Tire sizes vs. ride

[ShelbyGT350]

I am considering aftermarket wheels tires for my future GT/PP. Currently drive a 1970 Mach 1 351-C.

I really don't want to go to 20" rims because if I do, I'd likely go to 20x11 or 20x11.5 rims with 325/30-20's on the rear and 20x10.5 or 20x11 rims on the front with 295/30-20 tires. That will keep the rear tire diameter the same as stock, but there ride is likely much harder.

OR,

I go to 19x11's on the rear with 305/35-19's and 19x10's on the front with 285/35-19's with better ride, but the rears are smaller in diameter than stock. Nobody makes a street tire in a 315/35-19 size unless it's a Hoosier racing tire. Maybe Michelin will come out with a new S4 tire in the 315 size early next year, but one can only hope.

My question is, to the folks who have the 20" aftermarket rims now, how is the ride quality on the car? At a Barrett-Jackson event a few years ago, I spoke briefly with Vaughn Gittin, Jr. about wheel/tire sizes about what I wanted to do and he said not to go over 19" because the ride with 20" rims/tires was much worse.

The car will be a daily driver and occasional road race track car.

Thanks.

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[robertwsimpson]

I've traded out 18s for 20s on a previous car. The ride was definitely noticeably different, and you could "hear" the bumps as well as feel them, but it depends on what your opinion of "worse" is. I, personally, am willing to give up comfortability for looks and performance. Why not test drive a car with 20s and one with 19s? I would think your dealer would be ok with that.

 

[jasonstang]

Ride will be harder but also handle better and more grip.
Everything is a trade off.

 

[melwff]

I have a 17 non PP GT with the factory optional 265/35x20 tires/wheels. The car to me feels incredible on back road curves and obviously feels stiffer than a car with a higher tire profile. Going down to a 30 profile with a 20" wheel may be too extreme depending on the type of roads you drive on.

 

[ShelbyGT350]

I have a 17 non PP GT with the factory optional 265/35x20 tires/wheels. The car to me feels incredible on back road curves and obviously feels stiffer than a car with a higher tire profile. Going down to a 30 profile with a 20" wheel may be too extreme depending on the type of roads you drive on.

Southern California, North San Diego County area. Paved roads are decent except for the City of San Diego - they do a poor job of road maintenance. They have underfunded their DOT for years. But closest road racing tracks are either California Speedway in Fontana (2 hours away) or Chuckwalla (2.5 hours away). We'll see what Michelin does with the S4's.

 

[Performance nut]

I have always been told a higher profile tire will have a better ride than a low profile tire.

 

[EricSMG]

I have always been told a higher profile tire will have a better ride than a low profile tire.

Of course, more cushion. Typically when someone "up sizes" their wheels they "down size" their sidewalls so as to keep the overall diameter roughly the same. This always equals less comfort.

Now, if you were to upsize the wheels and keep the same size sidewall then comfort would be largely the same. However, the overall diameter would be much larger, of course, which is generally not desirable.

 

[Lost]

I miss the 18's I had on my 2011 v6. I don't think they will fit on my 16 GT. But I thought they were the best compromise between handling and performance FOR ME. Everyone puts the compromise line in a different spot. I have a 129 mile commute.

 

[Laztug]

Don't fear 20s, I run 20x9 20x11 275/35 315/35 mpss steeda 1" and the ride is amazing. The car is far from harsh, and will have no issue being a daily driven.

 

[DRKHORS]

I'm running Continental DWS06's. 20x11's with 315/35's out rear with 20x10's and 275/35 up front. From the factory 265/35's my speedo is only off 2mph, GPS verified. Ride is not harsh at all.

 

[Paul@PKAUTODESIGN]

[MENTION=7062]ShelbyGT350[/MENTION] I know we've spoke a number of times, did you decide if you wanted to go with 19s or 20s?

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