wildy55 Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Hi all Am looking to get the wheels for my car which currently runs 14" with 195/70 profiles. I've changed all the suspension bushes and the car handles and drives good. A friend had some Simmons 3-pc alloys, 15" running 195/50 & 205/50 tyres which I've put on and the ride's noticeable harsher over road imperfections. So now I'm wondering what effect the 17" (9 & 9.5") wheels are gonna have on the ride. Those of you running 17", can you let me know what the overall ride and feel's like? Cheers Martin Quote
sexual_sushi Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Rough as all hell :S The previous owner put 17's on my 240z and lowered king springs and koni reds (off the top of my head) and it is so rough that I actually watch the road and dodge every little bump and manhole and even those little access points that are only a few inches across. But I wouldn't have it any other way, I don't drive the datsun because it is comfortable Quote
. Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Also make sure you consider the legality. There seems to be an assumption these days that you can have any size wheels and tyres so long as they fit. There are actual limits and if you exceed them you could be booked (depending on the rules in your state or territory). I'm not saying don't do it, just saying go in knowing all the facts. Keep in mind guard and spring clearance too. Quote
Roberto Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Much harsher, but if you keep your tyre pressures down it is not too bad. The other thing that will determine ride quality is wheel weight. Lighter is better. Good luck Quote
620Z Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 17's will be OK. If you want comfort go and but a Commodore or SUV. Not a Zed. Quote
shanec86 Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 hardly any difference between 16's and 18's on my infiniti, or between 15's and 17's on our work cars. Maybe you lot are just too old and frail + with lower profile tyres the idea is to run greater pressures so you have a lower chance of bashing rim Quote
showtime Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 I say go 17, If ya harts there then go 4 it. And dropped it on its guts. Looks cool and make driving more interesting. Quote
Moderators Zedman240® Posted March 28, 2011 Moderators Posted March 28, 2011 Any road tyre will have a softer sidewall than a semi slick, so if you have 17's with a road tyre, it will be a bit firmer but no rock hard. I had 17's with semi's but with hard springs... it was great but with Melbourne's shiza roads, had to dodge large Arizona crater sized potholes if you can spot them in time...or crack your windscreen. I'd do it again, but with the biggest profile you can go to but with consideration of the rolling diameter. Quote
zed240au Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Ive been very happy with 17' wheels handle good not that noticable difference to 15" with 50 series tyres. Though it does give me that extra bit of ground clearance that i needed after lowering car too far mick Quote
Whittie Posted March 29, 2011 Posted March 29, 2011 currently runs 14" with 195/70 profiles. So now I'm wondering what effect the 17" (9 & 9.5") wheels are gonna have on the ride. I have 205/50/15 and 225/45/16 race rims/tyres and a set of stock 195/70/14 road wheels as well. The only reason I run the 14's is extra ground clearance on the road and a MUCH softer ride. The sidewall on a 195/70 is so big it actually provides almost more cushioning than the suspension!! However, I am about to relegate the 14's to the shed for good as I just love the extra response of the lower side-wall tyres. They are a bit bumpier, you need to watch for pot-holes and mostly drive in the right lane to avoid man-holes etc, but it feels and looks so much better I wouldn't have it any other way. Have a think about how often you drive your zed and then think about how little you would care about a 'bumpy' ride in it. That will ultimately be your answer because if you wanted a smooth ride you would either have a fully restored original car, or not a zed! Quote
wildy55 Posted March 29, 2011 Author Posted March 29, 2011 Ahh, thanks for the advice, tho it's a bit good-cop-bad-cop re the 17's. For everyone saying go for it, there's another saying don't. Want to go 17 and flares but drive the car most days and the rego in Sydney clearly hasn't been splashed on the roads. Would hate to cut the rust-free guards to find out I hate driving the car. Any opinions on 16" with higher profile tyres, maybe a 55 or 60? Quote
. Posted March 29, 2011 Posted March 29, 2011 OK, well I might not be able to demonstrate 17 inch wheels on a zed but here is a practical demonstration how 16 inch wheels ride on a zed Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.