To change wheels or not to change wheels?

N

Nickyg

Member
Hi,

I have a 2.2i 05 plate in black that came with 17 inch Double Spoke Alloys. I really like the look of the 18" Elipsoid wheels. Is it worth upgrading to bigger wheels? If so which ones. Is the ride affected significantly by putting the bigger wheels on?

Cheers
Nick
 
I went from 16" to 18" on my 2003 2.5i and the ride was much better - larger normal wheels ride better than smaller run-flats.
 
Are all the wheel sizes the same? So my current 16" wheels which are somehting like 255/55 if i upgraded to 18" elipsoids, all that means is the tire wall is smaller and the alloy is bigger, so the overall tire size 255 doesn't change?
 
Indeed. I think I have 225 on the front and 255 on the back.

Elips are the way to go, just don't scuff them like I did yesterday :(
 
Adie said:
Are all the wheel sizes the same? So my current 16" wheels which are somehting like 255/55 if i upgraded to 18" elipsoids, all that means is the tire wall is smaller and the alloy is bigger, so the overall tire size 255 doesn't change?
Click to expand...

You are partially right. The 255 in 255/55ZR18 refers to the width of the tire in millimeters. The actual diameter of a wheel/tire combo is: 2*aspect_ratio/100*tire_width + wheel diameter.

Currently, on your car with 16" wheels and 255/55xxx16 tires you get a diameter of: 2*55/100*255 + 16*25.4 = 686,9 mm = 27,0 inches. With 18" wheels and tires of the same width (255 mm) you would
need a tire with an aspect ratio of: 45. So a tire of 255/45xx18 would get you a diameter for the 18" wheel/tire combo identical to your current setup.

Cheers.
 
THANKS Patrice - I was hoping it meant i wouldn't need to increase the overall wheel diameter.
 
I have the 18" Elipsoid wheels. Make sure to get NON RFT, 18" RFT's are a very hard ride. Also keep in mind the tire price on those back wheel ellipsoid (they are staggered sport wheels) is way higher than the 17" if that concerns you.
 
Not covered here so far, but do remember that the larger wheel size will in most people's opinion look a lot better on the car. There will be a slight deterioration in ride quality if you lower the aspect ration of the tyre, but most people accept that in a sports car. Changing to non RFT's will more than negate that, but need consideration for punctures.

Another side issue is that the performance will be slightly worsened as the larger wheel has greater weight and that weight is further out from the centre of rotation. You may therefore feel acceleration is a little less, especially on the smaler engined models.

Overall I'd do it and if it provides any comfort the 2.2 was offered with 107 or 108 in staggered (wider rear) configuration from new
 
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