Re: Wider rims and tires - should I?

[e6941tb@ix.netcom.com]

Jim Griffin wrote:

> I am thinking of going to a 15x7 inch rim (Borbet Type H for $129 at the
> Tire Rack), with 215/60/15 Comp T/A HR4 tires (at $63 each at the "Rack").

> Several questions:
> 
> 1. Were the 215/60s too wide for a 6 inch rim? If I go to a 7 inch rim, will
> it make a difference?

Yes, you will have slightly less sidewall flex under lateral
acceleration.
 
> 2. I did not have an alignment done. Should I have? Would the lack of an
> alignment have caused a (this) problem?

Yes. At least check the alignment.
 
> 3. The new rims don't come in the OEM offset of 45mm. I would have to get a
> 35 mm offset. What will this do overall?

It will push your wheels outwards, but since you have the factory flared
fenders on a '92 100, you can probably get away with it. On a pre-91 car
you would've had to flare the rears, like I did, when installed my MOMO
Ferrari with 38mm offset.

> Do I need to get an alignment with
> the offset change?

I'ts a good practice to at least check the alignment, when installing a
new tyre/wheel combo.

> Will my bearings wear out faster?

There is a school of thought, that claims a shorter bearing life
expectancy, coz of the increase in a tangetial force applied (longer
leverage). I dunno, mine still run quietly after 2.5 years.

> What affect will the
> offset change have on the ride/handling?

I can't tell what offset change alone does to a car, coz I've changed a
number of parameters at the same time, but the difference between
horrible H-rated Turanzas (205/60/15) on the OEM 6" BBS
and awesome Z-rated SP8000s (205/55/16) on 7.5" MOMOs was nothing short
of stunning. 

> 5. If I get this 15x7 and 215/60 combo, will I be able to live with them as
> "daily drivers"? If I drive enough on them, will I eventually get used to
> the change

I am able to happily live with even harsher 16" wheels on my daily
driver. (BTW, Jim, you should've asked for a test drive on the last
Q-club, I would've happily let you drive my car so that you could gather
your own opinion about the wheel/tyre set-up).

> ... or will I be forever regretting each day, each mile, the fact
> > that I just spent over $800 for something I hate?

IMHO, some day you'll regret that you've spent a lot of money for only a
half-measure, whereas for a coupla bux more you could've gotten a 16"
set-up. I personnaly wouldn't waste money on a very marginal improvement
(if any at all), associated with just an increase in the rim width on
the same small 15" wheels.

Igor Kessel
'89 200TQ