R56 Going from 16's to 17's ?
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Going from 16's to 17's ?
So I think I'm going to pick up a new set of wheels soon and I am trying to decide if I should stay with 16's or bump up to 17's. I currently have 16" OEM bridge spokes (yes with Conti RF's) so I'm sure anything will be better in terms of both noise, comfort, and handling.
So those of you that have made the switch to 17's (from 16's)....are you happy with your decision or do you wish you would have stayed with 16's. What differences have you found from one to the next? Thanks!
So those of you that have made the switch to 17's (from 16's)....are you happy with your decision or do you wish you would have stayed with 16's. What differences have you found from one to the next? Thanks!
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Are you going for the looks of a 17, why not an 18?
I run 16s on the track and 17s as my DD. I did run the 16s for a number of months before I converted over to full time track with the 16s.
Primary reason, ride comfort with the 16s, 205/50 is more comfortable than 205/45/17.
But it all depends on the tire you select and what/why you want to switch.
My 17s are a set of webbies and the 09 Challenge wheels.
Don
I run 16s on the track and 17s as my DD. I did run the 16s for a number of months before I converted over to full time track with the 16s.
Primary reason, ride comfort with the 16s, 205/50 is more comfortable than 205/45/17.
But it all depends on the tire you select and what/why you want to switch.
My 17s are a set of webbies and the 09 Challenge wheels.
Don
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#5
toolazy: I've got 2 sets of 17's (one run-flat one not) and a set of 16's that I change every so often. I would say for my tastes the ride/handling balance is optimum with the 16's w/Goodyear F1-D3's (205/50/16 no longer made). The steering response is probably greatest with the 17-inch run-flats but ride is the most harsh of the 3 sets. The 17's with the non-run flat tires is not a bad ride/handling compromise but the 16's with the sticky Goodyears is my favorite of the 3. Good luck but IMHO you might want to give some thought to some sticky 16's.
#6
My MCS came with 17" Crown Spokes. I now have a set of light-weight 17" and a set of lighter 16". If I had the same tires on both sets, I would only run the 16". Much more comfortable on the rough roads.
While turn-in response might be a little better with 17" unless you spend a lot of $ on the wheels, they will probably be heavier, which can offset the turn-in advantage. However, with abundant pot-holes, you don't want expensive wheels.
Turn-in can vary with tire model, so stay with 16" and get great tires if handling is what you want.
If you are more interested in looks than function, go for 17" and avoid pot-holes.
While turn-in response might be a little better with 17" unless you spend a lot of $ on the wheels, they will probably be heavier, which can offset the turn-in advantage. However, with abundant pot-holes, you don't want expensive wheels.
Turn-in can vary with tire model, so stay with 16" and get great tires if handling is what you want.
If you are more interested in looks than function, go for 17" and avoid pot-holes.
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16in to 17in to 16in
I originally had OEM 16in with runflats and switched to 17in aftermarket wheels (~20lbs ea) with a 205/40/17 tire. The ride was harsh on the crapy roads in LA and I had to be careful of potholes, but the look was good. Switch back to 16in light weight wheels (~13lb ea) with a 205/45/16 tire - wanted a little bit more rubber between the car and the road. The ride is not as harsh when compared with the 17in wheels.
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I'm still torn....I think I'm leaning towards the Konig Feather's (black) in 17" with a 205/45/17 tire...most likely the Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid.
The 16x7 Feather is 15.2 lbs with a 40 offset or the 17x7 is 16.8 lbs. with the same 40 offset.
The 16" 195/55/16 G019 tire weighs 23 lbs while the 205/45/17 weighs 22 lbs so the difference between the two would make the 16" wheel 0.6 lbs lighter.
I don't track the car (just an MC) and if I'm going to spend $ on wheels they had better at least look good right? Chime in and help!
The 16x7 Feather is 15.2 lbs with a 40 offset or the 17x7 is 16.8 lbs. with the same 40 offset.
The 16" 195/55/16 G019 tire weighs 23 lbs while the 205/45/17 weighs 22 lbs so the difference between the two would make the 16" wheel 0.6 lbs lighter.
I don't track the car (just an MC) and if I'm going to spend $ on wheels they had better at least look good right? Chime in and help!
Last edited by toolazyforalogin; 08-08-2009 at 09:46 PM.
#9
The 16x7 Feather is 15.2 lbs with a 40 offset or the 17x7 is 16.8 lbs. with the same 40 offset.
The 16" 195/55/16 G019 tire weighs 23 lbs while the 205/45/17 weighs 22 lbs so the difference between the two would make the 16" wheel 0.6 lbs lighter.
I don't track the car (just an MC) and if I'm going to spend $ on wheels they had better at least look good right? Chime in and help!
My 2 cents: If you want performance, safety, and ride comfort go with 16" wheels and summer tires, and snow tires on your OEM wheels.
