Is going from 16" rims to 18 or 20" rims harmful to an 04 Impala?

Answer 1

Short answer is yes. The larger rims/tires are heavier than the stock ones This adds addtional stress to suspension components, etc. The effect is more long term. Additional rolling mass also requires more energy to change state - speed up or slow down (accelerate or stop).

The shorter tire sidewall also imparts more shock to the suspension and car - resulting in a rougher ride in general.

Aftermarket rims are pretty cool though. Just remember - There is a reason dubs are not used on race cars....

Answer 2

absoltuely not. As long as the new wheels and tires match the original wheels and tires size, youre fine.
The original tires are P225/60R16
for 20" wheels, your new tires should be 225/20R20
Its going to look like ***, but the dimensions are going to remain the same, but the weight is going to be different, so the rotational mass will be different, unless you can find some 20" forged wheels. they will be lighter then the cast wheels on it now, so a bigger size forged shouldnt change the weight.
However, will the 18" or 20" rims fit over the disc brakes?
Dont assume this, or your going to be asking why wont your bigger wheels fit. There are hundreds of questions in yahoo answers with people asking what do they do when they buy a bigger wheel and it doesnt fit.

Answer 3

I get tired of these supersize wheel haters but monster trucks and euro/exotic sportscars like Ferrari's and Lambos come with 19's...Maybachs and Rolls Royces come with 20's now...back in the days, cars came with 14's and 15's...dudes put 16 to 18 inchers on their cars...once upon a time, squares would moan about losing the hubcaps for mag wheels...as long as you upgrade your suspension and brakes...get the rims and tires mounted correctly..it should be all good...you can't drive too fast, though...2 miles per hour, so everybody can see you!

Answer 4

i have a 2000 impala. i went from 16" stock wheels to 20" chrome. the biggest change is the ride is not as smooth. the speedo is not that much off its only a couple mph off. as far as suspension. its not as harmful as everyone makes it seem. does it harm it in the long run? yes, but were talking years down the road. i would do it man, its worth it. your car will get a lot more looks and attention.

Answer 5

Don't forget that Chevy sells Impalas with 18 inch wheels, therefore they should not hurt one. 20's might cause a little added wear. Bad drving habits will hurt a car more than bigger rims.

Answer 6

Definitely. It wasn't designed for that change. You will need to do a complete suspension and steering upgrade to go along with the new rim size. Happy spending. Might as well do a full trick out on the beast.

Answer 7

Bigger wheels means Bigger rotating mass for the Brakes to deal with. Also the computers need to be re-programed for the different tire size and may not be available to do. If you have a " Tire Pressure Monitor System" then you will get a like on because your new wheels will not have the pressure sensors in them.

Answer 8

No, but you will have more rolling mass and your speedometer will be off. They will make the brakes work harder, and check for clearance so you don't hit the fenders and tear up the tires and the body.

You know how it is with cars, you change one thing and something else needs to be changed. It never ends.

Answer 9

Yes The car wasn't designed for such a ridiculous wheel. It effect handling, braking ,ride and the speedometer, which in effect screws up the computers in the car.