A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion Discussion forum for the B5 Audi A4 produced from 1995-2001 B5 FAQ

Do bigger wheels effect engine performance?

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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 05:54 PM
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Default Do bigger wheels effect engine performance?

I just bought a set of ADR 5 spoke 18" rims for my car.
Can anyone tell me if going from stock 16" to 18" rims is going to effect performance, and/or add extra stress on a Tip. Tranny.

Thanks
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 06:02 PM
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Default Unsprung weight is the enemy.

One of the most important considerations in choosing wheels and tires is the weight.
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 06:02 PM
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Default it may add more weight to farther out on the radius of the tire...

therefor having a larger moment arm blah blah, which hinders accelaration a little, but you wont have as much tire sway, and probably better handling depending on what rubber you choose
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 06:04 PM
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Default Short answer yes..

more energy is needed to rotate a larger mass. thus the 18's will take more to spin. IMO won't effect the performance of your car enough to notice.



Cheers,
Joel
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 06:10 PM
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Default Maybe not on a stockish tip car but toss a set of <14 lb wheels and light tires on your T28 and

see what you think. Might be surprised about the overall performance gains.
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 06:14 PM
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Default

18" ADR's... What you get? pics?
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 06:15 PM
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Default I figured that the main factor

was the overall weight of the wheel. Unfortunately I was not smart enough to check what a stock wheel weighs before I bought the ADR rims. I guess that if there's no noticeble difference in acceleration then I will keep them.

Thanks agian
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 06:19 PM
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Default Re: 18" ADR's... What you get? pics?

Spartan's. I am a computer idiot and don't know how to attach pictures. I've been meaning to ask someone, but am too embarassed, but I guess I'm asking now
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 06:25 PM
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Default Well....>

you gotta upload em. either to your pic profile

http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/

or another site such as photobucket.com or something similar
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Old Apr 9, 2007 | 06:26 PM
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Default I went from stock 16 to 18" ADRs... I don't notice anything different, except>

rougher ride (obviously b/c of less rubber)

handles better

looks better too ;-)
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