Hey Black04Turbo, that's a great idea that would look so cool if you could pull it off. As a matter of fact, when I was looking for wheels for my PT, I looked to the Prowler for inspiration. I am currently running Boyd Coddington Smoothies, 17x7 front, 18x8 rear; not as obvious a difference from first looking at it, but more of a "feel". I love the "staggered" look of the wheel combo, although it is unusual for a FWD car. Here's what's in store for you once you find that Holy Grail of wheels that will work:
Tech heads in the car biz will raise an eyebrow when you tell them what you are trying to do. This can be a good thing or bad thing. I got mixed opinions from many people; problems with understeer, ABS braking compatability, increased traction, overall good looks, etc., but in the end, I was happy with the decision, and I suggest you do what your heart (or car) tells you (you're gonna have a B*TCHIN' CAR, DUDE!).
You will become a tire-fitment guru once you're done painstakingly surfin' Tire Rack's website, doing the math to attain the perfect tires that will complete the look, with the minimum of problems. You might want to get the sidewalls the same height or similar, bigger in the rear if possible, but that's my opinion. I must have hit that site a bazillion times trying to get them sidewalls the same.
Now I've heard different things about this... Some folks said you gotta cut the rear wells to run 20s. Others say you don't, even on a lowered cruiser. I guess it depends on the tires you choose. Also, I think PTeazer ran some pretty wide rears on one of their cars. I read about it somewhere, but of course, heavy mods...
Handling of the car will be slightly effected, at least for a 17/18 setup, don't know about 17/20. Really read up on understeer if you can, and how it affects FWD cars. Apparently, there are other factors that are effected as well, like ABS sensors and auto trans.
There are slight adjustments to make to your driving style. I've had no problems with the staggered setup. The tires you get will be wider than stock anyway, so traction should be better.
Finally, as you are turn heads when driving into the local diner, you can sincerely smile at the onlookers because your driver's seat will be more comfortable: that lump from your wallet will be much smaller, as you will be spending more $$$ replacing tires intead of rotating them. Also, the rake of your car will be so Bad A** that all you will see out your rear view will be sky!!! Oh yeah, make sure you wear your seatbelt, especially if you have leather seats. You'll have a tendency to slide forward... Trust me on this one...
10 Nov 2003, 04:13 am
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