16" wheels on the front.

[retroptvr]

Having just acquired a complete set of 16" Estorills (7.5J X 16H2), which will allow me to fit the same speed rated tyres all round and retain track day insurance cover. Can anyone advise me of what tyre width/aspect ratio to fit to the front? I understand ride height etc need to be taken into consideration.

Being a 500 with power steering:

The rears are 245/45 16

The fronts were 225/50 15 (what 16" do I now need here?)

Also I have heard about spacers for the front, are these needed and what do they do exactly?

Sure one of you has all the answers!

Edited by retroptvr on Friday 16th May 11:25

[coetzeeh]

I have 16" estorils all round.

225/45/16 front and 245/45/16 rear (Falkens by the way).

The spacer is needed to prevent the front tyres from fouling against the chassis at full lock. I think a 5mm spacer is required on the rack. Demon Tweeks do them.

[JR]

or 7mm spacer on the wheels/hub.

[retroptvr]

coetzeeh said:

I have 16" estorils all round.

225/45/16 front and 245/45/16 rear (Falkens by the way).

The spacer is needed to prevent the front tyres from fouling against the chassis at full lock. I think a 5mm spacer is required on the rack. Demon Tweeks do them.

Thanks Coetzeeh, I knew someone would know! Is the same aspect ratio/profile front to back by chance, or design?

How do you get on with them has it improved handling as well as tyre choice and looks? I currently have Toyos but often told they are softer side walled so run at a couple of PSI higher, I guess the lower profile would help.

Appreciate your posting.

[JR]

Toyo T1-S/R are a soft sidewall but because you're stepping up wheel diameter and so have a shorter sidewall these will cancel each other out.

[retroptvr]

coetzeeh said:

I have 16" estorils all round.

225/45/16 front and 245/45/16 rear (Falkens by the way).

The spacer is needed to prevent the front tyres from fouling against the chassis at full lock. I think a 5mm spacer is required on the rack. Demon Tweeks do them.

Thanks for the help so far.

Next question:

When I fit the spacers, do I need to change-out the original wheel studs for new and longer, or is there enough thread left for the original wheel nuts to be secured to?

RetropTVR

[coetzeeh]

On my car the spacers went on the steering rack, so slightly compromised turning circle to the right IIRC - does not bother me at all. I would be cautious to put spacers on the hubs - I would ask an expert about this, but generally, wheel spacers on performance cars should be avoided.

I made the change purely to help with tyre choice on the front.

I have not noticed any difference in handling, but then again, the car is much quicker than my driving ability. I have read some comments that turn in is improved, but hey ho, can't say.

The steering is not heavier than with the 15's - again, not enough for me to notice. Glad I did it though.

[Colin L]

Ah here's one, can you just put 16" on the front with no spacers if you are just doing a one off run due a flat 15" tyre?

Both fronts then being 16" till you get the repair done or will is just better to run the space saver??

(Just to clear up the why would run about with 2 16" space in the back of Chim, well running to Cadwell with R888's on the front and normal rears on, will put my track rears on at Cadwell, normally just carry the saver spare, but with 400 miles to do, you never know????)

Colin L

[coetzeeh]

I see no problem fitting the 16" without spacers. Be mindful not to use full lock when turning - the inside of the front wheel will catch against the chassis if you did use full lock.

[Johno]

Mine runs 16's on the front without spacers . . If you get the rack 'just' right then they don't hit at full lock . .. But that's rare.

It's possible to chuck some in to get you home, just mind the full lock . .

[Colin L]

Thanks, for that, just to say I don't plan to get any flat tyres, but its more fun on track with track tyres...

Colin L