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I have noticed that in recent years the size of wheels and tires on cars is getting bigger. Two cars ago, I had 14 inch wheels on a compact car. Then it was 16 inch wheels with standard low-profile tires. WE are shopping again and now even the supposed mid-market cars have these huge, 16 inch tires.

Besides providing more profit for tire manufacturers, what benefits do they provide?

   

Mechanically it increases the distance travelled but at the same time lowers the torque"easier on the motor" bigger wheels roll better because they go over bumps easier. That is why bicycles and horse carts use big wheels for efficiency.

   

Larger circumference - less wear

Larger footprint - more traction

Looks cool

   

That's why the tires on my Nova SS are 30" tall and 14" wide..........more traction.

   

My wifes new car has 17inch tires and traction controll on a compact car

   

Aesthetically, larger tires also look better. Designers try to make the height of the tire one half the total height of the car.

   

whats in it for a motor"small block 302"

   

Depending on the unsprung weight ratio larger diameter tires & wheels can deliver a bit more energy efficiency in high-torque engines (V6 & V8 engines) but will be LESS efficient in low-torque engines such as four cylinders and hybrids.

They deliver a rougher ride and are less forgiving on serious potholes - some fancy rims have been known to fail under high-stress such as extreme handling situations and extreme conditions.

Also, the larger diameter rims need to be mated with more powerful braking systems as the new rims exert more leverage on the stock brakes than the smaller diameter rims. Another factor is that the larger rims exert more torque on the spindles and can cause the front and rear end suspensions to fail even during normal use.

My advice: use the size rim and tire specified by your vehicle's manufacturer *unless* your manufacturer or owner's manual says that this modification is acceptable on your vehicle.

   

302 ?

That's a chevy and not a camero.

   

All I know is I can't wait for my OEM tires to wear out. I'm itching to get some performance all seasons. I've got my eye on the Falken Ziex line. I won't be changing size though.

   

my bad

   

Sage advice, but it goes beyond just wheels. Every part of cars these days is designed bearing in mind the specs of just about every other part. Change one part and you change the dynamics of the entire system, with who knows what consequences.

   

Both Ford and GM have produced 302ci V8 engines. And a Camaro is a Chverolet product.

   

Small blocks are for kids.........it's a big block 396 punched out .060 which makes it around 409 cubic inches.
Chevrolet did make a 302, the engine size was a result of the SCCA's 305 cubic inch displacement limit in the Trans-Am series. The 302 used a 327 block and a 283 crank and those engines where a Z/28 Camero option from 1967-69.

   

Camero was a Chevy...........unless you mean Chevy II. The Camero, Nova, Acadian and Firebird all had the unibody construction and all used the same parts except for the outside shell and interior.

   

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