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Up intil this morning I was all set to move into a set of aftermarket 17's with UHP, Z rated Michelein Pilot Plus all seasons. Then I talked to one of the SA's at my dealer [initially about the advanteages of a strut bar]. Although they look better, they do offer a much harsher ride. So instead I will be using the money to fund the Stage 1 JCW upgrade and keep my 16" Crown spokes with the Michelins in a 16" wheel.
Any comments about my plan?
Any comments about my plan?
#12
Honestly, I noticed no difference in ride comfort between my stock 16's with runflats and my 17" Rota's with 215/45 non-RF summer tires. I batted back and forth between this very decision for quite awhile, but in the end I'm glad I went with the larger wheels .. it just looks better. It helped fill up the wheel wells a bit, and since I have no plans to tinker with lowering, that was a plus for me.
Granted .. having extra money to put towards a JCW kit is a big plus as well
Granted .. having extra money to put towards a JCW kit is a big plus as well
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Thanks t0ad. It really is driving me crazy. I don't want to regret whatever decision I choose. If I do choose 17's I'm not sure if I should go 205/45 or 215/45 - do you have a picture of your car with your Rota's on there? I'd love to see the difference with the wheel gap - thanks!
Do you think the 215/45/17 rather than 205/45/17 would make the ride more comfortable with the extra .17 inch sidewall
The stock 195/55/16 tires are 24.44 in high with a 4.22 in sidewall
and the 205/45/17 tires are 24.26 in high with a 3.63 in sidewall
and the 215/45/17 tires are 24.61 in high with a 3.80 in sidewall
The stock 195/55/16 tires are 24.44 in high with a 4.22 in sidewall
and the 205/45/17 tires are 24.26 in high with a 3.63 in sidewall
and the 215/45/17 tires are 24.61 in high with a 3.80 in sidewall
Last edited by toolazyforalogin; 08-10-2009 at 12:08 PM.
#14
I'm still torn....I think I'm leaning towards the Konig Feather's (black) in 17" with a 205/45/17 tire...most likely the Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid.
The 16x7 Feather is 15.2 lbs with a 40 offset or the 17x7 is 16.8 lbs. with the same 40 offset.
The 16" 195/55/16 G019 tire weighs 23 lbs while the 205/45/17 weighs 22 lbs so the difference between the two would make the 16" wheel 0.6 lbs lighter.
I don't track the car (just an MC) and if I'm going to spend $ on wheels they had better at least look good right? Chime in and help!
The 16x7 Feather is 15.2 lbs with a 40 offset or the 17x7 is 16.8 lbs. with the same 40 offset.
The 16" 195/55/16 G019 tire weighs 23 lbs while the 205/45/17 weighs 22 lbs so the difference between the two would make the 16" wheel 0.6 lbs lighter.
I don't track the car (just an MC) and if I'm going to spend $ on wheels they had better at least look good right? Chime in and help!
#15
Thanks t0ad. It really is driving me crazy. I don't want to regret whatever decision I choose. If I do choose 17's I'm not sure if I should go 205/45 or 215/45 - do you have a picture of your car with your Rota's on there? I'd love to see the difference with the wheel gap - thanks!
It's pretty much impossible to tell the difference in wheel well gap compared to the stock 16's with the naked eye .. the majority of the better looks came from the smaller offset of the Rota's compared to the stockers, which pushed the wheels outward more. Still wish it was lower, but ehh.. roads and driveways and such around here just won't permit it.
As far as the difference between 205's and 215's, I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference from a comfort standpoint.. and like they say, wider is better
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It's pretty much impossible to tell the difference in wheel well gap compared to the stock 16's with the naked eye .. the majority of the better looks came from the smaller offset of the Rota's compared to the stockers, which pushed the wheels outward more. Still wish it was lower, but ehh.. roads and driveways and such around here just won't permit it.
As far as the difference between 205's and 215's, I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference from a comfort standpoint.. and like they say, wider is better
As far as the difference between 205's and 215's, I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference from a comfort standpoint.. and like they say, wider is better
#17
If you had non-runflats on both, you would notice a significant difference. The runflats cancel the effect of the increase in side wall height. I notice a significant difference between 16" with 205/55-16 and 205/45-17. I have two sets of wheels and swap them frequently.
Last edited by Robin Casady; 08-11-2009 at 11:15 AM. Reason: typo
#18
Do you think the 215/45/17 rather than 205/45/17 would make the ride more comfortable with the extra .17 inch sidewall
Here is what the wheel gap looks like with 205/55-16
Regarding the difference between 205/50-16 and 205/55-16, the first will give you better acceleration, and--depending on the tire brand--a little less weight. The latter will give you more ride comfort (0.4" sidewall difference), less wheel gap, and a little more accurate speedometer reading.
#19
So I think I'm going to pick up a new set of wheels soon and I am trying to decide if I should stay with 16's or bump up to 17's. I currently have 16" OEM bridge spokes (yes with Conti RF's) so I'm sure anything will be better in terms of both noise, comfort, and handling.
