16's are not very popular - why ?

Blurr · Postby **Blurr** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 11:41 pm

After visiting several shops with the version of wheel I wanted when it came to the crunch I couldn't order them in a 16 inch size. Falling back on the second choice I still couldn't get them in 16's.

I asked and was told that 17's are really popular hence 16s' are rarely made in any decent design these days.

Being a lowered Koni NA and since I'm keeping the 14's for any track work etc... one wheel/tyre combo use compromise is not a concern. Neverhteless I still don't want the ride any harsher.

So its decision time - get 17 or keep looking for 16 ?
Anyone else with this problem ?
And will a 205-40-17 actually fit without too much rubbing ?

Bevan · Postby **Bevan** » Wed Mar 01, 2006 11:43 pm

A 205/40/17 is only 5mm in diameter longer than a 205/45/16. That's stuff all so you should be right with either of them.

Garry · Postby **Garry** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:31 am

I've found that too. So many wheel designs come in 14, 15, 17, 18. No one does 16's and if they do they are usually only 5 stud. Very frustrating.

rain902 · Postby **rain902** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 1:15 pm

i think its a fashion thing. i had a bit of hassle finding 16" rims in the style i wanted, but no chance in 15". every fully sicko out there would have 20" rims on their commondore if they could afford it - without regard to the detriment in handling.

Blurr · Postby **Blurr** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 11:33 pm

Thank you for the replies.

After visiting a few more places I have decided to wait and keep looking.

I can't see the point of getting 2nd best (from my POV) when it makes such a difference to the car.

Besides I'm still not conviced that '17 looks better than '16 - on the NA.

Slugoid · Postby **Slugoid** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 4:01 am

16" are the biggest I would go for a NA imo, and they look perfect

(shameless plug)
http://members.optusnet.com.au/slugoid/IMG_0006.jpg

StanTheMan · Postby **StanTheMan** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 11:36 am

I agree 16" look just dammed sexy on an NA

Craig · Postby **Craig** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 2:23 pm

The NB8A rims look great on NA's but lots of people do it.

And 17's do indeed look nice on an NA!

PASHN8 · Postby **PASHN8** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 5:40 pm

I reckon 16's is really the biggest you should go on an NA WITHOUT a kit of some type, any bigger without a kit, and you start to get the 'rollerskate' look.

18's are the biggest I would go WITH a kit, anything more than that is just ridiculously stupid, impractical, and comical to look at.

Postby **Okibi** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 8:52 pm

Yonks ago I ran 17's on our NB8A, the factory 15's are better.

Craig · Postby **Craig** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 10:32 pm

Plenty of 16's on Ebay too :mrgreen:

4sfed5 · Postby **4sfed5** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 7:02 pm

16's have never been that popular... i can get 17" tyres cheaper than 16's.. its because of the volume of 17's sold to the boy racers. ive got 16's and wouldnt want 17's anyway as they look too big and give it that rollerskate look which looks stuuuupid.