Hi all,
I currently run a set of LMGT4s in 17x9.5 +12 with 245/40/17 Bridgestone Potenza tires. I love them to death and have read old posts saying these tend to offer a better ride and sharper handling over 18s. I have another set of Volk Racing F-Zeros in 18x9 +22 with 255/40/18 Michelin PS4 tires. The tread widths for both of the tires are roughly the same if i remember correctly, but the smaller diameter wheels are wider and I'm always told that a wider wheel can handle a wider tire. The +12 offset also offers wider track width and sits more flush with the fenders which I prefer over the +22 that sits recessed into the wheel well.
On the other hand, a 18 inch wheel can accommodate a bigger R35 or Endless 6 pot brake setup in the future that a 17 inch can't. Small benefits include that the 18's fill out the arches better, which looks nice, and also have slightly better ground clearance which is good for local speed humps and steeper entries.
Comparing them, truthfully I don't feel that much difference driving normally around town. I'm probably not driving the car hard enough to really feel the differences that others describe.
The reason for this question is that Nismo is (re)releasing a white LMGT4 (I'm a sucker for white) sometime soon for their 40th anniversary as part of their old Nismo lineup and temptation is calling my name. However, they seem to only be releasing in one spec (18 x 9 +22) if the recent GT-R Magazine publication is correct. They also come with the tire knurling that the Omori Spec offering comes with which my older version does not. I thinking I'd add 10mm spacers to fix the offset.
Why don't I just get a Omori Spec in black (18 x 9.5 +12) so this way I keep the offset, wider wheel, and larger diameter you ask? Because my car is black and I'm not much a fan of black on black lol. While minor, I'd also be hesitant to powdercoat brand new wheels into a color I'd prefer.
Which would truly offer the best overall handling and driving experience? Would I be sacrificing handling going to a 18 x 9 +22 spec during higher intensity driving at an autocross or track day? Is a 18 x 9.5 +12 spec set and a call to my local powdercoater the best of both? Is the answer to just do nothing?
I appreciate any insights or thoughts you can share. Cheers
Picture of my 17s
![Image]()
I currently run a set of LMGT4s in 17x9.5 +12 with 245/40/17 Bridgestone Potenza tires. I love them to death and have read old posts saying these tend to offer a better ride and sharper handling over 18s. I have another set of Volk Racing F-Zeros in 18x9 +22 with 255/40/18 Michelin PS4 tires. The tread widths for both of the tires are roughly the same if i remember correctly, but the smaller diameter wheels are wider and I'm always told that a wider wheel can handle a wider tire. The +12 offset also offers wider track width and sits more flush with the fenders which I prefer over the +22 that sits recessed into the wheel well.
On the other hand, a 18 inch wheel can accommodate a bigger R35 or Endless 6 pot brake setup in the future that a 17 inch can't. Small benefits include that the 18's fill out the arches better, which looks nice, and also have slightly better ground clearance which is good for local speed humps and steeper entries.
Comparing them, truthfully I don't feel that much difference driving normally around town. I'm probably not driving the car hard enough to really feel the differences that others describe.
The reason for this question is that Nismo is (re)releasing a white LMGT4 (I'm a sucker for white) sometime soon for their 40th anniversary as part of their old Nismo lineup and temptation is calling my name. However, they seem to only be releasing in one spec (18 x 9 +22) if the recent GT-R Magazine publication is correct. They also come with the tire knurling that the Omori Spec offering comes with which my older version does not. I thinking I'd add 10mm spacers to fix the offset.
Why don't I just get a Omori Spec in black (18 x 9.5 +12) so this way I keep the offset, wider wheel, and larger diameter you ask? Because my car is black and I'm not much a fan of black on black lol. While minor, I'd also be hesitant to powdercoat brand new wheels into a color I'd prefer.
Which would truly offer the best overall handling and driving experience? Would I be sacrificing handling going to a 18 x 9 +22 spec during higher intensity driving at an autocross or track day? Is a 18 x 9.5 +12 spec set and a call to my local powdercoater the best of both? Is the answer to just do nothing?
I appreciate any insights or thoughts you can share. Cheers
Picture of my 17s
