19" or 20" Wheels?

[wildcatgoal]

Just make sure when you get your wheels that they're LIGHTER. You'll pay hansomly for good lightweight wheels, unfortunately. I keep getting told over and over that 35 aspect tires on 20" is what you want to go with. I'm told that 30 aspect will be too harsh, add risk to your $2K+ in rims from road imperfections, and somehow doesn't look as good (though the last point I don't agree with on a lowered car).

This car was made for 20" rims, IMO.

And if you have to adjust your speedo, no big deal.

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[Need4SpeedMotors]

Certain 19" tires are more expensive yes, but depending on the 20" tires their about the same price.

19s and or 20s both work great on the car, at the end of the day it is a personal choice. Now for 20s some members like the fact there is a wider selection, some like 19s because they want a more performance oriented wheel.

 

[VTECSAUCE]

This thread is exactly where I'm at on wheels and tires. Granted I cant afford fully forged wheels, but a nice set of flow forged aren't bad for what Ill be using the car for. I don't want to hurt performance by going to 20" but I also don't want to get bent over for tires either. Just replaced my rears and that was like $600 :/ If 20s will be more for good tires than I might as well stay at 19s but if they're cheaper and performance is unaffected, then ill go to 20s.

 

[Need4SpeedMotors]

This thread is exactly where I'm at on wheels and tires. Granted I cant afford fully forged wheels, but a nice set of flow forged aren't bad for what Ill be using the car for. I don't want to hurt performance by going to 20" but I also don't want to get bent over for tires either. Just replaced my rears and that was like $600 :/ If 20s will be more for good tires than I might as well stay at 19s but if they're cheaper and performance is unaffected, then ill go to 20s.

You dont have to hurt performance if you got to 20s, here is a example the Project 6GR wheel

my 20x11 with a R compound 315 tire weights less then the 19x11 305 factory combo of the GT350

You can easily find good wheels in 20s that are light and benefit you.

 

[Hurricane]

19s and or 20s both work great on the car, at the end of the day it is a personal choice. Now for 20s some members like the fact there is a wider selection, some like 19s because they want a more performance oriented wheel.

[MENTION=11685]Need4SpeedMotors[/MENTION] Paul, I'm in the same 19" vs. 20" boat as well. While leaning towards 19's, I wouldn't rule out 20's just yet.

My biggest concern with 20's is how short the sidewall is on them. My Mustang is a DD and there are some spots around here with pretty deep potholes or sections of road under construction that have uneven or rough asphalt. I would hate to hit a deep rut or hole going 50-70mph and ruin a $200+ tire and/or a $300+ wheel.

To compare, the sidewall on a 275/40/19 tire is about 4.3" tall. On a 255/35/20 tire, the sidewall is just 3.5" tall. While 4/5ths of an inch doesn't seem like much on paper, it could mean the difference between damaging your rim or not if you hit a hard edge.

Am I just over-thinking this, or is there a legitimate reason to choose 19's instead for a bit more peace of mind?

 

[Need4SpeedMotors]

I'm in the same 19" vs. 20" boat as well. While leaning towards 19's, I wouldn't rule out 20's just yet.

My biggest concern with 20's is how short the sidewall is on them. My Mustang is a DD and there are some spots around here with pretty deep potholes or sections of road under construction that have uneven or rough asphalt. I would hate to hit a deep rut or hole going 50-70mph and ruin a $200+ tire and/or a $300+ wheel.

To compare, the sidewall on a 275/40/19 tire is about 4.3" tall. On a 255/35/20 tire, the sidewall is just 3.5" tall. While 4/5ths of an inch doesn't seem like much on paper, it could mean the difference between damaging your rim or not if you hit a hard edge.

Am I just over-thinking this, or is there a legitimate reason to choose 19's instead for a bit more peace of mind?

No need to be concerned for instance on a 20" rock a 35 profile front and back this paired with a proper fat tire in width gives you plenty of protection, I have clients rocking 20s with the tires I recommend back east in NY wher the roads arent that good, and no issues at all !

 

[USPSALIMITED]

Am I just over-thinking this, or is there a legitimate reason to choose 19's instead for a bit more peace of mind?

Ok, I am an engineer and that may well explain why I just do not get why people want 20's, we are not famed for good fashion.

Anyway; 19's, cheaper, lighter, better ride, better braking, better acceleration more tolerant of sharp edge potholes.

20's , pretty ?

