Re: Tires and rims...please help me with sizing basics

[ti@amb.org (Ti Kan)]

todd.stone@mailexcite.com writes:
> Another dumb question from a newbie to this list...
> I have a '98 A4 2.8 Q, and I'm looking into some new tires and rims.  Two
> questions:
> 
> First, my stock tires are 205/55 R16 W.  Could/should I go to a 215 tire for
> enhanced performance without changing anything but the rims?  (the manual
> does not address this) 

If you want to keep the stock rim, the next most reasonable size
upgrade would be 225/50-16.  This will give you the same overall diameter
as your stock tire so you speedometer will still read correctly.  This
size fits fine on an A4Q.

> Second, could/should I go to a 17" rim, again, for performance gains?  The
> manual warns against changing overall configuration as it will affect the
> Quattro differential (not to mention speedometer, trip computer, et al).

There is nothing inherently wrong with changing to a 17" wheel,
if you pick the correct size tire (to preserve the overall diameter).
However, You will have to use a tire with lower/stiffer sidewalls which
is theoretically better for handling, but gives rougher ride.  There is
also a higher probably of wheel damage from bad roads.

-Ti
96 A4 2.8 quattro
84 5000S 2.1 turbo
80 4000 2.0
-- 
    ///  Ti Kan                Vorsprung durch Technik
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