Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 21:21:45 GMT From: Bob <uctraingnospamanet.com> Subject: Re: 19" wheels for SAAB Viggen?
On 16 Feb 2006 13:04:43 -0800, x_codernospamail.com wrote: >Mostly the ride feels a little rough, especially when accelerating >rapidly... The looks couldnt hurt either, the tires just feel a little >week for the kind of thrust it has... Wider tires do not increase the adhesion patch (amount of tire contacting the road). They just change the shape. While making the wheelbase wider might have some effect on lateral stability, it also loads the bearing and suspension differently and is not a great idea. Shortening those sidewalls (wider tires) would decrease "ride" as most would refer to it. A smaller diameter wheel (16") would make the ride better and perhaps soften some of the problems you have. All this assumes that you keep the outer diameter of the tire constant - which you should shoot for with reasonable accuracy. But, I think "ride" is the wrong term for what you are experiencing. What are the issues? Wheel hop under acceleration? Torque steer (tramlining)? If so, there are other improvements you can make that will correct those issues. I don't think larger wheels will help anything.