Smart with 175's all around

[toogrvy]

[QUOTE=I wouldn't give up proper handling for heroic looks.[/QUOTE]

Agreed, running 10" x 6" wheels on my classic mini with 165/70 tires, gives a good combination of ride and handling.

edit: I should have added that this is the stock size wheel; hopefully now my post makes sense..

[jonnysan]

[QUOTE=Old smart;59653]I don't think you will get a better ride out of 205s - wider balloons maybe, but much stiffer sidewall balloons.

Some time ago my Caterham Seven came with 195/50s on optional 15" Lotus "Prisoner" rims. The 1200# car just didn't feel right; its handling at the limit was ponderous and unpredictable; and, it hydroplaned readily. I quickly changed to 185/60s on on 14" Minilite roadsport wheels and things improved immeasurably. The car would "telegraph" what it was going to do and when, and the hydroplaning was much diminished. When I finally went racing with it we went down again to 13" x 6" mag Minilites.

I wouldn't give up proper handling for heroic looks.[/QUOTE]

The contact area where the rubber meets the road = less force (lbs/sq") being applied to the road where you want friction to be on your side. Hence...wet road and hydroplaning easier.
10-4 on the embolded portion of your post, Old Smart.

[cmjars]

Could we get more photo's. I am thinking to doing the same thing.

[Big Panda]

something to keep in mind....WEIGHT!

when going from a 175 to anything larger, you're also increasing the WEIGHT at each wheel. while 5, 6, or even 10lbs may not seem like alot, when you factor in the total weight of the car, the weight of the OEM wheel and tire combination, you're adding stress to the drivetrain, not to mention brakes.

just something to keep in mind, like i said. if you watch your 'weight' of your tires, you should have no problem.......

[Wizco]

jonnysan,

Are you having any issues with the ESC or Traction Control running a different tire ratio than the car came with originally?

I'm guessing not, but want to confirm. I've been looking at running 175's on 4 rear sized rims as well.

[burtandnancy]

This is all good info. I'm sending my stock wheels out for polish/chrome tomorrow and maybe will try some different tires as a test. Don't have to worry about driving in the rain, I'm in CA...

[mrbadexample]

i was running 195/50-15's on a geo metro with no problem and no loss of milage, seemed a bit slower. higher unsprung weight, but lower rolling resistance. i'd like to run 195/50-15's all around on a smart on 5.5" wheels. the shocks might wear out faster... my only concern.

[jonnysan]

Originally Posted by Wizco

jonnysan,

Are you having any issues with the ESC or Traction Control running a different tire ratio than the car came with originally?

I'm guessing not, but want to confirm. I've been looking at running 175's on 4 rear sized rims as well.

In the wheel diameter and that is what dictates rpm's of the wheels. Both wheels, although different aspect ratios in stock form, measured 22 1/2" diameter so the ESC/ABS target sprocket will always turn the same speed and have no effect on either's proper operation.

[xcrew229x]

Gotta say, that tire/wheel combo looks perfect. Care to say approximately what it cost?

[RussBarnes]

Hope this helps: a week ago I called my dealer in Knoxville and the parts department quoted me $895 each and would have to be ordered. I found a full set from a guy in Canada, like new take offs, but he wanted to sell the whole set and I don't need more fronts. Today I called another dealer - Sam Swope in Louisville and he quoted me $316.17 each for rear wheels, plus freight and they have some in stock. Then I called the guy on here that advertized the service set and wheel locks. He quoted the same as Louisville, but then sweetened it and has them in stock.
Tires all over the map, plus mounting and balancing. Hope that helps a litte.