16X7 vs 17X7 wheels

5543 Views 19 Replies 7 Participants Last post by kamakazee, Dec 31, 2013

kamakazee

Discussion Starter · Nov 25, 2013

I'm considering taking my forged Motegi Traklites off my Fiesta SE and putting them on the ST. My only concern is, will the smaller diameter have an inverse effect on the traction control/ABS/handling? The stock wheels off the ST weigh in at 22 lbs. while the Motegi wheels weigh just over 12 lbs. I've read the Car and Driver article that went over the pros and cons of going to bigger wheels/tires but do you guys think the 10 lb. weight difference will improve overall performance? Also, the tire spec on the 16X7 is 205/45.

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RodMoe

· #2 · Nov 25, 2013

In a Word YES.. as long as you adjust for the taller sidewalls on the 16 inch tire should be fun to see how it works

kamakazee

Discussion Starter · #3 · Nov 25, 2013

RodMoe said:
In a Word YES.. as long as you adjust for the taller sidewalls on the 16 inch tire should be fun to see how it works

Ill probably end up doing that as soon as I wear out the oem bridgestones... not sure if I have the patience though

ill be sure to report if there are any benefits.

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audiphile

· #4 · Nov 26, 2013

I got 16x7 on my car. Excellent upgrade, smoother ride, no more bump-steer

kamakazee

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 10, 2013

So just a little update on my car. I finally had the chance to put the 16X7 Motegi Traklites on the car. The results are more surprising than I would've thought. The ride is less bumpy with the extra sidewall. The car transitions left and right a little quicker while the same can be said in terms of acceleration from a stand still (Going from 22lb wheels to 12 lbs does help). Overall, I'm really happy with the swap. Next will be to switch to 215/45-16 tires from 205/45-16 that's currently on the car for a little more grip. At this point, the wheel gap is a little excessive but I'll be going to Bojix in a week or two to have them install the H&R sport springs which will lesson the gap and hopefully improve the already phenomenal handling. Next up is to reinstall the stage 1 map from the Cobb Accessport. The reason I removed the map in the first place is so I can get a feel of the performance gain alone with just swapping wheels. I can't wait to experience the performance gain of combining the two!

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RodMoe

· #6 · Dec 10, 2013

kamakazee said:
So just a little update on my car. I finally had the chance to put the 16X7 Motegi Traklites on the car. The results are more surprising than I would've thought. The ride is less bumpy with the extra sidewall. The car transitions left and right a little quicker while the same can be said in terms of acceleration from a stand still (Going from 22lb wheels to 12 lbs does help). Overall, I'm really happy with the swap. Next will be to switch to 215/45-16 tires from 205/45-16 that's currently on the car for a little more grip. At this point, the wheel gap is a little excessive but I'll be going to Bojix in a week or two to have them install the H&R sport springs which will lesson the gap and hopefully improve the already phenomenal handling. Next up is to reinstall the stage 1 map from the Cobb Accessport. The reason I removed the map in the first place is so I can get a feel of the performance gain alone with just swapping wheels. I can't wait to experience the performance gain of combining the two!

Forgive me for being lazy but what Tires are you running again ? and what tires will you be getting in 215's ?

kamakazee

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 10, 2013

RodMoe said:
Forgive me for being lazy but what Tires are you running again ? and what tires will you be getting in 215's ?

I currently have Hankook Ventus V2 Concept in 205/45-16… nothing special. The next set I will be getting are the Kumho Ecsta XS in 215/45-16 which are pretty close to the oem diameter… might be a little taller. There really isn't a lot to choose from in that size but you really can't beat it for the combination of performance and price.

Smokin

· #8 · Dec 10, 2013

Just an alternate rec, I plan on getting Dunlop Direzza ZII's in 225/45x16. Check into those...

The 205/45x16's are 23.25" dia. The OEM 17" are 23.5". The 225/45x16's are 23.9"...

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RodMoe

· #9 · Dec 10, 2013

Nice I have used Both the Kuhmo XS and the DZll with good results though they were not on the same car they did make it more glued to the track/course

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kamakazee

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 10, 2013

Smokin said:
Just an alternate rec, I plan on getting Dunlop Direzza ZII's in 225/45x16. Check into those...

The 205/45x16's are 23.25" dia. The OEM 17" are 23.5". The 225/45x16's are 23.9"...

I've heard great things about the Dunlop Direzza ZII. My only reason for going with the Kumho XS is purely based on price. I figured they will hold up just fine for street use and maybe the occasional autocross

The diameter on the Kumho 215/45-16 is 23.6" so it's pretty dead on compared to OEM but I understand that some manufacturers may differ slightly. Plus the tires are only 1 lb heavier than OEM.

Purepump

· #11 · Dec 17, 2013

Some photos please!
Any online shops carry them at the correct spec for our FiST?

stuntdoogie

· #12 · Dec 17, 2013

Kamakazee can you post some pics of what your current setup looks like...wanna see the fender gap difference. Thanks!

kamakazee

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 18, 2013

stuntdoogie said:
Kamakazee can you post some pics of what your current setup looks like...wanna see the fender gap difference. Thanks!

No prob, I'll try to get them up tonight. I'll be sure to post pics after I get the H&R sport springs installed as well. Sorry if I take a day or two to post since my computer at home has been giving me problems.

stuntdoogie

· #14 · Dec 18, 2013

Ah cool...

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk

kamakazee

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 18, 2013

Here's one pic. The wheel gap is about 2.5 inches. Do you want a closer pic?

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kamakazee

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 18, 2013

2

As you can see, the space between the fender and tire is huge!
Rear wheel gap:

Tire Alloy wheel Automotive tire Wheel Synthetic rubber

Front wheel gap:

Tire Alloy wheel Automotive tire Wheel Auto part

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kamakazee

Discussion Starter · #17 · Dec 31, 2013

3

So I finally got the chance to stop by Bojix Designs to have a few things put on which consist of H&R Sport Springs, carbon front splitter, and red calipers. The stance is just the way I would want it. The springs will need some time to settle though. I don't know if it's just in my head but the ride feels a little more compliant than the stock setup. I like it though! The picture on the very bottom is the stock height.

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Hatchback Motor vehicle

Tire Alloy wheel Wheel Rim Automotive tire

Land vehicle Vehicle Car Hatchback Motor vehicle

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JP6

· #18 · Dec 31, 2013

Looks beautiful!

stuntdoogie

· #19 · Dec 31, 2013

Nice drop! That exactly how I want mine to look when I get coilovers. Might even go down from 17" to 16" also. Experience any rubbing?

kamakazee

Discussion Starter · #20 · Dec 31, 2013

stuntdoogie said:
Nice drop! That exactly how I want mine to look when I get coilovers. Might even go down from 17" to 16" also. Experience any rubbing?

Thanks guys! Absolutely no rubbing so far. The springs will need a little time to settle so I'm hoping that my plan to put 215/45-16 tires will not pose a problem. I'll be sure to update if it does. I love the stance, it reminds me of my old JDM days when I had my 1993 Honda Prelude with the H22 motor swap… good times. Before the Fast and Furious craze even made it big. I definitely won't be going back to the 17". I've always been a fan of meatier looking tires. If you plan on only using the ST as a daily driven hooligan car, the H&R springs really are nice. Body roll is further reduced and so is squat from acceleration and brake dive. I'm no racer but this set-up is perfect for me. Will be going back to Bojix once I free up enough funds for their carbon side skirts that are currently on their SEMA Fiesta! I knew this car wasn't going to remain stock for long but that is what us car guys love to do, make it our own!

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