18 inch alloys

[JJpp]

hows it goin, i'm in the process of getting my chim back on the road and fancy upgading my wheels to set of 18's. i may be being a little green here but i need to know the best widths to use. i've read that 7.5" on the front and 8" on the back is the maximum i can go to but i'm not sure of this. if any one out there could help i would be grateful. also, i can't seem to find any decent alloys or examples of chims with 18's on. the only ones i keep coming up with are the ones at ace racing.......cheers

[tvr5000]

Have a look on this thread. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... Theres a few ideas on aftermarket alloys.

[T_Pot]

just a thought, with after market wheels, (i have 17's) what preassure should you run the tyres at ?

[thenick]

I've just put some new wheels on mine, went for 17s at the front and 18s rear, 7 and 7.5J width respectively. I run 24 front and 26 rear pressure in the tyres on Goodyear Eagle F1's and it feels absolutely great! Loads of grip (almost too much as it takes a little effort to get the back out now!) and it feels fine over the bumps etc. Going for a set of Nitrons and big brakes next week so I'll report back on what sort of change it makes!

Pics of mine can be seen on my profile...

Edited by thenick on Tuesday 17th June 13:20

[CHGRIFF]

Make sure you calculate the correct offset when upgrading to that size giving consideration to any deviation in rolling radii, (distance betwen the effective wheel centre and contact road point). If you get it wrong you will experince high steering loads and excessive 'tram lining' overall the steering will be sh*t. The supplier should be able to check this for you. Best buy wheels similar to thosealready fitted by another owner, hopefully with honest opinion and guidance.

[JJpp]

sorry for the late reply, been on me hols. cheers for the link. think i'm goin to go for the KEI Racing RSS in gun-metal!!!!

[jsr]

JJpp said:

sorry for the late reply, been on me hols. cheers for the link. think i'm goin to go for the KEI Racing RSS in gun-metal!!!!

The RSS in gun metal would look great on a Chimaera, but i believe the offsets for KEI wheels are not ideal. I've looked into KEI Racing Pace wheels which i think look awesome, but whilst they make them in 7x17 and 7.5x18 with PCD of 108, the offsets are 42 and 45 (IIRC). The wheels would be moved to far into the body. Spacers could be used, but they would have to be quite thick and would probably need longer studs.

Would be interested to know if you do managed to fit the RSS wheels

KEI Racing Pace

[JJpp]

just been talking to a guy at kei racing. the rss alloys will fit on my chim 95 4.0i but not the earlier 4.0 v8. i'll have to go for 18 rear 17 front. if all go's well i'll post a pic when there on!!!!!

[steve-V8s]

Which engine do you have then if it isn’t a V8 ?

[jsr]

I didn't think there was any difference in the wheels used on the Chimaera, just the tyre sizes depending on whether the car had power steering or was a 400.

Would love to see pics if/when you get them fitted!

[redkarla]

I've got 18" Spiders and IMHO I think the car is over tyred and without power steering is very heavy at low speeds but is fine the faster ya go !!!!

Pity they don't make a 17" spider coz the route I would go would be 17" front and 18" rear.

Here's a pic of mine with them on.

[URL=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2048739510103211264jXzyRR][/URL]

<a href="http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2048739510103211264jXzyRR"><img src="http://thumb4.webshots.net/t/64/564/7/39/51/2048739510103211264jXzyRR_th.jpg" alt="img_0704"></a>

[redkarla]

A bit bigger maybe!

[URL=http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2048739510103211264jXzyRR][/URL]

[dbv8]

Silverstone performance SP12's
17 X 7 with 215/40
18 X 8 with 245/35
Toyo T1R's
99 mph on TomTom and 100 on the speedo

No power steering, no probs

[JJpp]

kei lists mine as a 4.0i on its offset list. the dealers ordering three colours to try out (silver hyperblack and gunmetal) i'll try to get some pics and post them when i can. Not sure why they can't supply wheels for the earlier v8 (down as 4.0 v8). i thought they were the same??

[fenderbender]

dbv8 said:

Silverstone performance SP12's
17 X 7 with 215/40
18 X 8 with 245/35
Toyo T1R's
99 mph on TomTom and 100 on the speedo

No power steering, no probs

Ditto here, except shod with Good Year Eagles. I find I get equal comfort but better cornering and motorway ride

[WazzaL]

Having enlarged your wheels, have you upgraded the suspension? Was recommended to me that should I increase my wheels I'd need adjustable suspension to improve the drivability / decrease the harshness of the ride.

[dbv8]

WazzaL said:

Having enlarged your wheels, have you upgraded the suspension? Was recommended to me that should I increase my wheels I'd need adjustable suspension to improve the drivability / decrease the harshness of the ride.

The Toyos are known to have a more compliant sidewall opposed to the Bridgestones.
The ride is only a little harsher over the more serious manholes etc.
Ive been nothing but impressed with overall comfort, and much better handling and grip, even in the wet.
I will be testing them properly tomorrow at Oulton Park.
I may fit a set of nitrons later anyway as a standard circuit upgrade.

[Mikeybv8]

18" Jordan "R"s from ACT pic is in my profile (I'm an IT consultant and dont know how to add the pic) :=(

Ride was slightly harsher, but sorted that by putting a full set of Nitron shocks on.

[fenderbender]

Didn't notice any difference at all except the lower tyre wall stopped the rear tyres from squirming when accelerating in a 90 degree turn (such as turning left at a crossroads).