I changed my standard wheels for some 17 inch ones.

 

They're second hand ones from a site member - nice wheels, great price! :nana2:

 

The tyres are 255 - 17 rear and 235 - 17 fron (up from J-spec 225-16 all round). I think the off set is correct at 37 and the PCD is right. (They're OZ whelels).

 

The car feels a bit different when I drive.

 

In a straight line, especially on motorways, it's less relaxed in a straight line and grabs and picks up imperfections in the road more.

 

It's not a big difference and I think it's normal.

 

Is this normal... I think it is but intersted to hear what people think?

 

Also, what are 18 and 19 inch wheels like to drive on?

Hi, are they the OZ F1s with marshalls on get the tracking checked as larger wheels and tyres will alter this. Ihave 19s on and they put the tracking out alot and having 35 profile tyres on mine make the ride harsher

bubbles

I changed my standard wheels for some 17 inch ones.

 

They're second hand ones from a site member - nice wheels, great price! :nana2:

 

The tyres are 255 - 17 rear and 235 - 17 fron (up from J-spec 225-16 all round). I think the off set is correct at 37 and the PCD is right. (They're OZ whelels).

 

The car feels a bit different when I drive.

 

In a straight line, especially on motorways, it's less relaxed in a straight line and grabs and picks up imperfections in the road more.

 

It's not a big difference and I think it's normal.

 

Is this normal... I think it is but intersted to hear what people think?

 

Also, what are 18 and 19 inch wheels like to drive on?

 

Wider wheels will cause more tramlining, plus the stiffer side walls will pick up imperfections much greater. However 16 > 17 is'nt a giant leap, so if its very noticable it could be that the larger wheels are exagerating the affects of worn suspension bushings or alignment issues.

I have the same size wheels/tyres as you, have never had standard wheels so cannot really compare, but mine tend to tramline a bit in the 'ruts'

left by lorries on dual carriageways & motorways, nothing major though.

Then again, so does my 'stra & thats got fookin' bicycle wheels on it!

I went from stock wheels to the same as you size and found the overall handling and ride improved.

 

Wider wheels can tramline but different makes of tyres have different feeling. I have Goodyear F1s and the car always drives straight and true at any speed. Way better than the Avons on my stock rims ;)

 

As everyone else says, get the wheel allignment checked and have the wheels re-balanced. Also play around with different tyre pressures, although I have found that even with bigger wheels the stock pressures give the nicest feel.

 

What make of tyres do you have - cheaper brands on a high performance car often won't feel "right"

 

Richard :smw:

Tim, go down to 225 on the front and you wont get tramlining on a Zed.