[s-cars] Is 225 too wide?

[Fred Munro]

Hi Sam;

My '94 S4 had mild tramlining issues (the car followed ruts in the pavement)
with the 225/50-16 Dunlop SP9000s on the OEM rims in spite of new suspension
components, numerous alignments, and 2B camber plates to correct camber
issues and dial in a bit more caster. There was no tramlining whatsoever
with the 205/55-16 Blizzak snow tires. The suspension was stock on the car
except for the Koni Sport shocks instead of the OEM gas charges Boges. The
car had an issue with alignment - I had to shift the subframe and use the 2B
plates to get the right side camber in spec and even then the right side 2B
plate was cranked to the limit.

Enter the '97 S6. I swapped over the 2B plates, installed new control arms &
other bits, and the suspension dialed in with both plates right on centre.
No tramlining whatsoever even on heavily rutted pavement with 225/50-16
Nokian Zs on the OEM S4 rims (I prefer the 5-spoke forged over the 6-spoke
cast boat anchors).

Wider tires are more prone to tramlining and some tire brands tramline worse
than others.

Fred Munro
'94 S4
'97 S6

-----Original Message-----
From: s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com
[mailto:s-car-list-bounces at audifans.com]On Behalf Of Sam Clarkson
Sent: July 24, 2006 11:22 PM
To: s-car-list at audifans.com
Subject: [s-cars] Is 225 too wide?


Hi Audiologists
I blew out one of my snow tyres the other day (always a thrill!). So
I put my summer 225/50x16's back on pending new knobblies. I
immediately noticed how much harder the car is to drive on 225 vs 205
tyres. It tramlines in the dry and aquaplanes in the wet. I put my
new 205/55 Blizzacks on again today and the car is immediately far
nicer. Iv'e had the alignment done and all is sweet. I'm not
commenting on roadholding here as I'm not about to throw snow tyres
hard around corners, but in a straight line they are clearly
superior. Anyone else had this experience? I'm tempted to go to 205
in summer too...
93 S4 avant
from the correct hemisphere
Sam Clarkson
Edge to Edge
P.O. Box 27
National Park 3948
Ph 0800 800 SKI (754)
http://www.edgetoedge.co.nz

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