Why choose 8.5" wheel over a 9.5"? (Aftermarket)

[Singhman]

I have not come across a definitive answer as to the pros and cons of getting an 8.5" wheel over a 9.5"?

I'm looking at Replika r241 19"x8. 5"... although the stock wheel is 9.5, I see many people choosing 8.5....

Does the 8.5 with +40 offset stick out a little further? Does it look better? What about performance-wise?

 

[MattM24]

Assuming the same 255 wide tire, it will provide more protection to the wheel, if you curb it.

 

[mrwug]

As an added bonus, it weighs less

 

[whisperingshad]

less weight and rim protection

 

[Singhman]

So, why would anyone choose 9.5"?

 

[MattM24]

So, why would anyone choose 9.5"?

Strength, aerodynamics, same handling characteristics as factory, towing (assuming lower wheel strength in the narrower wheel).

 

[whisperingshad]

So, why would anyone choose 9.5"?

They like curbing rims

 

[Singhman]

Strength, aerodynamics, same handling characteristics as factory, towing (assuming lower wheel strength in the narrower wheel).

Thanks for the information. Is the effect on aerodynamics quite significant?

 

[whisperingshad]

Thanks for the information. Is the effect on aerodynamics quite significant?

I don't know where they get that from....Aero has to do with the face design and or/wheel cover.

 

[Singhman]

So, would replika r241 19x8.5 +40 offset stick out further than the original geminis? A wider stance would look cool, even slightly

 

[MattM24]

Thanks for the information. Is the effect on aerodynamics quite significant?

I would doubt that it would be significant or even noticeable, but this is the company that does everything they can to be a little bit more efficient. The shape of the sidewall is flatter with the 9.5” wheel (which is also why it doesn’t provide any protection), but that’s also why it’s more aerodynamic.
Either way, by going away from the factory 19” wheels, efficiency will take a hit.

 

[MattM24]

So, would replika r241 19x8.5 +40 offset stick out further than the original geminis? A wider stance would look cool, even slightly

It would be 7.7mm further in.

 

[pdx_m3s]

Some people choose to run 18x8.5 so they can run a narrower snow/winter tire for better efficiency to help with the inherent loss in efficiency associated with these tires. This is what we did… with 235/55R18 tires.

 

[charisjapan]

Waiting in Japan for a Model Y Performance, and considering aftermarket 19X8.5J with TOYO 255/45R19 tires. My goals are less chance of shameful curb-rash and a little more comfort. I test drove the RWD Standard and Performance, loving the comfort of the former, and the zip of the latter!

Any thoughts about either RAYS Gram Lights or ENKEI Performance Line?

Cheers, cj

 

[TomServo]

Opted for 18s with 245/50 tires from TSportLine. 15 pounds per wheel lighter than the 21" UT, the car is faster and has recovered almost all of the 27-mile delta between the P and LR Y. I was going to sell the 21s but have decided to keep them for trade-in time.

And the car rides and feels better on city streets. Plus I get all the other benefits associated with a smaller squared setup. Unless you track your Y the 21s in shitty public roads makes no sense.

 

[charisjapan]

Opted for 18s with 245/50 tires from TSportLine. 15 pounds per wheel lighter than the 21" UT, the car is faster and has recovered almost all of the 27-mile delta between the P and LR Y. I was going to sell the 21s but have decided to keep them for trade-in time.

And the car rides and feels better on city streets. Plus I get all the other benefits associated with a smaller squared setup. Unless you track your Y the 21s in shitty public roads makes no sense.

Some very nice info in this post @TomServo. I just ordered a red Model Y Performance, but Japan has delivery dates quite a bit later than the US. Being right-hand drive, ours come from Shanghai Giga (I know I'm deluding myself, but just can't say "made in C****"). I will also go for more comfort, but probably 19X8.5J and 255/45. I imagine your speedometer is off a bit? Did you tweak the suspension? I talked with a service fellow the other day, and he mentioned that squaring the wheelset may lower the rear a few millimeters. Like the grey wheels, but my wife is "suggesting" something a bit brighter ... but NOT chrome! Cheers from an AF brat. cj

 

[atlchamp]

So for a MYP is the consensus that the 8.5 wheels are better than the 9.5? My goals are comfort and better efficiency. Thanks y’all

 

[charisjapan]

So for a MYP is the consensus that the 8.5 wheels are better than the 9.5? My goals are comfort and better efficiency. Thanks y’all

I wish!

The problem is that Tesla feels that the Model Y optimal width is 9.5 inches (10.5 MYP rear), and does not really embrace the aftermarket. And I’m sure a good portion of Performance buyers would, if anything, like even wider wheels and tires (like me, a few decades ago, lol). But yeah, folks drawn to this thread looking for comfort and daily practicality seem to like 8.5. In my case I need more range, but Japan only sells Standard RWD and Long Range Performance AWD, so I’m out to “tame the beast” a bit.

Cheers! cj