S4MadMan

...yeah, I know it's obvious that 18s should ride better than 19s but I didn't know it was THAT significant.

For smooth roads, this does not apply. But for mild to moderately uneven roads, what a difference going to a smaller wheel makes.

I have H&R Springs and Koni Shocks. I was riding on AT Riva 19s with Continental ContiSports: 235/35ZR19. The ride quality was impressive. However, when I went over uneven surfaces there was no hiding the ultra-low profile 35 series tires. I could really feel the bumps and it would take it out on the car.

Everyone told me so and I acknowlege it, you gals and guys are correct: Boston roads are too much for 19" wheels.

So I switched to Volk Racing TE37s with Kumoho ECSTA Supra 712s: 225/40ZR18 and it's amazing what an extra 5mm of tire can do for soaking up potholes and bumps. The same bumps my 19s hit were barely even there for the 18s. I couldn't believe it!

If you live/drive in areas with nice roads, don't worry about going to 19s, you'll be just fine. However, if you drive where there are less than ideal roads, I highly suggest going no bigger than 18s.

The R

Sidewall stiffness is dependent upon manufacturer. My Dunlop SP8000s in size 205/40/17s rode WAY smoother than the Yokohama
A510s and A520s in the same size that I've driven on in the past few years. Let me tell you, 205/40s are smaller than 235/35s....hehehe...Crazy thing is, they're on my daily driver. :-p BUt that extra 5% aspect ratio does make a different.

Hey, I had to add my 2 cents.

The R

How does the car feel compared to the stock wheels and the Rivas??????????

meem

btw, s4madman: wheel dynamix did an awesome job putting new rubber on my volks -- thanks *so* much for that recommendation, i owe you one.

seeya!

LCP

My 18's with 225/40-18 Rossos were pretty awful on many Pennsylvania highways and interstates between Texas and there, especially in the right lane that is in worse shape due to the truck traffic.

S4MadMan

Cool! I really like Jeff and think he does good work! =)

S4MadMan

...I'm not going to try and confirm or deny that statement. =)

S4MadMan

Can't say for sure because I haven't tracked/pushed any of the wheels. But I do like the Volks.