 

[wildcatgoal]

20's with a 35 aspect tire have plenty of sidewall. 30 aspect tire... wouldn't do it.

I am getting 20's primarily for the impact - the looks. But I ordered staggered 20's that are something like 8 lbs. lighter each than the stock GT PP wheels. Your goal should be to get lighter wheels. And if you like the look of the 20's, go for it. But I assure you the right aftermarket 19" will look wonderful. The stock GT PP wheels are 19 and look great! Trying to find a set of rear GT PP wheels to put up front and do a square setup for the ability to rotate all seasons, and potentially even for road track use, myself.

If you are a track all-star, I'd get 19's. If you want a little show with your lighter, cooler wheels... 20's. If your roads where you live are the worst... buy a Jeep.

 

[Gibbo205]

20's with a 35 aspect tire have plenty of sidewall. 30 aspect tire... wouldn't do it.

I am getting 20's primarily for the impact - the looks. But I ordered staggered 20's that are something like 8 lbs. lighter each than the stock GT PP wheels. Your goal should be to get lighter wheels. And if you like the look of the 20's, go for it. But I assure you the right aftermarket 19" will look wonderful. The stock GT PP wheels are 19 and look great! Trying to find a set of rear GT PP wheels to put up front and do a square setup for the ability to rotate all seasons, and potentially even for road track use, myself.

If you are a track all-star, I'd get 19's. If you want a little show with your lighter, cooler wheels... 20's. If your roads where you live are the worst... buy a Jeep.

Did you fit your 20" yet, what did you go for?

 

[Velgen]

With the correct wheel and tire sizes you could run 20'' and have it running better than the factory set up. Most of our customers go with 20'' and they love the ride.

 

[Wobs]

What are the widest tyre sizes that can be fitted to a standard suspension GT (19" and 20")

 

[MRRDesignWheels]

What are the widest tyre sizes that can be fitted to a standard suspension GT (19" and 20")

well most guys have done 305/35 on the rears in 19"
and we know Bigmike is running 325/30/20 rears

if running with wide tires stick to rear wheels being in the 55et so there is no mods or rubbing 19x11 or 20x11

 

[Jeff's FRC]

I remember years ago people made the same arguments on how 19's were just for looks and 18's were the ticket for performance. Now it seems "engineers" like to argue that 19's are for performance and 20's just for looks...lol

Whenever someone's first words are "I'm an engineer" you can pretty much guarantee that the rest of the speech(and it will be a speech) is a bunch of know it all garbage:headbonk::lol:

 

[MRRDesignWheels]

I remember years ago people made the same arguments on how 19's were just for looks and 18's were the ticket for performance. Now it seems "engineers" like to argue that 19's are for performance and 20's just for looks...lol

Whenever someone's first words are "I'm an engineer" you can pretty much guarantee that the rest of the speech(and it will be a speech) is a bunch of know it all garbage:headbonk::lol:

I do understand what you mean, im by no means a engineer i just know wheels and car fitments etc, but you also have to keep in mind evolution, years ago vehicle bodys where not as wide and had narrow wheel wells plus it was also about what was available in the market at that time, everything from tires to wheels. i remember back in the late 90's staggered was rare, i mean very rare.
but yes 18" tires had more choices on the drag and performance aspec, then the market shift and cars got bigger and wider and now there are plenty of performance tires in 19, also keep in mind calipers ( brembos) are now bigger larger so many 18 are just to small. there is a whole lot of reasons 19 has become the new norm of performance.

 

[Jeff's FRC]

I do understand what you mean, im by no means a engineer i just know wheels and car fitments etc, but you also have to keep in mind evolution, years ago vehicle bodys where not as wide and had narrow wheel wells plus it was also about what was available in the market at that time, everything from tires to wheels. i remember back in the late 90's staggered was rare, i mean very rare.
but yes 18" tires had more choices on the drag and performance aspec, then the market shift and cars got bigger and wider and now there are plenty of performance tires in 19, also keep in mind calipers ( brembos) are now bigger larger so many 18 are just to small. there is a whole lot of reasons 19 has become the new norm of performance.

And that's my point as well, things evolve. Most quality 20" aftermarket wheels are 5-10 pounds lighter than what comes from the factory. Also, the weight of the tire will have greater effect on performance. If you think the couple pound difference(sometimes less) between a 19" and 20" wheel will have any kind of noticeable impact on performance you're crazy.

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