Wheel sizes
 

I have been offered a set of 16" wheels. The wheels on the car are 15". If I change them over, will I notice any significant difference? I assume rolling radius will change slightly (not noticeable?) but am more concerned about handling/gearing.

I changed 15"Crowns for 16"Unions and honestly did not notice any deteriation in the ride but I thought the 16" filled the wheel arch better and improved the cars allearance.

Slightly firmer ride than 15" wheels but hardly noticeable. I like both.

You notice a difference when running 17" and 18" wheels. Much firmer.


Having said that, I put 50 profile tyres on my V6 last year and the extra sidewall gave a better ride. 225/50/17 as opposed to 225/45/17.


No other issues when changing wheels/tyres.

I would like to soften the ride with 17" meteors on 225/45's and note that the later cars were fitted with 215/50's. Your choice seems best of both worlds keeping width plus deeper sidewall. Are there any clearance problems?

No. Ran the car for about 18 months on the 50 profile tyres. Just took the edge off the harsh ride. Being a Contemporary, the ride was a little firmer than my Conny 75. The wheels now sit on another members car and he likes them too.

I fear I'm about to exceed the value of the car with tyre costs anyway Jon.

Having today collected with much joy the set of 5 forked alloys from Victorgte my options are now changed. I had intended to use the above as temporary replacements for the o/e Crowns while they were being refurbed and then re-sell Victor’s.

Have now changed my mind as the forked alloys are very nice so I’ll keep them and put winter tyres on. After all, according to some, following the planet boiling over and becoming another sun, we will be getting much more snow soon.

I’ve just fitted the winter wheels/tyres to my wife’s 75. Took me a month or so of searching the internet to find 4 part worn but worth it in the end. Subject to good weather I will swap back to standard tyres about 1st March.