To lower... or get bigger rims?

[morsejon]

I just bought a 2007 TCH. I would like to improve the curb appeal of the car without compromising the performance (both ride and MPG) so I am looking to either upgrade to after market rims (prob 18s) or lower the car with the TRD springs (well SE & TRD springs as recommended in other posts).

Any thoughts?

[cmartinez96]

Originally Posted by morsejon

I just bought a 2007 TCH. I would like to improve the curb appeal of the car without compromising the performance (both ride and MPG) so I am looking to either upgrade to after market rims (prob 18s) or lower the car with the TRD springs (well SE & TRD springs as recommended in other posts).

Any thoughts?

What size tire do you plan to ride on? I've been on 18's for over a year on 225/45/18's and still could benefit from lowering it an inch or inch and half. I plan to go with coilovers but won't be installing them until after a road trip I'm taking this year.

[auwahwong]

i have a 08 tch with 225/45/18 and my avg tank used to be around 35+

now with the bigger rims, i get about 30-32. i get more if i really really try.

maybe its just the chrome rims i got, but yeah just be prepared

[Frodo65]

Originally Posted by morsejon

I just bought a 2007 TCH. I would like to improve the curb appeal of the car without compromising the performance (both ride and MPG) so I am looking to either upgrade to after market rims (prob 18s) or lower the car with the TRD springs (well SE & TRD springs as recommended in other posts).

Any thoughts?

How good a job does your DOT do on roads and pothole fixes? Larger, heavier wheels, in combination with low-profile tires are much more likely to have pothole bends and blowouts, as well as a rattle-inducing ride. Also, unless you mount Low Rolling Resistance tires, you will get a significant MPG hit. You can compensate a bit for this by increasing tire pressures, but at a cost of ride quality.

If the road quality is good in your area and you're OK with the rougher ride and typically shorter tire life, go for it. If your commute is pothole-filled the oversize (especially with heavier wheel/tire combo) will create problems.

[Leebog]

dont get 18's without lowering the car - it will look like a 4x4
lower the car 1st then get the rims.
i just picked up an 07 TCH, i was thinking of dropping mine as well, but ill try and get a set of SE stock 17's to keep it sort of stock and sporty at the same time.

[morsejon]

@cmartinez - I like the way those 18s look. I got the same color/year TCH and the new rims would be an improvement, but lowering it on top of the rims would be sick.

@Frodo - Good thought. I live in Boston and the DOT BLOWS here, which means the 18s are going to be a problem. Lowering it might be just as bad.

@Leebog - have you seen how much the 17in SEs are selling for?