16" vs 17" wheels

[Rockcrusher]

I'm thinking about upgrading from my stock 15" LT wheels. I'm stuck between 16" or 17" wheels. After doing the math the new wheels/tires will add 4 lbs each for the 16"s and 5 lbs each for the 17"s. 16 or 20 lbs doesn't sound too bad but it is unsprung weight however. While I'm interested mainly in better overall performance, I like the look of the ever so slightly taller 17"s. Tire sizes will be 205/55/16 or 205/50/17. The 16"s I was considering are Moda MD16s or Sport Edition F11s. The 17"s were Sport Edition SE-17s. The aftermarket rims are all 1.5" wider than the stock rim sizes. What will this do to my tire height? I don't plan on ever lowering the car.

 

[RMinNJ]

I think the tire height or diameter will all remain the same with the sizes you mentioned.

biased view here;
While the 17s will look better the cost of the tires will be more. I got an LT with the small wheels because I'm sick of sourcing 17's for my other car... every time it needs tires its a major purchase.

 

[Natesriv]

17" nuff said

 

[Beastlick]

Everybody wants that "extra inch"

 

[$ub$onic]

Everybody wants that "extra inch"

 

[shorebreeze]

Don't forget, the 17s stock significantly impair the turning circle of the car, and most aftermarket 17 solutions on an LT or LS will result in some rubbing of the tire on the inside of the wheel arch if you cramp the steering wheel all the way to its 34.4(?) foot turning circle capability when the 17 and 18 inch vehicles are limited to 36.1.

 

[River_Rat]

I turn my wheel to full lock everyday with 17s on my LT. No rubbing or impaired turning radius here.

 

[mitdr774]

Stock 17" wheels will work without rub on a car that came with 15" stock sizes. I am lowered and have no rub issues with LTZ wheels and Falken 225/45/17 tires.

 

[laborsmith]

My SONIC LT was lowered and the 15" wheels replaced by 17" wheels with 225/45 tires and no rubbing.

LABORSMITH

 

[94383Z71]

I put 215/50/17's with 17x7.5" et40 on my LT, haven't rubbed once. Also haven't noticed an increase turning radius either.

 

[mitdr774]

The 16 and 17" wheels had a different ratio steering rack that changed the turning circle.