Large alloys - what is the point?

[RWD cossie wil]

projectgt said:

13" Alloys for me:

That's a stunning 5 turbo mate, any more pics?

[300KPH]

Thats a nice little Renault 5

[Frankthered]

300KPH said:

Thats a nice little Renault 5

+1

[bazking69]

Asthetics in 99% of cases. Size of brakes in the other 1%.

[niva441]

Here's a very good article comparing the 'benefits' of fitting larger wheels, well planned and reasonably scientific in its approach:

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q1/effects_of_upsized_wheels_and_tires_tested-tech_dept

[projectgt]

Frankthered said:

+1

Thanks, yes I have more pictures. I don't want to take thread off topic so where is best to post them within Pistonheads?

[attym3]

Modern cars are bigger, so need bigger wheels to look in proportion.
VWs are a good example, a modern Polo is about the same size if not bigger than a Mk1/2 Golf. Same as BMW, look at a E30 compared to a E46.
20" wheels would look silly on a E30 as would 14" on a E46.
Horses for courses.
IMO.

[m444ttb]

My BMW e36 touring originally came on 16's from the factory (15's would fit though) as was the way for 90's sporty wannabe saloons. However I've only driven it with 18's on. My new winter wheels are 16's though so I have a feeling that come the spring I'll be doing some buying & selling on eBay. It must be an age thing!

[Shaw Tarse]

projectgt said:

Thanks, yes I have more pictures. I don't want to take thread off topic so where is best to post them within Pistonheads?

Reader's cars http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/forum.asp?h=0&a...

[croyde]

My E36 is still on it's original 15s which means I don't have to slow down for speed bumps unlike the toaster in the Champagne E46 330i who wanted to race and then had to emergency brake when he saw the first of those enormous speed bumps

[barky]

Large alloys are mostly just for the looks, for ego/pride enhancement .... you could just have 15s/16s painted black & pretend they are bigger ... unless you are one of those that drives around at slow slow town speeds all the time. big wheels to me seem best suited to motorways & other very smooth roads ... elsewhere smaller wheels with a bit more sidewall on the tyres makes for better ride quality

[S1MMA]

DAVEVO9 said:

Lovely car.

Those 6 pots are awesome and have ceramic pistons!

I have a set with 362mm AP racing discs and bespoke brackets + Carbotech XP10 pads.. they will be fitted to my car when my Forged wheels come from Japan.

I have been out in an EVO fitted with this brake set up and they are just amazing! So much pedal feel and braking force on tap.

Unlike the AP racing brake kits, the Porsche caliper is a monobloc design so a lot more rigid.

Thx. Yes - they are pretty awesome stoppers, although need a prod to warm up in the mornings. On track they are pretty good, not had a problem yet... Yours should be amazing when on, will be like night/day difference. I did a trackday a few months back with a fair amount of Evo's to compare against, and under braking was one of the areas where I felt I had a big advantage, they come with 4 pots standard right?

[AndyBrew]

Well my car has 20" wheels and I think they look fantastic and not ashamed to admit it, I also prefer my mrs in a 5" inch heel although I sure a running shoe would be more comfortable

[DAVEVO9]

S1MMA said:

Thx. Yes - they are pretty awesome stoppers, although need a prod to warm up in the mornings. On track they are pretty good, not had a problem yet... Yours should be amazing when on, will be like night/day difference. I did a trackday a few months back with a fair amount of Evo's to compare against, and under braking was one of the areas where I felt I had a big advantage, they come with 4 pots standard right?

Yes the stock Brembo on the EVO are 4 pots and to be fair are a very good caliper. The OEM pads though are not very good.

My current set up is the Stock Brembo caliper with 2 piece PF discs and Carbotech XP10 pads all round.

This gives a massive improvement over the OEM brakes ( mostly due to the pads )

The reason I have chosen the Porsche 6 pot set up with the bigger discs, is more brake torque and much less pedal effort.

I don't know what pads you are using in your car but if you tried the Carbotech's you would be in for a bit of a shock!

They need very little warm up to be strong.

My calipers are Red.