17x7: Too Small?

[Talon92TSI]

I've been checking around at a few of the threads and I've noticed most 1g drivers are using a 17x7.5 or 17x8 wheel size. I'm wondering if a 17x7 is going to be a bit too small, or if it will even make that big of a difference on an AWD. The reason I ask is because I've found the perfect wheel to complete the look of my car(come on, we've all been there...that glorious day when you see the wheel of your dreams and you just know it has to be on your car). However, the wheel only comes in a 17x7. I was probably going to go with 225/45/zr17 Kumho Ecsta Supra tires too. Am I going to need to continue my search to find a 17x7.5/8, or do you think I'll be ok with just the 17x7? Thanks everyone!

 

[wret]

225's on 7" rims should not be a problem.

 

[Talon92TSI]

I know the 225's will fit the 17x7...I'm just wondering if I'm better off getting a 17x7.5/8 wheel instead because of the wider width. I just wasn't sure if the 7" width on the wheel I really want is still going to be good for performance etc...

 

[wret]

7.5's or 8's would actually be better as they are closer to the width of tire you want to run.

 

[jim97gst]

That's a tough call. I've looked around at wheels a lot (although I have yet to buy any), and there aren't a lot of wheels that come in 7.5" width, and even less that come in 8" width. Especially when you start narrowing it down by light wheels, and wheels you think look good. With a wider wheel, the 225 tire will sit flater on the ground and give you better handling performance. Big enough to make a serious performance difference? I don't know. What kind of racing are you into? If you are drag racing, I wouldn't worry about the 7" width since you have AWD and traction shouldn't be a big problem unless you're making serious power. If you autocross, then maybe you should wait and find a wheel you like the looks of that is 7.5-8" wide. If you ever want to run much wider than 225 tire, than you also might want to wait it out. What is the exact wheel you are considering. Maybe somebody knows of a very similar looking wheel that comes in wider sizes. Good luck!

 

[Talon92TSI]

Good replies so far, I appreciate it. My wheel/tire setup will be used for street driving 95% of the time and some very occassional trips to the drag strip. I might squeeze in a run or 2 at a track, but it definitely won't be a common thing. The wheels I'm looking at at the Arospeed RSGT in Gunmetal with a polished lip. I've seen one or two similar rims, but they either don't have a polished lip, weigh a bit more, or come in only a 17x7 as well. More feedback would be great!

 

[sacestar836]

unless youre gonna autocross...go with 17x7

not worth the extra weight/$$

.....unless of course the wheels you want only come bigger, then go for it!

 

[gs-t]

Originally posted by Talon92TSI
The wheels I'm looking at at the Arospeed RSGT in Gunmetal with a polished lip.

This won't help your dilemma, but I have the same wheel in the 18" version that is 7.5" wide. I love them. But that's exactly why I went with the 18s, due to the width. I debated the 17" vs 18" for a while, and since the 17s only came in 7" wide, I chose the 18s.

 

[onepimpclipse]

I've got 17X7" rims with 235/45/17 tires. I really like the way they handle. Thats another option for you without adding weight with 18's.
Also the Kumho's are good tires, my only complaint with them is the tread wore down way too fast. I've got Yokahama Avid H-4's. They came with a 45,000 mile warranty and they aren't that much more expensive.

Here's the link if you want to check them out.

http://discounttire.com/dtc/findTireDetail.do?step=details&index=2&productCodeIndex=43518&path=tire