19'' Rim Daily Driven Goats?

[Brianharps]

Hey guys,

I am debating between getting 19'' CSL Rims and 18'' TSW Thruxtens next spring. My car is daily driven in VA/DC/MD area, with a fair amount of pot holes and uneven pavement.

Clearly the 19's look better, but will they stand up ok with the rough roads? How harsh is the ride with such a thin sidewall?

I used to have a *gulp* '96 Honda Accord with 17's and a 40 aspect sidewall(I dont remember the actual measurements), but the rims were cheap, and so was the car. But the ride was really harsh everytime there was a bump. I know the GTO's chassis is lightyears ahead of my Accord, but is it still a pretty rough ride? Would I be better off with a set of 18's for everyday driving?

Thanks!

[multistrada74]

19".

[chance575]

i have the 19" and like them, but if i had to do it again i might find some 18"

i switch back to the stock 17" w/ drag radials every now and then and the ride is 10x better. the csl are availible in 18"s

[Gatorman]

I love my 19s, but if I had to drive on rough road everyday I would go with 18s. But another option would be if your going staggered, try looking into 18x8.5 in the Front 19x9.5 in the rear. Should be a sweet setup!

jUST MY 2 CENTS...

[fflores]

i'm going thru the same problem myself.... On top of which, one of the rims i like (AZA-Z15's) are only in stock for 19's at this time.

I live in chicago and i also dd my car... 19's would be really nice, but common sense keeps pointing me to 18's.

[Gatorman]

i'm going thru the same problem myself.... On top of which, one of the rims i like (AZA-Z15's) are only in stock for 19's at this time.

I live in chicago and i also dd my car... 19's would be really nice, but common sense keeps pointing me to 18's.

I'll put it to you like this... if inside you want to buy the 19's go with the that, because you may regret it later. Truth of the matter, you will learn how to avoid pot holes and rough roads period!

[fflores]

I'll put it to you like this... if inside you want to buy the 19's go with the that, because you may regret it later. Truth of the matter, you will learn how to avoid pot holes and rough roads period!

I hear you... i have had rims on 3 of the last 4 cars i have owned... the one that didn't get rims was solely because i didn't have the car long enough to buy rims for it (only had it 4 months) but i was looking at rims then traded it in. The last car already had 18" rims and 19" rims stock. Problem is, here in chicago there are only 2 seasons.... Winter, and construction season.

I should probably also get the Pedders 5/16 springs for the rear to clear tires. Though its not like its all that much to get those springs.

I think i priced out a set for Z15's from wheelmax for $500 or so, and tires from Tires-easy.com for $500 (235/35/19's and 265/30/19's). I have a hook up at DT which have mounted balanced and installed tires and rims for me for as little as $20 total.

[scauffiel]

DD on 19's. No real difference to me, but I have to avoid everything larger than a grain of sand in the road anyway. I consider it an adventure everytime I climb into her. lol

S.

[lisatw151]

The ride is a little bit more harsh... but it's not enough to make me say I wouldn't do it again. The look and the compliments on the look, are enough to make it worthwhile.

Then again, I'm in the south. We may think our roads are rough, but I grew up near Cleveland. I know what a pothole is. And what we have down here ain't potholes. LOL!

I'm with whomever above said go with what you think you really want. If you really want the 19's, you'll regret it later if you don't get them.

I'm staggered too, by the way. 8.5 245's in the front, 9.5 265's in the rear.

[4CFED]

i drove my car on 19s in that area for a summer, and i wont do it again. go with the 18s, or get a set of 19s to throw on for a weekend and keep your stockers for driving in the city everyday.

[GagToe]

DD' my 19's and wouldn't change. 245's in the front w/ 275's on the rear.

[ls2 goat]

I love my 19s, but if I had to drive on rough road everyday I would go with 18s. But another option would be if your going staggered, try looking into 18x8.5 in the Front 19x9.5 in the rear. Should be a sweet setup!

jUST MY 2 CENTS...

I too would recommend this...probably because I have this set up....I drive in the same areas as th OP...just watch where your going and duck and dodge...

[Brianharps]

Thanks for the help guys, Im still somewhat torn. I like the look of the 19's but I think for this set I might just go with the 18'' TSW's. I'll have to wait till the car is a weekend warrior to go with the 19's.

I've seen a few 18'' TSWs on lowered GTO's on here, that might be next for me!

[Mikey340]

I'll put it to you like this... if inside you want to buy the 19's go with the that, because you may regret it later. Truth of the matter, you will learn how to avoid pot holes and rough roads period!

+1 !

[purplenurple]

Thanks for the help guys, Im still somewhat torn. I like the look of the 19's but I think for this set I might just go with the 18'' TSW's. I'll have to wait till the car is a weekend warrior to go with the 19's.

I've seen a few 18'' TSWs on lowered GTO's on here, that might be next for me!

If you are going with 18s, get something without a lip. It will not look as bad, since a chrome/polished lip on a black/painted wheel makes it look up to 1inch smaller.

The ROH R/T's look pretty nice and can be had in 18x9/10. Check out Group-A. TSW vortex wheels also look OK in 18s.

[josh99ta]

The car rides sportier with my 19s, but thats not to say its harsh. Obviously potholes and railroad tracks I avoid or go slow over and its rough with the 19s or the stock 17s, but really to me there is no big difference. A little less body roll because of less sidewall and more compliant and responsive. I prefer my 19s for daily driving.

[angermgmt20]

I agree, if you don't mind a little rougher ride then go with the 19's. I went from 17" stockers to my Drift-R 19"'s and I did notice a stiffer, rougher ride but I also have the Pedders 5/16" springs in the rear. My wheel/tire combo is in my sig. Good luck! Any wheel other than stock will make your car LOOK MUCH BETTER!