15" vs 14" Wheels [Archive]

lancair90

10-07-2003, 10:21 PM

With basically the same O.D. tire, which wheel will give the tightest handling?

I am going to buy a set of Rally wheels for my '65 Skylark and would like to improve the sloppy steering and loose handling that is typical of these cars compared to what we drive today.

I have found a set of 14X6's and a set of 15's that I assume to be 6" wide also. I'm just wondering which ones will benefit me the most in the handling.

My gut feeling is that the 15's will look the best and I thought that having a shorter sidewall may make the steering a little more responsive also.

Any opinions out there?

brblx

10-07-2003, 11:27 PM

stiffer the sidewall, the better the handling due to a lessening of flex. i experienced a noticable difference going from 215-75-14's to 235-60-15's.

70 gsconvt

10-08-2003, 05:48 AM

Tire width's being equal, the larger the diameter, the bigger the contact patch on the road. So here's one case where bigger is better.

1971 Buick GS

10-09-2003, 05:09 PM

Definitely go with the 15" The larger wheel size allows for lower profile tires which will definitely help handling.

brblx

10-10-2003, 04:12 PM

great website, i had always wondered who chose to put that particular buick on the front page. now i know!:TU:

lancair90

10-16-2003, 10:33 PM

Well, I bought a set of 15X7's and put on a set of 215R65/15's.
I just about have the car back together.
I'll have some before and after pictures when I get it finished.
Thank for the input!!:grin:

rtabish

10-18-2003, 12:23 AM

the only real reason to stick with 14" wheels is for authenticity, and because 14" tires are cheaper than 15". sounds like you made a good choice :TU:

lancair90

10-18-2003, 06:58 PM

Well, I finally have it together except for center caps and I'm also going to put on dual exhausts.
I guess this is about as good as it's going to look.

Thanks for the advice and opinions.
I value both.

Harry Bush
Old retired guy living in the hills of Missuori