Change to 17" wheels

[Arkatee]

My 1.6 GT came with the dealer option STI wheels - 18x8.5, running 245/40 tyres. Too much wheel for this car with my usage, especially for the great British B road. Car felt ponderous at times, the low speed ride was confused, and it tramlined a lot. So I sorted it out with very light (6.9kg) 17x7.5s, with 225/50 tyres. This is a saving of around 6.5kg per corner. The difference is immense - low speed ride improved a lot, far less road noise, the car is more nimble and balanced, the suspension is doing it's work much better.

 

[Ghost_HTX]

This is really interesting!

Mine came with the 7,5x18 split five spokes with 225/45/18 Dunlop Sportmax. Handles really well, I thought. Tight, stable and reassuring.

The winter wheels are 7,5x17 with 215/50/17 Conti Winter Contact 6 and Im not a fan... Squishy, wallowy and vague.

Come spring Im fitting 8x19 with 235/35/19 or 225/40/19, depending on price and availability. I had heard that 245/35/19 would make her tramline and just ruin the handling. Thinking about using the 18s for winter tyres and selling the 17s.