What's 6 weeks compared to 2 years of covid19 😉

 

Having slept on it I've decided to go for the oz 17" wheels....as long as the delivery doesn't get too silly.
As the wheels are wider (7"), now the question will be....
205x40x17 ...82mm sidewall or
215x40x17 ...86mm sidewall
🤣🤣🤣 I think I'll have lots of time to sleep on it!

 

I've got some geeky measurements/data to share in the 16" wheel thread eventually - not much of a weight saving in what I've put on in comparison with the OE wheels and tyres, I think because the Goodyear factory tyres are so light. Am also finding tyre wear accounts for a surprising difference in weight with the Oswalds which have done about 9k.

The nature of the ride on 205/45/16 seems no different to the standard wheels/tyres to me - it still picks up every imperfection/change in the road surface etc - the difference is in the way they must soak up the worst of the intrusions, I've not heard any banging yet (so glad to have gotten rid of the banging - it really knocks confidence in the car). Going to swap back to the Oswalds for the coming week, to compare. Given that the nature of the ride seems no different, I'm even more interested to try Pro Streets now; not for a good while though.

Mark, have you not been tempted to swap the Clio's wheels onto the up? 172 Cup Turninis (ET38??) should go straight on, not sure what you've on yours though?

 

I've got a 182 cup so no speedlines and I've seen a set on the Up and it didn't do anything for me personally. I don't want to drop to 16's as to my eye it can often make the car look like a normal Up....

I do love the standard wheels and half the reason I've not tried any of the 17 inch wheels I like is because I'm frightened I will look at my own car and think what have you done 🙀🤬😭.

But the urge to try a set is still pretty strong potholes are where those heavy standard wheels make there presence known but to be honest the UK roads have become a disgrace and no car will glide over a crater fit for the moon.

 

It hasn't suddenly become a 4x4 and I do still have to scan to avoid potholes but it has yet to frighten me with a massive bang from one I've missed - which happens frequently on the Oswalds.

Fully agree with the looks thing though. Despite not being a fan of diamond cuts, these wheels do look amazing, especially when everything's been washed&polished. Function over form for me every time though!

 

I am like a hawk on crack when I drive but one got me this weekend hidden by the rain on the road....

I had a little internal 😭 then business as usual 👍

 

Looks are not everything. Thoughts of rubbing, or speedo errors aside, or even what you can safely fit on a given rim, just remember that for a given weight of car, and road conditions there is a sweet-spot for tyres, and it's all a compromise. Go too wide, for example, and you may aquaplane earlier and lose wet braking distance (or wet traction). You may lose fuel ecomony and the extra friction blunts top speed and acceleration slightly. If you change tyre dimensions, tell you insurer, as has been suggested.

 

This post deserves repeating. Particularly re aquaplaning. Remember even the GTi barely weighs a tonne. Each increase in tyre width, for a given pattern and set of road conditions, reduces the speed at which control will be lost.

 

Will reply properly when I get chance 😉

 

What colour have you gone for?

 

I always looked at wheels, but mostly preferred the Oswalds. I saw the 17" OZ alleggerita in Silver in the latest Volkswizard video and fancied them. Hopefully it works!

 

Looking forward to reading more! 👍
When I ordered my Sparcos (through Tweeks) in November, I was told they'd take a few weeks from Italy (presumably same factory? Don't know) and they arrived just before xmas. Definitely pays to wait for what you want, won't be long

 

Well done for pulling the trigger. A 205 tyre will not be stretched on a 7inch wheel not from what I have seen.

The Speedo thing wouldn't bother me it will probably end up being a true reading knowing how far off they can be compared to GPS speed.

It may possibly help the car hit 60mph in 2nd with the slightly taller gearing ? If it did this would help a lot in reducing the time by not needing another gear change.... Just a thought.

A bit more tyre wall can only be a good thing re potholes and the wider tyre would help protect those very expensive wheels!

They could also being wider help with traction so it could be a win win.....

I'm sure someone will be along to tell you that if you over tyre a car it will be total rubbish much like has been said about fitting the 205 tyre I have on the factory wheels nearly always from people who haven't done it! Luckily I never listened 🤣.

