Alloy options for a 156

[gary_de_tam]

Without any suspension mods, what size can I go to
on my 2.0 Selespeed sportswagon... ? If I go for
17" x 7.5J which tyres should I sit them on...

[Wombat Rick]

Any Alfa wheels from the 147, 156 and GT will fit. GTV and 166 are the wrong offset. Just bear in mind that the 156 suspension doesn't like the increased weight of bigger wheels and tyres. I had 7 x 17 on mine with 215/45/17s - that's the Alfa optional fit size - and although it looked fantastic it never drove as well as the more usual 205/55/16 fitment. So it's a question of styleover driveability I'm afraid. If you regularly pound the bumpy lanes and moor roads stick with the 16s. If you stick to smooth A roads and M-ways then go for the 17s.

[wrinx]

...and my experience was exactly the opposite! Hated the car on 16" but it was transformed on 17".

I'm now running 18" on the Sportwagon, which is lowered on Eibachs

wrinx

[Wombat Rick]

Wrinx - I really think it depends on where you do most of your driving. If it's bumpy moor roads the suspension can barely cope anyway and the extra weight of the bigger wheels just makes it worse. I know one rural Alfa owner who actually sold his 17s back to the dealer!! I never felt that strongly about them but the setup did annoy me, however I did enjoy how well they worked on the occassion I managed to find a smooth sweeping A road!

[wrinx]

All very subjective really, dependant on road surface and driving patterns as you say.

wrinx

[gary_de_tam]

So basically, if you wanna go for 18" then you should consider
some suspension mods.. I guess without slight lowering it would
raise the car up higher and look odd !

[Drewtastic]

I have 16's - I have owned cars with big wheels and it is too much on the derbyshire back roads where I mostly drive. My brother has a Mini cooper S with 17's and it is a pig to drive around here, lots of tram-lining and a fear of buckling a wheel.

Historically I have also found progressive feedback with a slightly higher profile, which for road use is perfect. I would love to take 20mm out of the ride on 17/18" alloys for looks, but I know I would need a chiropractor after 3 months!

[wrinx]

Derbyshire drivers here too....agreed some roads are pretty grim, perhaps I just like it hard

wrinx

[OperationAlfa]

I don't recommend fitting 18's to the 156.

OA

[gary_de_tam]

thanks OA, I am looking for 17"'s