swapped 17" for 16" for winter setup and...

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Dec 18, 1998 | 12:42 PM

MichaelB

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swapped 17" for 16" for winter setup and...

...what a difference! Granted, I haven't taken an extensive drive with the OEM wheels back on, but a quick drive back to work made it readily apparent.I have the A!AvantGarde suspension kit, and thought it drove a bit stiff. With the 17's off and the 16's back on, things softened up quite a bit. I cut the steering wheel quickly to see how the car felt during lateral movement, and turn-in is much less sharp with the 16's. I guess I thought there would be a difference, but didn't think it would be so dramatic (or noticable so quickly).I'll see how the car feels after a long drive and report back. One thing is for sure...after having the 17's on, the 16's look awfully small (especially since they sit a little further inside the wheel arch - which magnifies the effect).MikeP.S. Also had Direct Tire send my gouged 17" Azev to a refinishing shop located somewhere in Atlanta. When the wheel comes back, I'll let you know how it looks.

Dec 18, 1998 | 12:51 PM

Koushik

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What kind of tires on your 16" wheels?

Dec 18, 1998 | 01:02 PM

MichaelB

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Re: What kind of tires on your 16" wheels?

STOCK: GoodYear RS-A 205/55-16SUMMER: Toyo Proxes T1 225/45-17I didn't really take any hard corners yet, but I am preparing myself for the vast decrease in grip that the RS-A's will bring, as well as the vast increase in tire squeal!

Dec 18, 1998 | 01:11 PM

PeterV

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Re: What kind of tires on your 16 NE group

Michael, Should we be very carefun in the parking lot Jan, 16th???????

Dec 18, 1998 | 01:12 PM

PeterV

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Re: What kind of tires on your 16 NE group

carefun well we might have to interpret that ho'bout careful?????

Dec 18, 1998 | 01:36 PM

MichaelB

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Be afraid...be very afraid. ;-)

Dec 18, 1998 | 05:40 PM

Jim Meyer

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Even staying with the same size wheels and changing to winter tires makes a huge difference!

A couple of weeks ago I got Michelin Arctic Alpin snow tires put on my stock 7-spoke wheels in place of the stock SP8000s. In both cases the tires were size 205/55R-16. What a difference!! The snows have a much softer ride and poorer turn-in. And, of course, I'm terrified of driving around corners fast because I'm afraid I'll wear the snows down in only a couple of months, so I've really been babying it. However, I must admit when I'm just cruising the softness of the tires is very nice. I was contemplating getting 17" wheels come spring-time (I don't like the look of the 7-spokers), but I'm not sure I can live with the harsh ride. I think I'll stick with 16 inchers (Borbet Type E is my current vote, but that could change until spring).Jim Meyer '98 2.8QMS