anyone have larger diameter for rear wheels?

[surfer.tech]

I did a search and not much popped up. I was browsing on a few forums and noticed some rwd cars with a larger width/diameter wheel for the rear. Example: 15 front and 16 rears. From what I've learned it is purely cosmetic.

Has anyone tried this before?

[gnosez]

Changes gear ratios unless you match overall tire diameter, adds rake to stance, and makes a tire change difficult should you ever get a flat.

Been done before, on S30 cars for racing purposes but then it was 14 and 15 inch wheels.

See Burton Brown's land speed record 240Z.

[ezzzzzzz]

Just another example of staggered wheels.

[tlorber]

I plan on putting 16's all the way around on my car once I wear out the tires that are on now. The outer circumfrence will remain the same. I want to eliminate the sidewall flex. With the 60's that are on there, if I stand next to the car and repeatedly push it sideways, there is a significant amount of movement. This will go away with a 50 or 55 profile of the same width. Putting larger wheels on the rear only (while keeping overall circumfrence the same) might help to induce oversteer a bit, but that's pure speculation.

Edited December 30, 2010 by tlorber