New wheels/tires have transformed the car

[DavidV]

We recently replaced the staggered factory 15" alloys with wider 15"x6" all around and are now running 195/50/15 summer performance tires.

This was initially done to evaluate the forthcoming WORKS suspension mods, and I have to say, the car has been transformed. A lot of the initial understeer is now gone and I can even feel a little squirm at the tail end of the car with a lift of the throttle - something that the old set-up would never allow, but that can help tons with adjusting the cornering attitude of the car via throttle input. The car is vastly more capable of carrying speed through corners, and braking feel is also improved. There is zero rubbing with this set up. There does not appear to be any penalty in ride quality, and as an added bonus, there is a whole universe of great tires available in the 195/50/15 size (which, now that they are all the same size, can also be rotated on the car for longer life).

Needless to say, we couldn't be happier with this mod.

** DavidV

[SmartPassion]

Are you saying you replaced the front wheel with a rear wheel?

[DavidV]

Originally Posted by SmartPassion

Are you saying you replaced the front wheel with a rear wheel?

Nope. The factory rears are 5.5"

** DavidV

[SmartPassion]

Pictures pictures pictures please!

[Docthrock]

Originally Posted by SmartPassion

Pictures pictures pictures please!

Yes, more details and pics, please!!!

[konati]

I would also like to know where you purchased the wheels and was it over or under a grand

[saronian]

David - Thanks for the report, that's great to hear. I was thinking 16x6 was going to be required so it'd good to know staying at 15 inches shows positive results.

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by DavidV

We recently replaced the staggered factory 15" alloys with wider 15"x6" all around and are now running 195/50/15 summer performance tires.

This was initially done to evaluate the forthcoming WORKS suspension mods, and I have to say, the car has been transformed. A lot of the initial understeer is now gone and I can even feel a little squirm at the tail end of the car with a lift of the throttle - something that the old set-up would never allow, but that can help tons with adjusting the cornering attitude of the car via throttle input. The car is vastly more capable of carrying speed through corners, and braking feel is also improved. There is zero rubbing with this set up. There does not appear to be any penalty in ride quality, and as an added bonus, there is a whole universe of great tires available in the 195/50/15 size (which, now that they are all the same size, can also be rotated on the car for longer life).

Needless to say, we couldn't be happier with this mod.

** DavidV

By putting 175's all around, as I have posted on this a couple of weeks ago.
The car sure does feel better to me with the slightly larger tires on the front...So I do concur with your findings, even though I only added an additional 1" of width to the fronts and left the rears stock.

[bentoutofshape]

Did the 195's lower the car?
The only reason to put 16's on your car is to put bigger brakes on!! I laugh every time i see people put those big rims on with small azz brake rotors.

[DavidV]

Originally Posted by Docthrock

Yes, more details and pics, please!!!

So here they are, Rial 15x6s with General Exclaim UHPs (I run these on my E30 as well, and love them) both courtesy of WORKS who did the install - including swapping over the tire pressure sensors. Note the flush fitment on the front - perfect offset for the ForTwo, if you ask me, and no rubbing or compromise in ride quality. As an added plus, there was no weight penalty going to this set up from stock, so unsprung and rotating mass ends up largely unchanged.







** DavidV