New Wheels

Not trying to be mean here but I would suggest doing a search for "17" wheels". You'll come up with a lot of great information that you are not going to get in a new thread since it has been hashed out many times.

Yes, your MPG is going to drop but if you choose the right tires and a lightweight wheel you can reduce the MPG hit.

 

Volk Eco rims.. is the way to go Buddy Less then 10lbs.. But cost good money

Volk RE28
Volk RE30
Formula Silver color of course

 

I :heart: my Volk CE28Ns

 

17" wheels won't screw up the odomerter/speedometer if you get the correct-sized tires. 17" wheels usually take wider tires (205/55R17) which will definitely reduce gas mileage. This size tire will also make the ride harsher (shorter sidewalls so less compliant ride).

 

Guitarguy I don't think you know what you're talking about lol.

Yes 17" rims are bigger than 15" rims but if the overall diameter is the same then it's the same odometer speed. People usually get the same size tire but with a bigger center to accommodate for the larger rim therefore maintaining accurate odometer reads.

This of course would lead to less side wall which leads to a harsher ride plus it increases your risk of getting damaged by a pot hole

 

Cloud is correct. When you upsize to a larger rim you usually downsize the sidewall height of the tire to maintain the OEM wheel/tire diameter. This is called Plus Sizing. You are correct in that it may change the exact diameter but if one plans carefully, the difference is minuscule and will not negatively affect the operation of the car or speedometer. One often negative consequence of Plus Sizing is a lose of fuel efficiency. This is due to increased weight or rim and/or tire, increased friction because LRR tires are still rare in the 17"+ tire size, increased friction due to wider tires (larger contact patch), loss of aerodynamic efficiency due to larger frontal area of tire, etc..

Here is a link to the Plus Sizing concept and many other great facts on tires.

Tire Tech Information - The Plus Concept

 

No worries man, just trying to help you out.

The loss of MPG can be much reduced by purchasing lightweight wheels, preferably lighter than stock but those get rather pricey. A lot of guys in the GenII and GenIII Modification forums coughed up the cash to get some really sweet lightweight wheels. You can check their threads for pics and prices.

The second way is to stay with a narrow wheel (17x7") instead of trying to go super wide for that aggressive look. The Prius with a good set of 17" tires can hang corners pretty well with a good driver so going wider is more for looks IMO.

The third way is to choose a tire that demonstrates Low Rolling Resistance (LRR) characteristics. These tires are still pretty rare in the sizes we need (commonly 215/45/17 or 205/50/17) but they do exist. Check TireRack.com for comparisons between tires. They will generally cost more than a 15" tire also so between the loss in MPG and the replacement cost of tires, you end up losing money no matter what you do. Most 17" tires also have a lower treadwear rating and as such they don't last as long as an all-season or summer 15" tire.

 

I can attest to this. My 08 Prius with (crazy grip) ADVAN AD08 tires gives people ZOMG PRIUS? reactions around corners on occasion.

 

Yeah, but your a nut! : p