Split topic: 18's and tyre size

[Dave]

i beg to differ! i've got 18's on 45's! to fill out the arches. i'm running 225/45/18R

and i only get rubbing on full lock! but lowering on the GS is probably not as much as the GPX!

[CJ]

Topic split, you can continue the bodykit dicsussion here:

http://www.fto-ireland.com/forum/phpBB2 ... php?t=2203

CJ

[Myfeckin FTO]

i beg to differ! i've got 18's on 45's! to fill out the arches. i'm running 225/45/18R

and i only get rubbing on full lock! but lowering on the GS is probably not as much as the GPX!

Not argueing that 18 inch 225/45's won't fit - I've seen them on your car.
My concern would be with running with wheels this large - you will be a massive 8% off on the standard circ of a standard FTO (2072.51mm as opposed to 1920.77mm) - this will affect gearing and acceleration plus smaller issues like speedo accuracy etc.

No doubt they look better though - its a tricky subject to be honest - but I personally feel that a 45 profile tyre on a 17 inch rim is the best way to go.

[CJ]

Split and moved again!

CJ

[agent s]

Not that I know loads, but I've heard of annoying problems with alloys bigger than the car can really manage without being affected. I'm getting 17's

[agent s]

Butt want 22's!

[Myfeckin FTO]

All hail the King of Split Topics

I had to answer the mans post.

[CJ]

Butt want 22's!

Forget about it, they just won't work. Personally, I stick with 17's, they suit the FTO much better without detracting from the overall sleek look of the car. Go to big and it just look right. This is just one of the reasons not to overdo it on the rim size, messy handling and increased tyre cost are some other considerations..

CJ

[agent s]

No i was kidding 22's are for jeeps aren't they?

[Dave]

there is someone on the UK forums with 20's! must pull the link on it, not a fan of that big but it's a show car so it looks ok!

i like the 18's on mine i must say, not too big and leary and seeing that the GS doesn't lower as much the extra inch fills those arches just nicely!

[agent s]

Hum... lowering - can I do that in my GR? The ride is quite bumpy as it is!

[Dave]

if it's not lowered already, lower it straight away, otherwise it looks like it's on stilts!

the ride will always be "bumpy" but it's a proper sports car so it has to be expected!

[CByrne]

Have talked to loads of people about this.
For any car the general rule seems to be that one size above standard should be ok, but two sizes or more above standard is stretching it a bit and is likely to noticeably affect performance and handling.
For 18s or over on the FTO you might consider getting it laser alligned every now and again. Uneven wear on an oversized tyre aint good.....

[agent s]

OK! Silly question but how do I know if it's lowered - apart from it looking like it's on stilts!!

[kevinod]

No i was kidding 22's are for jeeps aren't they?

Xzibit from pimp my ride had 22s on his Hummer 2, or was it 24s... Apparently the next size up made the ride to harsh.

Kev.

[kevinod]

OK! Silly question but how do I know if it's lowered - apart from it looking like it's on stilts!!

A better scientific answer might be forthcoming from these guys, but mine isn't lowered, and here's what it looks like from the side (std 16" FTO alloys):



Not the best pic to judge it from but all I got!

Kev.

[agent s]

Ok nice one - thanks! Think mine is like yours!

[fuc-t-o]

there is someone on the UK forums with 20's!

That would be me

[Dave]

knew it was you alright, wasn't bothered looking for the pic though!

[agent s]

They look hot! But does it affect car much?

[fuc-t-o]

the car feels quicker with the 20's than when it did with the 18's on, but the 18's were running a 255 wide rears and these are only 225 rears

They rub slightly on full lock but will be getting sorted out once it goes into the bodyshop

[kevinod]

there is someone on the UK forums with 20's!

That would be me

Dammit, makes my stds look a bit shabby!! Ah well, a set of 17s is on 'the list' for some stage... along with downpipes, exhaust, insulator gasket, braided brake hoses, etc etc etc!

Your motor's looking well though! Did you have much hassle getting the wheels to fit?

Kev.

[fuc-t-o]

wasn't to bad to get them to fit, everone thought the rears would be the problem, but they when straight on, the fronts was a struggle, as the mounting part of the wheel was hitting the calipers, so in the end a 5mm spacer was added and a slight rub of the caliper with a grinder to shave a mill of the profile

[agent s]

Still, they're on & they look great!

[Dave]

so no brembo's for you??? the GS brakes look tiny in behind the wheel.