20" Aftermarket Wheels

[kirkbauer]

After blowing out two 21" tires on one pothole I'm reconsidering my wheel situation on my P85D. On one hand I'm considering buying a whole second set of 21" turbines on the cheap so I will have some backup wheels for the next time. But then I'm also considering aftermarket 20" options.

Note that I have a non-staggered P85D.

Besides looks what are the pros and cons of going with aftermarket 20" wheels? Any effect on handling, noise, comfort, tire cost, range, etc?

How much should I consider weight when choosing a 20" wheel? What's the weight on the 21" turbines?

 

[gnelson]

I am trying to decide if the 20 in Model X wheels would be a good option to maintain my staggered configuration and allow a little higher profile tire. there are more tire sizes available for 20 in wheels than the 21 in wheels.

 

[vitaliy]

I was picking 20" wheels for a while, and I'm going with Niche Ascari 20" monoblock forged in glossy black. Plus 40" tires.

PS: Model S wasn't delivered yet, but the look I'm going for is well represented here:

 

[Jian Yang]

Quoting a reply from Tesla to a member asking about 20" wheel.

"switch to 20 inch rims, you might risk damaging the Tesla’s body structure. And in doing so, because the damage is caused by a 3[SUP]rd[/SUP]party product, will as a result void the warranty."

 

[KirkDavis]

Nice.. of course anything would look good on that car

 

[vitaliy]

Nice.. of course anything would look good on that car

Model S render:

 

[kirkbauer]

Quoting a reply from Tesla to a member asking about 20" wheel.

"switch to 20 inch rims, you might risk damaging the Tesla’s body structure. And in doing so, because the damage is caused by a 3[SUP]rd[/SUP]party product, will as a result void the warranty."

Hmm, that's concerning...

 

[ndhaon91]

Hmm, that's concerning...

Not really. That's just standard language they use with respect to pretty much anything aftermarket. Why would there be risk to the body structure on 20" wheels, but somehow not on either 19" or 21"?

 

[Vince Cobelo]

I read in another thread that 21" tends to rub the fender well when the wheel is turned and the car is in reverse. That 20" gives a bit more clearance eliminating the problem. I'll go with 20's once my OEM 19 tires wear out.

 

[FlatSix911]

Well done!

Model S render:
View attachment 102781

 

[GSP]

Try doing a search for aftermarket wheels here at TMC. There are several treads with some great suggestions. Lolachampcar has a really sweet looking set, and they are 20" if I remember correctly.

GSP

 

[gelden]

I really like the 20"Borbet BLX Black/polished on my car:

 

[benjiejr]

I read in another thread that 21" tends to rub the fender well when the wheel is turned and the car is in reverse. That 20" gives a bit more clearance eliminating the problem. I'll go with 20's once my OEM 19 tires wear out.

I had 21s and they would rub the fender well when turning in reverse (like backing out of a driveway or parking spot). Also, it seems to be slightly worse if the car is in HIGH suspension (if you have air suspension). If you can limit how hard you turn it will not rub. I am now on 20s and it still rubs like the 21s did.

 

[benf]

I read in another thread that 21" tends to rub the fender well when the wheel is turned and the car is in reverse. That 20" gives a bit more clearance eliminating the problem. I'll go with 20's once my OEM 19 tires wear out.

The overall diameter of your TIRE should never change regardless of which WHEEL you choose (19, 20, or 21). There is an OEM overall diameter that you should stay as close to as possible to keep the speedo accurate. As you decrease the wheel diameter, the sidewall of the tire just gets bigger to compensate. This means you have more cushion between the road and your wheels. It *should* under equal circumstances, mean your wheels are better protected from potholes and also improve ride quality. Of course, the particular tire you choose also makes a huge difference.

As for the rubbing, that has more to do with tire width than the diameter of the wheel. If you get slightly narrower tires they will not rub. Tires from different manufacturers, or even just different models of tires from the same manufacturer, in the same size (like 245) will all have slightly different section widths (the actual width of the tire). The wider the section width, the more likely it will be to rub. Of course there are other factors, like the offset of your wheels, etc.

Bottom line...wheel diameter is going to make almost no difference in terms of the rubbing.

 

[kirkbauer]

I really like the 20"Borbet BLX Black/polished on my car

They look great, thanks for sharing.

 

[FlatSix911]

I had 21s and they would rub the fender well when turning in reverse (like backing out of a driveway or parking spot).
Also, it seems to be slightly worse if the car is in HIGH suspension (if you have air suspension). If you can limit how hard you turn it will not rub. I am now on 20s and it still rubs like the 21s did.

Interesting result ... what are your tire specifications?

 

[benjiejr]

Interesting result ... what are your tire specifications?

245/40/20 in front and 285/35/20 in rear

 

[lolachampcar]

2015 P85D
roughly 10 lbs per wheel lighter
a little more than 1/2 what Tesla wants for their 21" set up (and I get to put my brandy new 19s back on the car when I sell it)
Pilot Super Sport with longer wear AND more grip

What is not to like

 

[benjiejr]

What is not to like

Nothing! Love the style and the stance!

 

[lolachampcar]

Best part was it was downright affordable.