I am almost ready to order a set of shoes for my SSM GD3 and I was curious about tires. I really like the look of...I guess the term is "Balloon wheels", however I am unsure of how they effect performance. I have a link to a picture of the kind of look I am going for with the tires and was wondering how you think it might effect handling?

http://i917.photobucket.com/albums/a...9/fastback.jpg

Thats not my pic, found it using google image search.

 

Nothing? Is this just for looks only?

 

I've always seen this "look" on BMW/mercedes stock wheels/tires combos especially older ones. Im guessing more comfort??

 

yea, its definitely more comfortable. too much sidewall flex to be of any plus for performance. i can feel the diff when i go from 205/40/17 back to stock 185/55/16's...they're so much more forgiving and softer ride.

older cars came with 14's and 15's...there werent such things as people putting 18's n stuff on their cars.. i think the balloon tires just filled the wheel gap btw the fender and wheel, lol.

 

it might also decrease your mpg a little bit depending on the width and weight of the tire. i had 205/50/15's on a 15x7 +40 wheel and it gave me a similar look to the pic you posted.