Wheel Sizes
Wheel Sizes
Author
Discussion

esmyth

Original Poster:

73 posts

259 months

Wednesday 1st September 2004
quotequote all
Hello all - first post and I must say this site is extremely useful.
Anyway, has anyone fitted 16" rims to their S Series - do not really want to go for 17' as I tried them on my MR2 and personally thought they ruined the handling - but each to their own.

16" might fill the wheel arch a little more but without going over the top - am not a boy racer. If so what tyre size did you use ?

WildfireS3

9,919 posts

275 months

Thursday 2nd September 2004
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The handling issue is also one I would like opinions on. Will it kill the handling as I plan to fit 17" at some point soon.

ukbob

16,277 posts

288 months

Thursday 2nd September 2004
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Well, my 16" rear wheels (15 at the front) look great. Despite only being a 1 inch difference, the rear wheels look "So much better" than the front ones, in my opinion.

The previous owner said that this would help performance slightly, although I forget why, and admit I have no idea if this is the case cratchchin:

Either way, no problems at the rear. Check this post (about 17inch wheels) www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=121827&f=11&h=0

gefopsman

260 posts

262 months

Thursday 2nd September 2004
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I am well happy with the change to 17" wheels and have found that handling has not been negatively affected.

The change to lower profile tyres has not been that noticable as I have stayed with 50 profile. The ride height increase is a benefit though!!

The only possible changes to handling will be from reduced tyre profiles or from ride height adjustments. This will obviously be dependant on using correct offsets.

If wrong offsets are used this will undoubtedly change the characteristics of the handling due to altering the suspension geometry.

I considered 16" but decided that 17" would fill the arches better. This actually makes the car look more compact IMHO. I decided against the more common 205 40 17 tyres as I thought that this would produce a harsh ride. To stay with correct tyre circumference and speedo accuracy, 215 45 17 is the ideal choice. I may try these out on the front if suspension upgrades do not resolve the tyre/arch conflict.

Everyone will make the decision that will suit but I am happy with the 17" choice and would recommend it.

Still can't get over the look!!!

Qualia

154 posts

290 months

Thursday 2nd September 2004
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Steve, I must say, your S looks fab. I like the wheels, they have a nice offset. The kind of horizontal edge between where the spokes end and the rim hugs the tyre. (What's the correct term for it, btw?)

I don't like these modern wheels where the spokes end up flush with the rims.

What did your insurance company have to say about the modification? I think you should tell them, to be on the safe side.

>> Edited by Qualia on Thursday 2nd September 19:04

ukbob

16,277 posts

288 months

Friday 3rd September 2004
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Qualia said:
I think you should tell them, to be on the safe side.


19560

14,189 posts

281 months

Saturday 4th September 2004
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esmyth said:
Anyway, has anyone fitted 16" rims to their S Series. 16" might fill the wheel arch a little more but without going over the top - am not a boy racer. If so what tyre size did you use ?


Nobody seems to have answered your question. A 205/55/16 would be the natural tyre choice at only a 1% increase in rolling radius.

GreenV8S

30,999 posts

307 months

Saturday 4th September 2004
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I run 225/45/16 all round, does that help?

gefopsman

260 posts

262 months

Sunday 5th September 2004
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Thanks for the positive feedback

I have not informed the insurance company yet (but I will!!!)

I am just about to renew and will have a requote as I have done a huge amount of work since last year.

The wheels will be noted and photos of all areas of the car will be sent. Hopefully this will not affect the premium too greatly.