Grown-up rim/tire size question!

[Silent Runner]

Searched the threads, but knowone seems to want to address this question. All the talk is about what I can jam, cram or mod my car to fit. What if you simply want to mod your gen3-4 Camry a bit to make it look a little more buff (fill out those wheel wells) and stylish (custom wheels) and corner a bit better without modifying the suspension parameters and fenders, and not shaking and rattleing every interior piece of your formerly sound car that you never knew previously existed? Most of the big magazines gave these cars a 0.79- 0.82G cornering number on the crappy tires of the time. (I'm talking 3rd gen sedans and wagons). Now cornering a 0.8G's in just about any car scares the heck out of most people.

I want to retain good road noise and ride characteristics, while picking up my handling a bit. Most of the tests and reviews tell me that its mostly footprint that determines ultimate cornering, or braking grip. Increased rim sizes, help to a point, but also tend to degrade ride quality. (make a car ride like a lumber truck, as my own father says).

What is the best rim/tire size to optimize our cars balance of ride and handleling? No one is going to be wrong in their answer, we all have different ideas about what is the best balance. Personally, I was impressed with this car in how it matched or exceded the refinement levels of many modern sedans and sport sedans, my goal is to try and match or exceed the performance levels of these cars while not losing what I have now.

[Necos07]

Search for TRD wheels. They look good & most will have the proper offset to fit properly.

[Yuko]

Here's a perfect link for your answer: http://www.caranddriver.com/features...sted-tech_dept

For me, I found that 17" seen to be a sweet spot for wheels on our cars. Not too big or small. Price is reasonable and there's many style of wheels to choose from the market. Tire price is reasonable too and the sidewall is still tall enought to protect the wheel from most possible damages. Sadly, I have 15" on my Camry so instead of spending money on a set of wheels, I paid a bit more for a good set of performance tires.

If I had to pick a wheel, the Enkie RP-F1 is first on my list. Light, strong, good price, and looks great. Now, if only the center cap wasn't overpriced.

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by Silent Runner

Searched the threads, but knowone seems to want to address this question. All the talk is about what I can jam, cram or mod my car to fit. What if you simply want to mod your gen3-4 Camry a bit to make it look a little more buff (fill out those wheel wells) and stylish (custom wheels) and corner a bit better without modifying the suspension parameters and fenders, and not shaking and rattleing every interior piece of your formerly sound car that you never knew previously existed? Most of the big magazines gave these cars a 0.79- 0.82G cornering number on the crappy tires of the time. (I'm talking 3rd gen sedans and wagons). Now cornering a 0.8G's in just about any car scares the heck out of most people.

I want to retain good road noise and ride characteristics, while picking up my handling a bit. Most of the tests and reviews tell me that its mostly footprint that determines ultimate cornering, or braking grip. Increased rim sizes, help to a point, but also tend to degrade ride quality. (make a car ride like a lumber truck, as my own father says).

What is the best rim/tire size to optimize our cars balance of ride and handleling? No one is going to be wrong in their answer, we all have different ideas about what is the best balance. Personally, I was impressed with this car in how it matched or exceded the refinement levels of many modern sedans and sport sedans, my goal is to try and match or exceed the performance levels of these cars while not losing what I have now.

Hmmm. You know what? Read this book. (

Amazon

Amazon

) Although, try to get a 2nd edition one... yellow mustang on the cover versus a red prelude. ISBN number is still the same.

Originally Posted by Necos07

Search for TRD wheels. They look good & most will have the proper offset to fit properly.

I have some of those for sale.

Originally Posted by Yuko

Here's a perfect link for your answer: http://www.caranddriver.com/features...sted-tech_dept

EXCELLENT article.

[camry6]

You could step up to 215/60R/16, the same as the later Gen Camrys. If you want a bit better grip, you could go 225/55R/16. You should still have good ride comfort, it won't cost too much and it will give your Camry that "beefier" look. IMO, if you go with 17"s ie: 235/45ZR/17, you will get much better grip and it would look awesome, but then you would be leaning toward much more money and the ride will likely get a little rough. The less rubber between the rim and the road, the less cushioning you have between your butt and the road. Also, the more Low-Pro you go, the more the tires will follow ruts and grooves in the road. It makes your car "grabby" in the steering.

[LynchburgCSI]

17's wont ride too rough. 18's are when you start getting noticably more roughness on roads. I find 17's with the proper width and proper tires help the handling. Just my 2 cents. ALSO... if you're really into handling stuff... PLEASE do a full suspension overhaul. Shocks, springs, upgraded RSB.

[bigbird]

17" wheels are really the best of all worlds. the extra size allows for a good low profile tire but with plenty of room increase sidewall size. you dont have alot of extra weight. you also have a huge range of bands and prices to choose from with a 17" in reguards to both rims and tires. part of the reason 17 is such a good numer is because it is 2 sizes up from stock. easily noticable but not overly big for the car. however, if your not going to lower the car at all then an 18" rim can still use a larger tire and fill the wells even more, but will throw off your speedo a little.

personally i woyld say a 17x7 or 7.5, 32-38mm offset, 215-225 wide tire and get and upgraded RSB. sidewall is up to you and your tolerance of road noise and comfort level.

[Silent Runner]

Originally Posted by LynchburgCSI

Hmmm. You know what? Read this book. ( http://www.amazon.com/High-Performance-Handling-Handbook-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760309485) Although, try to get a 2nd edition one... yellow mustang on the cover versus a red prelude. ISBN number is still the same.

I have some of those for sale.

EXCELLENT article.

Thanks to all! This is just what I was looking for.... An experience based offering of advice that would give me an idea of what type of combination really kicks up the cars handling potential, without making it a punishing daily drive. The C&D article is excellent and provides measured tests to back up the opinions offered. Ruffly speaking then: 17" rims with appropriate width, offset, and a tire selection that fit your visual, clearance and performance preferences, will likely give you the best balance of looks,ride quality, and handling. If your priorities are different, say more ride and noise, or all out cornering, you may want to go in a different direction.