[s-cars] Tires/Wheels

TM t44tq at mindspring.com
Tue Mar 18 20:15:34 EST 2003


Marc-
There have been quite a few discussions about wheel weight
and unsprung weight and how it affects handling.

Unfortunately, it is quite expensive to get a lightweight wheel
in a larger size.

As for the bigger is better thing, I've experienced significant
improvements in ultimate grip by going to a larger tire/wheel
combination.
I'm much happier with my car shod with 255/40R17 rather than the stock
215/60R15 and I've noticed a significant improvement when going from my
old 225/45R17 to 255/40R17.

I've also noticed significant degradation in ride quality when running
my winter 28lb. Avus wheels vs. my summer 22lb. wheels.

IMHO, you have very little to gain by going to a 18" wheel, although
unfortunately, there are very few aftermarket 16 and 17" wheels in
a 5x112 bolt pattern and significantly wider than stock and currently
produced.

I think a 245/45R16 on a 16x8.5 or 16x9 wheel would do just as well as
a 17x8.5 or 17x9 with a 255/40R17, but that is pure speculation on my
behalf.

For my next set of wheels I am looking to go to a 17x8.5 or 17x9 with
a target of sub-19lb. if possible.

Taka




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