STock gt rims, aftermarket suspension Options

[devilsden97]

I was looking into purchasing some kyb sturts and either sportline or TRD lowering springs, my original plan was to buy stock matrix rims, 16" oppose to my stock 15" celica GT rims. But im having trouble finding matrix rims, either the newer style (04+) or the older (00-03). I was just wondering how the ride would be with the stock 15's and with the car sitting an inch to and inch and a half lower. Would it be alot bumpier (if thats even a word) I know with the droped suspension it will stiffen up, but would it be better to get larger rims and tires????

Thoughts? Opinions? Maybe some hits on matrix rims? Thanks

[Galcobar]

Lowering plus using a lower-profile tire -- car is lower, wheel gap is about the same.

The tire sizes you suggested would put his speedometre seriously out of whack, BTW. The 205/50 would read 3.48% too fast, and the 205/45 would read 7.24% too fast. Plus there's the issue of brake performance -- everything is calibrated to a 23.87" overall diametre.

Admittedly, using a smaller tire would improve acceleration, since it would be easier to spin up, though the rotating weight would likely be as great or greater due to the additional width.

All the handling benefits, however, of a shorter sidewall can be obtained with a higher speed rating. The whole point of reducing the sidewall profile is to reduce the flex of the rubber that slows the response between the wheel moving and that force being transmitted to the ground. A stiffer sidewall, which is what distinguishes tires with high speed ratings, would have much the same effect without the negative effects of a smaller than appropriate tire.