Are YOU a Member of the "I Can Rotate My Tires Club"?

[puppeto]

New wheels and tires are on, but the handling is... well I'm getting used to it.

It seems a lot more stable on the B-roads and smaller highways, out on the interstate around 70 to 90mph it can be a little squirmy and very quick to steering input. I haven't had a car with a quick setup in a while, but I'll take it any day compared to the stock setup that drives like a snowplow in any aggressive conditions.

[fortow]

Originally Posted by puppeto

New wheels and tires are on, but the handling is... well I'm getting used to it.

It seems a lot more stable on the B-roads and smaller highways, out on the interstate around 70 to 90mph it can be a little squirmy and very quick to steering input. I haven't had a car with a quick setup in a while, but I'll take it any day compared to the stock setup that drives like a snowplow in any aggressive conditions.

Yes with the wider tires it will have a quicker turn-in. It reacts far more responsively to steering input, and that can be a safety feature provided you react properly to its characteristics. For most people who are coordinated and can adapt, this is not an issue. It won't take long to get used to it. In a non-intuitive way, the wider tires can also add stability and directinal control. This is not a land barge by any stretch of the imagination.

What are you doing driving at 70-90 anyway?
I thought people were buying this car to go slow and brag about their phenominal gas mileage.

[churpee]

Love the way car drives with 175/15 on front

[gbryers]

Originally Posted by fortow

What are you doing driving at 70-90 anyway?
I thought people were buying this car to go slow and brag about their phenominal gas mileage.

Personally, I love to blow past SUV's and other gas hogs, and THEN brag about my phenomenal gas mileage...

[puppeto]

Originally Posted by fortow

What are you doing driving at 70-90 anyway?
I thought people were buying this car to go slow and brag about their phenominal gas mileage.

I have a 12 mile commute on I-75 to work. Anything less is suicidal.

Anyway, back to the setup. I had time to take it up into the mountains earlier today to really feel the car out. Having done that I'd never go back.

I think I'm going to go rip around the Dragon tomorrow. I'm too impatient to wait a month for the meet. If you happen to see a rally red and black smart with tinted windows and an "actual size" sticker on the back that's me.

[SmartWing]

I put the oem rear wheels and tires on the front and have no complaints. I did it for the better ride and I can now rotate them.

[sato7]

well I missed this thread before but most of you know I was one of the first to try this far fetched and radical mod way back in mid 2008.. Oh I remember how every one said it could not be done, it would make the car uncontrollable and that Penske himself would come and pimp slap me for such a thing. needless to say I see some of you have followed in my wicked ways and done the unthinkable.. "rears upfront!" OMG!
I've rotated those suckers in my garage twice now and will rotate with the rubber dismounted and rotated L-R next time.

as a long time member of the FRP (Full Rotation Pack) I ask members what psi has worked best on 175s all around? I use the tech manuals 26f-32r and am OK with it but perhaps some of you have found a "sweet spot" PSI that works better....

[SmartWing]

I have the door sticker psi of 36 in the rear. I have over 25,000 miles on the rear tires and they're wearing evenly. I may adjust them to a lower psi when I buy new tires since the ride is a little rough at 36psi. The tires on the front haven't been on but a few weeks now and I'm ok with 31psi at this point. I'm going to keep an eye on the wear pattern and adjust the pressure as needed. I change my oil and filter every 5,000 miles and will rotate the tires at the same time as well. I had the front end alignment checked prior to installing the new tires and all was ok with no adjustment needed.

[sunnyokanagan]

My 450 will soon be in the "I can rotate" club ;)

Roadster front rims on the front AND on the rear (with appropriate spacers) will let me go with1 75/55/15 in all four corners, all on the same steel rims.

I find the 195/50/15s on my wee smartie now (roadster rims front + fortwo rear) are super-grippy but costly in fuel economy and quickness of acceleration because of the rolling resistance and tire weight.

Cheers, cousins!

P.S. we'll run the 175s at 32psi all 'round. (2.2bar)

[Dustoff44]

Ace de Corsa 15 x 6 and General UHT 195/50-15's

http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...1&d=1253500164