18's with 1 inche drop vs 19's
 

hello everyone....i was wondering what would be the most pleasing to the eye....to either put on 18" rims and lower the suspension or to put on 19" rims? Also does anyone know how both setups will differ in performance. Lastly what would be the best size tires for either setup.....I have an enthusiast model and have put in the Borla exhuast and an AEM intake. I appreciate any response and welcome input. Thanx my fellow Z's

The 18's will be better assuming the we're talking the same wheel and tire in each size. The 18's will be lighter, so your acceleration will be better primarily because of less rotating mass, and your handling will be better because of less unsprung weight.

Looks are all opinion...personally I think it would depend on the wheel you choose. To me, some look pretty good in 18" while some don't look good unless you go to 19". Lowering an inch with the 18's would help the looks though.

thanx for the reply.....any thoughts on handling?....there is alot of positive feedback with the Eibach springs......

Is your car just street driven, or do you plan to do any autocross or track? That could make a difference in your decision, but the Eibach springs seem to be ok all around. I don't have any experience with them, but from what I've seen they should be fine, especially if its just a street car.

I don't think the handling would really improve with the Eibachs because they are a progressive rate spring and the first part of suspension travel is a bit softer than the stock springs. Because of this, the car would have a little more chassis roll in turns and camber control may suffer. Some people do say that handling was improved, specifically it pushed less, but I personally will have to test it myself to believe it. The handling with the stock springs is pretty good, and when I autocross mine the car is very balanced and transitions extremely well. Regardless, the Eibach springs are a very good compromise that should ride better than stock.

thanx GaryK........my z wll be stricktly street driven.....i think that i will go with the 18" and Eibachs.....besides, i will save some $$$:)

i've got about a 2 inch drop and i'm putting on a set of 19's. i think that looks pretty sweeeeet!

Another thing to consider is the availability of tires. Right now, it is very hard to find the popular tires in 19" sizes. The 18's have a much better selection.

yup...you have that right. but, if you need tires...i can call my vendor. i set up a great group buy for rims and tires (which is still going on)....so, i might be able to get you everything....well, more like will be able to get you what you want.

djk

if you need a set of tires, you can find em eventually. often in less time than it takes to find the rims. finding them quickly is difficult.

18s I THINK have the edge in every area except one, appearance. I mean 18" rims are lighter, give you more sidewall(smoother ride, and less chance of being damaged, also helps keep tire in contact with road for better handling) but it has the bigger sidewall.

same thing goes for 17 vs 18 tho, and 16vs17. choose how far you wanna go towards appearance and how far towards performance.