My '96 Pathy has 15" factory rims. I'm thinking about changing them out to 16's, possibly some used OEM wheels. Are there any adverse affects as a result of going to a larger wheel size?

David

 

well, you can alter the size of your tires in such a manner as to not actually change the diameter of your tires. if you pm me your complete tire size ( 2xx-xx-15) i can help you out with the proper 16 inch tires that wont throw your speedo out of whack.

or you can do it yourself..here is an example..

changing from 17s to 18s (my own car)

stock tire size. 215-50-17
215/25.4=8.46 inches wide.
8.46x.5=4.23 sidewall height.

multiply your sidewall height by 2=8.46
then add that number to the inner rim height, 8.46+17=25.46 overall tire diameter.

for the 18s, you want a tire that is as close to 25.46 as possible, as to not alter your speedo output...
if you wanted to keep the same tread width, your tire size would be 215-xx-18, and were solving for xx.

so, 25.46-18=7.46/2=3.73 sidewall height.

so since 215=8,46 inches
8.46x=3.73
x=.4409 since tire sizes only come in 5s...the tire size that would most closely match my factory size would be 215-45-18

keep in mind, that anytime you remove sidewall height, it makes the ride a little more rough...

 

Thanks for the info. I'll give the formula a try.

David

 

How does the xtra mass, momentum if you will, of 16" 17" wheels over stock 15" effect Braking, ABS actuators/sensors thus response, throttle response? I am pretty sure that if you dont at least upgrade your brake pads to high quality ones or even upgrade rotor size; those 17s can cause some really noticeable brake fade. Ratio wont change since you used the right tires, true but there is more than just a speedo issue

 

Check out http://www.finishlinewheels.com for Factory Origianl OEM Wheels and Replica Rims for you Pathfinder.