Wheel/Tyre selection

[steve427]

I have 17" wheels currently fitted to the car at present, but got a spare set of 15" american imported tyres with it.
To stick with the 17" for improved performance, or 15" for ride quality and period looks???
Do the 15" with the increased wall allow you to predict the cars handling better???
Thoughts.....................
Steve.

[dingocooke]

A guy visited my house recently who used to race an original 7 litre cob, and when he saw my car he said 'glad to see your on 15" tyres so much more predictable handling'
I dont know if its true or not, having only driven it on 15's, but I guess there are a few on the forum who have changed from 15" to 17" or 18".
The ex racer guy said the smaller internal diameter, higher aspect ratio tyres gave more warning that they were losing traction, and the lower aspect ratio tyres gripped better right up to losing traction, giving more of a sensation of 'letting go', and less predictable drifting.
At the end of the day, Im not driving to the limit of drift on the road, and I like the period look, plus 15"s have moregive for slighlty better ride quality (not top priority I admit!)
Im sure there are pros and cons both ways. The biggest con for 15's is tyre availability/choice.

Steve:thumb:

[steve427]

Pretty much as I'd heard about the increased wall giving you that bit more feel and notice of a break away. I suppose that and the improved ride quality on our great British roads is a sensible argument for the 15" for day to day use.
Time for a ponder.........
Steve.

[kdavies3]

In summary,
15" higher profile,
pro: softer ride, period looks.

con: more tyre roll, worse handling, even if more predictable, tyres getting harder to find these days.

17" low profile,
pro: better handling, better braking, more tyre choice.

con: harder ride, less comfortable.

Personally I like the the low profile look but that's each to his own. :thumb: