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Tire sidewall is part of the suspension system... Posted by REM in Seattle [Email] (#4) [Profile/Gallery] (more from REM in Seattle) on Sun, 1 Oct 2006 14:38:43 In Reply to: Downgrading from 17" to 16" wheels? Opinions?...., AlexA, Sun, 1 Oct 2006 13:49:26 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
The tire sidewall is an air spring in parallel with the coil springs.
I think that using 16" rims with an upgraded suspension (like you have) is a great compromise. The 17" rims will give a bit better cornering but at the cost of ride quality and with extra wear on the rest of the suspension.
Take a a couple tire options for instance:
205/50-16 tires have a width of 8.07" and a sidewall height of 4.04"
205/55-16 tires have a width of 8.07" and a sidewall height of 4.44"
215/45-17 tires have a width of 8.46" and a sidewall height of 3.81"
225/45-17 tires have a width of 8.86" and a sidewall height of 3.99"
The 205/55-16 will give the best ride quality with some sacrifice in handling.
The 205/50-16 and the 225/45-17 will give about the same ride with the 225/45-17 giving better handling.
The 215/45-17 gives the worst ride quality but the best handling.
REM in Seattle
2005 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible; Steel Gray metallic; 5-speed; 11,000 miles
1998 Saab 900SET; Silver metallic; 5-door; Automatic; 87,000 miles
1984 Saab 900T; Cherry Red; 3-door; 5-speed; 242,000 miles (RIP)
_______________________________________ REM in Seattle Current: 2013 Volvo XC60 R-Design, Rebel Blue, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic 2024 MINI Cooper S Convertible, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 6-speed manual Former: 2005 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible, Steel Gray metallic, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 5-speed 1998 Saab 900SET 5-door, Silver, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider convertible, Alfa Red, 2.0L 4-cyl, 5-speed 1984 Saab 900T 3-door, Red, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 5-speed
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