Re: 17s on Michigan roads?

[AUDIDUDI@delphi.com]

> As a matter of fact, I had to admit to myself that the handling
> difference between 215/45-17s and my 215/60-15s was barely noticable, and
> definitely not worth the extra expense, but the appearance was incredible.

Hmmm ... I found the difference between my old 215/55-15 Yokohama A008Gs on
the OEM 6x15 wheels and the new 215/45-17 BFG Comp TAs on 8x17 wheels to be 
*VERY* noticeable.  Night and day, in fact.  Perhaps the extra inch on your
7x15 BBS wheels helps your 215/60s a lot?

> Granted, I didn't push it as hard as I might have liked to in order to
> maintain civil relations with Jeff and Paula

To be honest, I was kind of surprised you didn't drive it harder ... but it
didn't seem too smart to encourage you to hammer on it, either.  Maybe next
time, eh?  BTW, Paula is a pretty good passenger ... for some reason, she's
grown to trust me behind the wheel and only starts getting nervous at three
digit speeds. 

> 17s would surface at higher speeds and g-forces, but still, the 
> difference wasn't huge.

Again, I would disagree and that's based on my car with the OEM suspension
still on it; stiffen the springs & shock damping and the difference should
be even more noticeable.
 
>         I gues the point is that IMHO I wouldn't hesitate to run 17"s 
> here in MI if I could afford it.  Maybe after a few months of trying it, 
> I might change my mind, but at this point, I am willing to try.

The only thing I'd do differently (other than go with 18s, that is) is try
to fit 9" wheels under the rear fenders and maybe 8.5" ones up front.  I'm
thinking a 225/40-17 might have been a better choice as well but I'm being
picky ... otherwise, I'm very happy with the setup as it is.  It's time to
begin working on the rest of the car (I've still got to install that fancy
turbo I bought from PDQSHIP, among other toys)!

     _             _             
    / l       l o l  \       l o   Jeffrey Goggin
   /__l l l / l l l  l l l / l l   * * * * * * *
  /   l l_l \_l l l__/ l_l \_l l   AudiDudi@delphi.com