18 inch's gonna eat your mpg go 16 or max 17 plus if you really want a nice rim get that one fr zigma..juz my 2 cents:rockon:
Very nice wheel choice! I've always liked the BBS look! Let me guess.....Tenzo Type-M Version 2 ? I like the look but was too heavy a wheel for me @ 23.3 lbs. What tires (size/brand) you getting?
They'll probably be a bit heavy, but this will look very good with your blacked out roof! Nice choice.
good call, got it right on the money. Tenzo. I don't know what tire size yet. I usually take my time and make sure I get what I want and what is better for the ride. I still might end up getting the 17's which are 17-18 lbs. If not I might but some more money down and get something lighter. Don't know yet.
Something else to consider is the offset. A 42mm offset will sit slightly further out than the OEM 17's (50mm). I know it doesn't sound like much and I doubt this amount would present a fit problem or change the handling much, it will be visually obvious, although some people prefer that look. It's a bit unfortunate for me since there are a number wheels I would otherwise be interested in but they are only offered with offsets in the 30's which would stick out way to far for my taste.
18x8's are MASSIVE for a Prius... but I mean more power to ya if that's what you want. I have 18x8 wheels on my midsize pickup, a GMC Canyon, and they are even a little big for it even though they are actually an OE wheel for my truck. Definitely make sure you get the right offset though.
Judging from Dakine50's photos in the other thread (bigger wheels on Gen III), they look nearly identical to 17" with the same overall diameter. 19" and 20" would be massive.
All depends what you want. 18s Will definitely look great on your Prius but you will likely end up with a tire that has less sidewall compared to the 15" OEM tires or the 17" tire on the Touring model if you stay within the OEM tire diameter. You will be running on a tire with stiffer sidewall; better steering response/handling but less comfortable ride and a slight penalty on MPG. I am contemplating on ordering a set of 17" alloy wheels from Tire Rack myself for the Prius we ordered with Technology package. To me the car looks better, but will need to sacrifice a bit on gas mileage and riding comfort. Good luck with your choice.
If/When you do get your wheels installed, double check the MPH reading and post up your new MPG. Try to drive by one of those street signs with a radar detector on them (if one is around) to get the MPH offset (before and after the wheels). And then the instant MPG. I guarantee people will want to know the mileage hit, it will help a lot of people who are considering doing the same thing to make an informed decision. Thanks!
that's how my gen II looks with the 17's... maybe the 18's will fit just That much more snug? even I want to switch to 18s.. very light 18s.
Very good point "jsharpe," if I could have chosen any rim width/offset I would have picked 7" (to keep the wheel as light as possible) and 45 mm offset. My setup has the "bippu = vip look" to it! LOL! Wide rim with a narrow tire. It's a popular style in Japan among luxury/high-end cars.
