Wheel question for an 09 GT

SakuraStarts · Post by **SakuraStarts** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 2:13 am

I'm due to have my first baby at the end of August and I'm looking to soften up the ride a bit in my 09 GT. Of course Tire Rack and other online wheel/tire sites only offer choices in 18" which I'm trying to get out of. Would 17x7.5 be the correct size as long as it's 5x114? Would there be enough difference in the ride, or would 16" be a better fit?Thanks!

Kincaid · Post by **Kincaid** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 4:30 am

If you find the GT too harsh, I'm guessing a 17" wheel won't make much difference. I think I'd recommend dropping to a 16" if you don't mind the way it looks (I think it looks just fine to me - I just would recommend getting a wheel that looks like it has a bigger offset (the kind with a large chrome lip, for instance). But that's all personal preference.Also, check out my post here for more info on changing to different tires. If you go to the tire size calculator you can see how much different the overall height of the sidewall is between sizes. I can't believe that the GT tire is that much "stiffer" than the optional 17" tire I have - you'll notice that there is no height difference (how much tire between rim and pavement) between the GT tire and my 215/45-17 tire. So, you either need to go to a 16" with a higher profile or go to a 17" and raise the profile. You can also go wider in either size so that you'll raise the profile marginally as well.http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...age=2

Kincaid · Post by **Kincaid** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 5:05 am

Your stock GT tire is 215/45-18.If you went to 215/55-16 your sidewall height would go up by 21mm. That's a lot of extra cushion (and probably comes with a softer sidewall to boot).If you went to 225/50-16 the sidewall would only increase to 16mm, but if you went to 225/60-16 it would be a whopping 38mm increase! That should also help fill up those wheel wells if you aren't lowered. This would put your overall diameter over stock by 3.8%, but it is still less than if I put GT wheels on my 2.4L car.Note that if I put GT wheels/tires on my car I'd technically exceed the 3% max difference that supposedly can cause "brake failure".I'd recommend a 16x6.5 or 16x7 wheel (if you can get it).

ponta2147 · Post by **ponta2147** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 7:01 am

I don't have any idea, but make sure to let us know if you plan on buying new wheels and *ahem* selling your old ones...

tpollauf · Post by **tpollauf** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 7:42 am

Quote, originally posted by Kincaid » I'd recommend dropping to a 16" if you don't mind the way it looks This is exactly what several of us did over the winter months and it did make a difference in the ride. Especially in the snow & all the bumps associated with winter driving Whichever route you take, keep your Vibe GT looking like a mean sports car by putting some classy rims/tires on it. Here's what I'd go with if $$$ is not an issue: http://www.performanceplustire...83488 They keep the classic 5-spoke pattern, are available in the 16" size, and are made in USA You ride will be softer and yet the Vibe will still look awesome

Kincaid · Post by **Kincaid** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:20 am

Sweet, retro rims - kinda like torque thrust wheels.

vibolista · Post by **vibolista** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 11:03 am

What size winter tire did you put on the 16 inch wheel?

tpollauf · Post by **tpollauf** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 12:36 pm

Kelly touring navigator 205/55/R16 Again Made here in USA They may not have the highest marks as far as how tires are rated BUT I kept an American worker on the line for a while Also I decided not to go with designated snows seeing where I'm geographically located. Just a good all season tire

SakuraStarts · Post by **SakuraStarts** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 6:09 am

Thank you all for taking the time to help out (and spell it out. The prego brain is a scary place). I'll post up what I end up getting, and you'll be the first to know if I get rid of the GT stocks and the terrible rubber that came with them.

vit · Post by **vit** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:28 am

The difference in ride comfort is negligible between the stock 18" and the 16" winter tires I use. The 18" do handle better. The baby won't mind the sporty ride anyway.

SakuraStarts · Post by **SakuraStarts** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 4:03 am

Here is what I'm looking at:I used Tirerack.com and changed the specs to an 09 Camry to get it to play nice ; )Sport Tuning T5 WheelSize: 16x7.5Offset: +38mmBackspacing: 5.78"Bolt Pattern: 5-114Rec. Tire Size: 215/60-16Weight: 21.6lbs.with these tires:Goodyear Eagle GS (V) High Performance All-SeasonsSize: 215/55R16Sidewall Style: BlackwallServ. Desc: 93VUTQG: 440 A A Any thoughts? The Eagle Alloy's were out of my budget, but I don't feel too bad considering those Goodyear's will be coming from my brother in law's factory in Nebraska.

star_deceiver · Post by **star_deceiver** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 6:15 am

Good plan.... but I'd choose something other then goodyear...

SakuraStarts · Post by **SakuraStarts** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 6:22 am

What would you suggest? On other cars I've ran Kuhmos that totally sucked and some Falkens that were marginally better.

star_deceiver · Post by **star_deceiver** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 7:08 am

Try some Hankooks! Mine work great!

tpollauf · Post by **tpollauf** » Mon Apr 11, 2011 10:32 am

Quote, originally posted by SakuraStarts » I don't feel too bad considering those Goodyear's will be coming from my brother in law's factory in Nebraska.Nice I can't comment on the quality or reliability of the tire, BUT your domestic loyalty means the world to all American factory workers out there

Wheel question for an 09 GT

Wheel question for an 09 GT

Re: (Kincaid)

Re: (tpollauf)

Re: (vibolista)

Re: (SakuraStarts)

Re: (SakuraStarts)

Re: (SakuraStarts)

Re: (SakuraStarts)