Information from Experience wheel changes

[smartHHO]

Good day everyone on the forums.

I know I read somewhere but would like some input from those that have done it.

I read that someone, or a lot of ppl have put on the different 17 inch rims, and also that they had the SAME rim SIZE all the way around.

What I am looking for is how does it handle, and have you had any issues with it?

I am planning on going with some Genius rims and new tires, and would like to have the option of rotating my tires.

Please provide feed back on everything that you can.

Handling
stiffness
how hard the bumps are
Lip size on rims.


Thanks again everyone in advance for your input.

smartHHO

[SmartChip]

SmartHHO, I recently put the Genius Darwin wheels and recommended 195/40/17 front and 225/35/17 Yokohama S-drive tires on my Smart.The road handling was greatly improved as was the manuvering and braking. The above tires and sizes are very well suited to those wheels and that wheel/tire size is designed for the Smart. The ride of my Smart was smoothed out and the sticky tires grip the road very effectivley,giving me greater confidence while driving. This is a proven combination that gives no problems whatsoever when mounted on your Smart.I believe IMHO that this is an excellent mod for your Smartie. There several posts under the wheels and tires section that show how great they look. I know this is not the same as running all 4 wheels the same but if you do this switch you can use one of your original front tires as a spare on long trips. I am in the process of equiping my Smart with a small jack and tire changing tools ala the old days. Hope this helps you in your decision of choice. Hope to see you on the road some day.Cheerz, SmartChip

[sato7]

If you look at my gallery, you can see I replaced the OEMs with genius 15x6.5s all around. I also just used 4 rear OEM tires.. yes I wanted to be able to rotate my wheels front to back... The lip is nice without being too exaggerated. the handling is good in crosswinds but the smart will never truly become "planted" as that is not a wheel and tire issue but a rear suspension design flaw.

[SmartChip]

SmartH, After reading Sato7's comments on the standard tires mounted on Genius 15.6" rims, I'd GUESS that I like my setup more. We both had different goals in mind. He wanted to be able to rotate his wheels, like you do. I was willing to give up that feature and carry a spare. I BELIEVE that I got the higher performance driving/handling ability that I wanted by going with the Genius recommendations. My car "feels" stuck to the road better than it ever did with the stock tires. My car performs more inline with my driving abilitys,I am happy with that. Stiffness-- the ride is about the same,bumpy wise. If you roll over a speed bump or cross over a depression, the car still responds to them but they seem a little smoother. If you hit them with any speed they will be felt as a sudden jarring due to the short wheelbase of the car,(my car still has the original suspension/springs). Lip sizes on the front rims is 2" and on the rears, 3". Hope all this helps.All I can tell you is that Genius makes really high quality products,they are worth the price and all the time it takes to get the job done RIGHT.I'm going out to take Sporty Shorty for another ride in the country. Hasta la vista, Baby!! SmartChip

[pmolink]

I just got the same setup as SmartChip. It makes an amazing difference in the ride and handling of the car. It doesn't feel "squirrely" any more. My wife drove it yesterday and commentented on how much better the car rides. I think the staggered sizes look better too.

[SmartChip]

SmartH, I am glad you are pleased with the results of your purchase. Give the new tires a few hundred miles to "scrub" in,then take her,car,not wife and try some hard turns,stops and figure 8's. We have lots of deserted shopping center parking lots to have fun in now. Be gentle, get used to the different handling characteristics. I see by the photo of your car you are still one up on me,custom exhaust.More power=more fun! enjoy!! SmartChip

[SmartChip]

Pmolink, Last post was for you, CONGRATS on the step up,glad you are happy too!!!Cheerz, SmartChip

[john grieco]

smartchip u r 100% correct,i just got my darwin wheels on today,i got the 17's matte black,let me tell everyone unreal ride,such a big difference,fells like a wider car,hugs the road ride is better love em,i just have to paint the calipers now.i will post pics when everything is done,but i recommend them to anyone driving a smart.

[smartHHO]

thanks everyone for your information. I probably will stick with the offset wheels. I already have the spare and carry it all the time due to I rather pay 350 for a spare and jack then deal with Smart's stupid tire policy you buy.

Smartchip,

Unfortunately, It is stock exhaust. I plan on doing that too, but rims and tires will most likely come first as I do like the handling and dring like Mario with the paddles suits me good enough. I do plan on getting that new CC with the power booste though.

Eric.

[SmartChip]

Eric, The comment about the exhaust/muffler, I jumped the gun . I meant that for Pmolink, I saw his car and skipped over the name, corrected a post or two later. I,too plan on the Genius exhaust system but must pay for the wheels and tires first. As you can see,the Genius wheel/Yokohama S-drive tires is an excellent combo for the Smart. Those that have them really like the ride/handling of the package. I also recommend the MDC cruise control from Smartmadness.com. While not the easiest to install for me,(old,not flexible and overweight), I first almost memorized the instructions then called smartmadness and spoke with Mark, their ACE installer. He verified the proceedure. It only took me 31/2 hours to install it,read old and slow. It worked the first time!!! You get great service and support from SM. That is another of the best upgrades you can put on a Smart. Good luck with your upgrades, ENJOY them all. Cheerz, SmartChip