As far as I know you will be the first to try it much like I was with the 205's that can be a bit nerve racking but you could end up finding something that then becomes the go to option 😎

I've had a look at that tyre size and a PS4 is available plus a few other decent options so it could definitely be an option worth exploring.

Hope this helps 👍

 

Goodyear Tyres / Car / Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 215/40 R17 87Y XL FP TL Fuel Eff.: C Wet Grip: A NoiseClass: B Noise: 70dB Car Tyres - MPV Tyres - People Carrier Tyres - 17" R17" - 215/40/17, 215/40R17

Buy online cheap Goodyear Tyres / Car / Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 6 215/40 R17 87Y XL FP TL Fuel Eff.: C Wet Grip: A NoiseClass: B Noise: 70dB

www.camskill.co.uk

 

Cheers all. I'm tempted with pilot sports, only as I know them and know that they are on the softer side. But a cheaper tyre is not a bad idea.....there's soooo much grip with these light cars!

 

These could be an option lots of people really rare them and you can't argue at that price!

 

I'd be really interested to try a set of these myself but, you know, the PS5 sidewall is honestly worth the extra cost in my mind! Not even for it's softness, it just looks incredible! 😂

 

Let us know if and when you make a decision 👍

 

With standard size 195/40R17 I found all season maxxis premitra quite expensive for China tyre £145

 

I was worried about strut clearance with 205s on an ET37 7" rim but see no evidence of rubbing, they're very close though; I think you'd likely need to fit a spacer for 215s, won't know until you can trial fit.

 

You really need c5mm between strut and tyre to minimise the chance of a small stone tearing the sidewall of the tyre.

 

With a 7inch rim and et37 there is room for a spacer if needed if you were in anyway worried about the fit this is what I would do...

Find a friendly tyre fitter and just get one tyre fitted to a wheel and then try it on the car front and rear.

 

Good points.
I think what I'll do (in nice weather) is gaffer tape cable (or something...) to the inside of the current front wheel /tyre. I can gauge the amount of space and go from there. It will all work out👍

 

I've just called CLP automotive (wheel supplier) to double check the order. He expects the wheels to be shipped in the next week! I asked about tires...and guess what, he has a lowered up gti and has gone through ride experiences etc. He says that the most popular tyre choice for that size of wheel is 205x40. I asked about the 215 option and he'd be concerned about catching if spaced outwards - potentially on the outside (offset and larger diameter). I will go with the recommendation, probably with PS5's😀

 

Good to get some advice from someone with experience of the car I've ordered a few bits off them on my Up GTi project journey.

Sounds like they will be on before you know it 😎 I look forward to your opinion after you have lived with them for a little while!

 

205 tyres are great on the Up!

Motec list 215 tyres on the TUV approval papers for the Up/Mii/Citigo but in a 35 profile tyre with et36 wheel so very likely they will fit without issue.

Maybe something I will try down the line if I ever man up and buy some wheels 🙀🤣 but would stick with a 40 profile.

When I put the 205's on in September 2018 nobody had done it I asked on the forum..

I only ordered 2 at 1st and tried them on both ends with no issues and straight away ordered the other 2.

 

If there was a narrower wheel option, then personally I would have probably gone for it (thinking of mk2 GTI,s etc) but they start at 7" wide...I guess wider is more popularthese days😄

Thinking about it.....safety wise it should be far superior than what's on there at present - night and day, no question. It will be an OEM fitting wheel, slightly different offset (less than most wheel spacers), with a far superior tyre (regarding its performance in all conditions), with an increased wall height and lighter wheel, meaning an improved ability to absorb road imperfections safely. The speedo will still be within tolerance. I will be letting my insurers know👍

 

I drive 10k per year and Ive used 205/40/17 all season tyres for over 4 years and living in Glasgow i find them great in the heavy rain, sleet and snow and dont know if im lucky but ive smashed through thousands of massive pot holes over that time without a puncture

 

Thought this was interesting.....
I'd go for looks every day (mostly) 😀

Are lighter wheels really better?

We always hear that lightweight wheels are better, but do they actually make you go faster on track?

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