97' xj sport wheels

[SEASPANNER]

Hi,I am looking for new wheels and tyres for my car,not having much luck so far.
Has anyone got any companies they can recommend?might go up a size in diameter and lower the profile of the tyres but would like some sound advice/guidance on this as don't want to mess up the ride and the speedo.also am interested in an exhaust which will sound a little beefier than the standard.again,any info much appreciated.cheers

[jaguar steve]

I'd stick with the standard 16" wheels if I were you. I'm assuming your XJ already has the sport suspension fitted and, if your'e happy with the ride and comfort you have, you would find the 17" rims and lower profile tyres make quite a difference.

I don't like the low speed ride in my sports suspension XJ on 17" rims and 50 profile tyres at all.

Assuming you've got 225/60 x 16 tyres which are the standard XJ fitment the rolling radius is almost the same as 235/50 x 17 Celtics fitted with the CATS option, so changing shouldn't affect gearing or speedo readings.

JS

[jaguar steve]

And another thing....

There's plenty of choice and stiff price competition for 225/60 profile 16" tyres. Shop around and you can get a set of Jaguar OE Pirelli P4000's for around £400.

Go for the 235/50 size on 17 rims, there's much less choice and for the equivalent, again OE, P6000 Pirelli you will pay over £600.

Given the choice I'd happily change my 17" rims for 16", but I don't need the extra grip...or road noise...or expense...or harder ride the lower profiles give

JS

[jaguarnut]

Of greater importance perhaps is the effect that wider wheels with a lower aspect ratio will have on the suspension. One of the week points particularly with XJ40's (to 1994) and X300's (to 97 - i.e. not V8's) are the inherent weakness in the wishbone bushes, particularly the lower ones, and to a lesser extent, the steering rack bushes. These cars have a tendancy to wander/tramline which when really nopticable is usually down to these bushes. It is widly accepted that putting wider tyres on subjects these bushes to greater forces, therefore greater wear and big bills to put it right. Lower profile means less of a cushion for the wheel and will therefore transmit more through the suspension from potholes. etc. The XJR varients are fitted with wider tyres, but usually at the expense of some bush life! The X308 (V8) versions had a slightly different set-up, reducing the problem, I believe.

Bottom line - stick with 225/60 R16's or 225/55 R16's, dependent on model and what was fitted when new. %% ratio tyres are fitted on wider rims than the 60's, 8J instead of 7J (or 7.5J - can't remember!). Having just bought some new tyres for one of my XJ's, P4000's were unavailable so I opted for P6000's, which incidentally my other XJ has fitted all around. Price fitted, £224 the pair. My XJ's are both on comfort suspension, by the way. I would not change them.

Hope this helps.

[SEASPANNER]

So like I thought,best to stick to the same dimensions etc and keep in tune with original Jag design.
So wheels,can i only get original Jaguar wheels for this car or do some of the companies do rims for us too ie OZ etc?
Thanks for the info so far lads,am new to the world of Jaguar and struggling to find info on internet.