rim.

[mattc]

thanks for your input guys.. alot more to think about

[string]

In addition, every tyre is different.

I previously had 205/50/15 Yokohama A539 on a 6.5" rim and they fit snugly with straight sidewalls. On the same rims I now have 195/50/15 Bridgestone RE-01R and they are slightly buldgey, begging for a 7" rim.

Step 1) Decide on tyre
Step 2) Look at manufacturer approved rims for that tyre and pick the largest size.
Step 3) Profit

[OMG.JAI xD]

If you like to understeer. Do it.

Cheese graters are good burnout tyres =]

[mattc]

well im keeping my current rubber, just possibly transfering it over to the new rim
195/50/15 re001

[chargeR]

In addition, every tyre is different.

I previously had 205/50/15 Yokohama A539 on a 6.5" rim and they fit snugly with straight sidewalls. On the same rims I now have 195/50/15 Bridgestone RE-01R and they are slightly buldgey, begging for a 7" rim.

Step 1) Decide on tyre
Step 2) Look at manufacturer approved rims for that tyre and pick the largest size.
Step 3) Profit

I agree with this guy, you will most likely notice a decrease in performance. No tyre tends to be happy when squished onto a narrow wheel. Good 15" wheels in 7" wide are so prevalent so I don't see the need to downgrade.

[redefine]

if it fits nicely on your 6.5's then it will defs be worse on the 6's to the point of getting new rubber. some degree of stretch is good because it stiffens the sidewall...but it also puts more load on the sidewall...if you go the other way, balooning, your putting more load on the sidewall while also making the sidewall less stiff and sloppy

but i find that fitment interesting cause my 195's fit nicely on my 5.5" rims

[string]

Some tyres seem to fit better on narrow rims.

I have some 195/60/14 on 14x6 and although the tyre is much wider than the rim, it fits perfectly and I doubt this is coincidence.

[vtecing]

at one stage I had 15x7 5zigens (6kg) with brand new re001 tyres then slapped on a set of 15x6 watanabes (5kg) with BALD re01r tyres and they handled much better, even in the wet! it really does depend on what tyres u are using and the weight of the wheels. But if your keeping the same tyres and changing width of the rim, you will notice a loss in grip, mostly around long sweeping corners and your steering response will be slightly affected.