Monday, April 22, 2013 - 10:32 am, by: John Stafford(Johng12)
I have just changed my wheels and tyres on my 32 from 16 inch 50 profile to 17 inch 45 profile and a decrease of offset to push the wheels out towards the outer body.
I rang my wheel alignment guy and asked if I needed to redo my alignment and he said NO. No need, the only thing that would really change was the toe in on turns and that is not adjustable.
The height of the tyres varies little with this change but what if I went to 18s with either 40 or 45 profile, would there be a need to redo the alignment? I am thinking of track work where I will put 18s with 40 front and 45 profile rear on the 32 just for the track. Does anyone have experience with changing sizes like this and the need for realignments? Any experience with excessive wear?
Tuesday, April 23, 2013 - 11:03 am, by: John Stafford(Johng12)
Hi Ian, When I first changed my V8 from 15 inch standard rims with about 50 offset to 18s with 35 offset it did seem to wander and to tramline some but it did not take long before it felt absolutely normal. I changed back once and there was not that great a difference once I had gotten used to the new feel. The low profile tyres are harder to ride on than the 50 or 55 profile standard tyres.
When I fitted my dixxer drew bilstein suspension I thought that it was going to be too hard but it seemed to settle in or at least I settled into it and now I love both the 18s with wide track and the suspension. It is fantastic. I just put new Kumho KU31 on and so it won't let go in the wet like it did with the cheaper tyres.
The offset is not so much on the 32 that I have also just fitted with new Kumhos (41ml instead of 35ml on the other car). Before I put the new 17 inch wheels on I tried the 18s off my 31 on the 32 and it was a little harsher with the low profile tyres but it had no tramlining at all, just everything better, so very happy with the change and will feel much safer in the wet with the Kumhos. I was breaking loose and going sideways at 100 klm when changing back to second gear to overtake. Very exciting
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 - 12:14 pm, by: John Stafford(Johng12)
Yea, they look much alike. Mine are Zauber 3 piece rims, cost about $2500. Amazing that now some people are selling whole cars for $2500!! My wheels came with my car when I bought it but did not have rubber on them until now. They really suit the dark colour hey?
Wednesday, April 24, 2013 - 09:57 pm, by: Rory Braatvedt(Fallward)
Haha Zauber?? Mine are called Sauber! 17X8 and 17X9 made in Japan. I personally believe they are the perfect wheel for the Soarer, and will keep them for the next one!
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