Topic: 17x9 Inch Snowflakes

[Hitman]

Ok, well I went out and mounted the new rims and tires on my car today.  They look good on the car, but not as big of a change as I would have thought.  I thought the change would be a little more drastic... what do you guys think?

Front rims:



Now I do have the white paint for the tires to bring the "Whitewalls" back.  Maybe I will do that soon.

Before:


After:







No, my original was 15x8 Snowflake rims with 225/70R15 tires.  I went to the 17x9 Snowflakes with 255/50R17 size tires to try and keep close to the original size.  I wanted to make sure that the tire fit nicely in the wheel well.  When I made the change, it still fits nicely, but it did raise the car up about 3/4 of an inch front and rear.  What do you guys think?

[BusDriver]

I think it looks killer, subtle though... To be expected, though, they are the same design just larger.

I just want to find out if a vette brakes upgrade a-la Kore3 will fit in 'em. They'll be on my wishlist if I can confirm that it does.

[Grand73Am]

Excellent comparison pics.

It's surprising that the car would sit any higher with the 17's, having basically the same or even a tad less tire diameter as it had before. Maybe it's because of less tire bulge.

It may not be a drastic change in looks, but it'll be interesting to hear if there's a bigger change in handling.

[Rebel 5150]

Man, I'm really liking those new wheels.  No, not drastic, but definitely very cool!

[Martin]

Rims look excellent... very nice!  ....Tires look big... not sure about them (no raised letter ?)  IMHO....   I guess I'm not used to seeing these cars with big fat Modern tires....

[Eagle 1]

I agree, they are not to drastic but definately cool.   Unfortunately most people who are not TA nuts like us will never know the differnce.
How do they ride and handle?    Any noticeble difference there?

[jphillips3333]

Very subtle as said before.  The tread is aggressive and I like that.  I'd think you could go a little wider in the back, same overall tire height - that's the way most Vettes are.

[Hitman]

The ride is about the same.  I do a little better in turns (took the highway on ramp at 65-70), but the tires to "track" alot in groves and such in the road.

[jphillips3333]

I'm betting that's the "Fuzion" brand trend.

I had an '02 Electron Blue Vette with the Goodyear Eagle runflat tires.  The rears failed and I put in some cheaper brand.  It NEVER rode the same again.  It was always grabbing a groove on the highway whereas the F1's never did that.

Same size, just a different brand.  When it comes to speed rated tires, you get what you pay for.
____________

I had to sell the Vette - too much washing to keep it clean + the constant depreciation ate at me.  Lost $2500 for a little over two years of ownership.  One oil change, two tires.  Comes to ~$125 a month to own the car ... not too bad.

[limey]

I really like the look, but its missing a little something.  I think the white paint you mentioned.  I think the white might "set off" the all black look of the rims and tires   Just my humble opinion, looks great Hitman.

[LOMILETA]

I would go with the rubber letters opposed to the paint. With the letters you could put what you wanted, and they last longer.

[Hitman]

I would go with the rubber letters opposed to the paint. With the letters you could put what you wanted, and they last longer.

What rubber letters?

[RRR76TA]

Looks  good

[MrAFX]

yeah el Presidente' , what rubber letters ?

[MrAFX]

wow, i am going to wait till i see two cars side by side in person for a comparison. I was surprised by hitmans pictures. I honestly thought there would be more of a difference (15 to 17). In fact, I think the absence of the raised white letters, kinda detracts from the period correct modern look of the 17" wheels.