05 Goat Wheels and Tires

[Bubba_Goat]

I've been looking around here the past couple days and I seem to find out some info and then I find other info and they don't always work with each other...

I'm still in the air about to go with the 17's or to go with the 18's. The first hard part is trying to determine if there's much difference between the two rims and if it's really even worth the upgrade cost. Sure, it's only 500... but that's 500 to spend elsewhere. Second, I've been reading more and more the the tires on the 18's are not just a performance tire... but pretty much summer only tire. While it doesn't get too much winter up here, the Pacific Northwest is known for it's wet weather and I've read that the 18" tires aren't too good for that.

[Black04GTO]

Hello, and welcome
The rim diameter should really not make any difference in the weather. The part that will make a difference is what tire you select. An 18" all season tire, providing it is the same width, and type should not perform any different in snow, rain, etc. than the 17". You may have a more rough ride with the 18" but your wet traction should not be any different with a larger diameter wheel.

[Bubba_Goat]

So there's a choice bewtween tires? I was under the impression that there was just one tire that was given for each rim size.

Also, the problem I was having with the rims themselves is one if they do look the same or if they're different and then of course the tire issue with them.

[GTO_Scott]

The Toyo Prixes TS-1s are Ultra summer, but are rated really well in rain conditons, just not snow tires.

[RobertHammen]

There's no choice in tires from GM for the $495. IIRC they are Bridgestone Potenza's, P235/40-ZR18.

[Bubba_Goat]

So I do get the crappy not-so-good-in-rain tires and have to spring for new tires off the lot?

Guess I'll just get the play-it-safe 17's and save for rims and tires down the road. Thanks

[Snafu]

They're not going to be that bad in the rain...if you like the look of the 18's go for it.

[MatadorRed69]

Well you could do what I plan to do. Order the 18" wheels and summer tires for $495. Then when winter rolls around, look for someone trying to get rid of their 17" wheels and all-season tires for cheap. A lot of GTO owners with 17's are upgrading and might be willing to part with the stock rims/tires for a decent price. Two sets of rims, IMO best of both worlds.

[Bubba_Goat]

The looks is the other thing... is there really much of a different look between them? Or just the difference in the 1" rim height? Is that even noticable? I've got 20's on my truck right now so they're gonna look small compared to that... so that's partly why I don't want to go too small, but I also don't wanna pay extra for something that really doesn't even make a difference. I'd rather save that 500 and put it to some aftermarkets if it's not gonna be worth it up front for however long I roll the stockers.

[miscreant]

For $495 for 18" wheels and tires, I wouldn't care much if they weren't fantastic in the rain. If anything, the KDWS tires are worse in the rain than potenzas. There's no doubt I'd take the 18s over th 17s.