So those of you that have made the switch to 17's (from 16's)....are you happy with your decision or do you wish you would have stayed with 16's. What differences have you found from one to the next? Thanks!
So those of you that have made the switch to 17's (from 16's)....are you happy with your decision or do you wish you would have stayed with 16's. What differences have you found from one to the next? Thanks!
I don't do any really aggressive driving in my Mini and ended up with the Michelin PE-2 which are very nice. My short list included the BS - Potenza 760; General Exclaim UHP & BS G-019 Grid. All of which were available in the 205/45/17 size that I had selected.
Bottom line...going from 16" rft's to 17" non-rft' I got ....a little better ride quality, definitely quieter and about the same handling. All in all I'm happy.
PS...kudos to Alex at Tire Rack for his help.
#20
Bottom line...going from 16" rft's to 17" non-rft' I got ....a little better ride quality, definitely quieter and about the same handling.
I have PE2's on my 17" wheels. Wish I had them on my 16 wheels. They are good tires. The Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 looks interesting. It may have a little better handling than the PE2, but may also be louder. The favorite for ultimate handling on the street seems to be the Dunlop Z1 Star Spec., but louder than the PE2 and RE-11.
#21
TOad:
Are those the Rota RB in Hyper Black? Right now I am running 205x50x16 tires on 16x7.5 wheels. The ride is good and it does handle very well. Considering 215x50x16 tires since they are the same diameter as stock, although the 205x50's with their lower gear ratio makes around town driving real zippy with the automatic trans.
Are those the Rota RB in Hyper Black? Right now I am running 205x50x16 tires on 16x7.5 wheels. The ride is good and it does handle very well. Considering 215x50x16 tires since they are the same diameter as stock, although the 205x50's with their lower gear ratio makes around town driving real zippy with the automatic trans.
#22
If those were OEM runflats, I'm surprised you didn't get better handling with the 10mm (0.4") increase in tread width. The PE2 should have at least as much grip as the runflat.
I have PE2's on my 17" wheels. Wish I had them on my 16 wheels. They are good tires. The Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 looks interesting. It may have a little better handling than the PE2, but may also be louder. The favorite for ultimate handling on the street seems to be the Dunlop Z1 Star Spec., but louder than the PE2 and RE-11.
I have PE2's on my 17" wheels. Wish I had them on my 16 wheels. They are good tires. The Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 looks interesting. It may have a little better handling than the PE2, but may also be louder. The favorite for ultimate handling on the street seems to be the Dunlop Z1 Star Spec., but louder than the PE2 and RE-11.
Robin...they were OEM rft's (GY's) and you're right, the handling is noticably better. I understated that aspect.
The only downside to the PE2, as far as I can tell is the treadwear rating. Alex advised me to rotate, rotate, rotate and go in a crisscross pattern so that they will wear evenly.
#23
Robin...they were OEM rft's (GY's) and you're right, the handling is noticably better. I understated that aspect.
The only downside to the PE2, as far as I can tell is the treadwear rating. Alex advised me to rotate, rotate, rotate and go in a crisscross pattern so that they will wear evenly.
The only downside to the PE2, as far as I can tell is the treadwear rating. Alex advised me to rotate, rotate, rotate and go in a crisscross pattern so that they will wear evenly.
Having two sets of wheels, I rarely go more than 1,000 miles between swaps, and I always cross rotate when I swap.
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Thanks to all who have posted and will continue to post. I think I am going to go with the 17" Konig Feather with a set of Bridgestone Potenza G019 Grid in 215/45-17 - My logic is similar to rwwilsonjr's in that the 17's will give me the look and since I am going from 16" RFT's to 17 Non-RFT's I will notice some improvement in handling etc.
I do plan on taking Robin's advice and running winter tires on my OEM 16's but I can't fathom buying a 17" summer tire to put on the Feathers with a horrible tread wear rating since I put ~24,000 miles a year on my MC.
From what I'm told by Alta the OEM lug bolts are a pain in the a$$ to use with this rim in that I will scratch the lug holes with my torque wrench. So of course my next question is does anyone know of a place that I can buy these "tuner" lug bolts in black? Thanks again
Oh and this crisscross tire rotation..... Is that front goes to back and opposite back goes to front? I'm usually a straight front / rear kind of swapper.
I do plan on taking Robin's advice and running winter tires on my OEM 16's but I can't fathom buying a 17" summer tire to put on the Feathers with a horrible tread wear rating since I put ~24,000 miles a year on my MC.
From what I'm told by Alta the OEM lug bolts are a pain in the a$$ to use with this rim in that I will scratch the lug holes with my torque wrench. So of course my next question is does anyone know of a place that I can buy these "tuner" lug bolts in black? Thanks again
Oh and this crisscross tire rotation..... Is that front goes to back and opposite back goes to front? I'm usually a straight front / rear kind of swapper.
#25