Re: 17s on Michigan roads?

["Graydon D. Stuckey" <graydon@apollo.gmi.edu>]

On Sat, 3 Aug 1996 AUDIDUDI@delphi.com wrote:

> > 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?
Jeff,

	Yes, the extra inch does help alot.  I am not saying that there 
was no difference between your 17s and my 15s, just that the difference 
wasn't as big as I thought it might be.  I've noticed the same thing on 
my RX7.  I have had everything from 70 series street tires and race tires 
down to 6x20-13 slicks which would work out to 25 or 30 series probably.  
I found it depended more on tire construction and make than aspect 
ratio.  I found that 185/60-13 A008RS tires on the RX7 were very crisp 
handling despite their seemingly large aspect ratio.

> 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

	That's good to know for next time :-) I have full confidence in my
own driving, but often when driving someone else's car, I have to remind
myself that they may not have the same confidence in my driving that I
have.  I try to be mindful of that. 

> 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.

	That's very true.  My car has a stiffened suspension, so it really
isn't an apples to apples comparison.  When you get the suspension done,
it will be a very direct, precise car.  Thanks for the drive, BTW - I 
thoroughly enjoyed it.  I still think that our 10 year old Audis handle 
better than the '98 Cadillac that I drove on the Proving Grounds this week!

Later, ---------------------------------------------------------- 
Graydon D. Stuckey 	'85 Mazda RX7 GS, no toys 
graydon@apollo.gmi.edu 	'86 Audi 5000 CS Turbo Quattro, has toys
Flint, Michigan USA	'89 Thunderbird SC, lotsa toys