Hi all just want to test your theory on wheels and tyres from a performance and reliability standpoint. I currently run 18" rims with 215/35/18 tyres on my impreza, but was thinking of getting some type r/ra sti lightweight 16"rims and for tyres 205/40/16. Which will give each wheel a rollout diameter a fair bit smaller then the 18" wheels currently on my car and smaller then the wheels and tyres fitted on standard car from factory.
Now i realise that the car at a set rpm will be slower but wouldnt it make the car accelerate faster, and take stress off drivetrain and engine.
Do you think thered be any noticeable difference doing this where acceleration, braking and handlingnis concerned.
Thanks

 

Depends on the amount of torque you're trying to put down, if you're pushing quite a bit a smaller wheel will have the tendency to spin when setting off at anything above snails pace.

In my opinion, 18's for show, 17s for go.

 

Well the cars currently a road goer but as ive moved house and will have a place to store it i wanted to make it more weekend/track focussed.

The whole plan was to see a difference in performance from doing these things....
Remove about 100kg with interior out, light buckets, light panels, sound deadning etc.
Smaller radius wheels.
Increase power output a little more from 325bhp 280lbft to about 350bhp 300lbft with the bits i have ready to bolt on.

I just dont want to be going through all that not to see any difference lol.
Sometimes i think just leave the f£&ker alone but wheres he fun in that ay.
Cheers