17" versus 14" tires

I shall add my 3 cents (inflation).

The debate of the modern 17+ wheel is multi fold and one’s goals and budget dictate all.

However, running a 15” tire on the correct width 15” wheel and proper inflation on a rebuilt suspension with fresh 340 HD 6 leaf springs and 1.03” PST torsion bars gives quite a nice handling result with the correct Skosh alignment settings at stock ride height. Even with no sway bars I have minimal body roll in mountain driving. In fact, I argue that it handles as good as my 2016 Ram on its factory 20” wheels if not better… and all around less harsh ride. I know, I’m comparing a 50 year old car to a modern truck which isn’t fair, but for an all around driver it works for me.

On the flip side if you are auto crossing, lowering the car, going drag racing, drifting, circle track, throw what I said out and start mostly over because now you have all new stuff to do for that handling. Except size you wheels for your tires and inflate them properly, and if you do that it doesn’t matter what tire you run on your driver car… If you run too wide of a tire for a wheel size you get that classic tire bulge look, but you will feel like you are piloting a boat when making a turn.

Curious what brand 15" tires you are running. Seems like it isn't hard to find a 15" tire, but if you want one with a modern compound, they are few and far between.

Either way, it comes down to what you want to do with the car. I think much like building a "600 HP motor", we as a community get wrapped up in the idea of something when the reality is if we are realistic with what we build and accept it for what it is, we will be just as happy. If not more. I know I have done that with brakes, no reason I need 14.2" rotors and 4 piston Brembo calipers. But I still want them and plan to run them even though it forces me to 18" wheels and tires.