17" and 18" FFR wheels

[chopthebass]

On the advice of others it looks like I will need to change to bigger rims and better tires than my billboards!

I like how the 15's fill the wheel arches, so I have been trying to come up with a combo that gives the same overall diameter. 315's on 17" are smaller (hence my other thread asking about 335's) so I am now looking into 295's on 18" in the rear. I can pretty much match the diameter I want. I will have 255 on 17's up front.

Now, FFR said their 17 and 18" wheels are made differently and the colors are different. This leads me on to my questions...

1. Can I get a 17"/18" set that matches from anywhere?
2. I remember seeing a post a few months back where someone posted some pics of a Hallibrand alternative. I can't find the thread, but wondered if anyone had suggestions for a similar look? I like the polished rim and gun metal or black spokes.

Thanks!

[DaleG]

Do you race? If just spirited street driving, the BFG TA Radials are a decent tire; have had them on both of my builds with the 15" rims (I also like the 15" look) with no issues despite the "hockey puck" moniker some use. And the price is affordable. I run 245-60 on the front and 295-50 on the rear; they are the same diameter, so work well with ABS.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Two questions:
1. What leads you to believe that you need "better" tires and rims?

2. Why not just use matching FFR 18" wheels on the front?

Jeff

[chopthebass]

Jeff,
I have been told that the Billboards don't perform as good as, say, Nitto 555's. Higher profile reduces performance, track in poor road surfaces. These aren't my conclusions as I haven't finished my build. I am going to start off driving with these. Maybe when I get used to the car I will know what I want more. The 18/17 combination is just to achieve the best overall wheel diameter to fill the arches. I am not going to race. I actually prefer the look of the 15's and I am really hoping I will be pleased with the Billboards because buying a second set is costly.

[Todd Buttrick]

the BFG TA Radials are a decent tire

First time I've heard that on a Factory Five related forum.

[DaleG]

Yeah, you won't hear it much, but the number of us that use them for street has really grown.

[Todd Buttrick]

OK but just for the record.. they seriously suck compared to any other 15" tire offering.

[DaleG]

I have to admit that I have not done the research. What is their downside as a street tire?