30 replies to this topic

[Foxy]

Gotta be worth a shot... You might want to try T1R's on the back next time?

[Timbo]

Graham, i think that was your name (laidback50), you wont have any problem running 205x40 tyres on rear wheels on the front. I ran these for at least a year and had nitrons fitted as well which were lowered at least an inch lower than std and still had no problems (but watch the speed bumps). But i would advise you to get your geo changed to compensate though

[laidback50]

There speaks the voice of experience Thanks Timbo. I'll let you know how I get on I'll get back to you soon Foxy Graham.

[P11 COV]

You can't just say because the Exige has it that it will work, the car has completely different suspension.

Eliminating understeer is one thing but eliminating precious feedback is another. I would rather have a better driving experience than more grip.

If understeer is a problem for people, why not get a anti roll bar upgrade? Or buy a book where you can learn about weight transfer and stop the problem yourself.

-Rob

Obviously any different wheel tyre set up will function differently. The manufacturer have set the car up (supposedly) to work well with the standard equipment. After any change you'll really need a geo set up to get it working at its optimum.

I was really talking from the view of a track day enthusiaist. Personally if I changed wheel/tyre set up I'd want to do the suspension aswell.

For basic road use i think the standard set up is fine...you have to be pushing hard to notice real understeer problems,

[EMB]

What is the point in this? Are you guys really finding that your cars are understeering that much?

Not at all, infact my car hardly had any understeer..

Im just a cheapskate who refuses to pay £135 each for 175/45/17 fronts

Feck, that sounds a bit unreasonable. I got mine fitted for £105 recently. That was at Farmer Autocare.

[Richy]

I cant believe how many people have commented on this and havn't even tried it themselves As Timbo and Foxy said you'll have no probs running 205/40/17 I have T1rs all round and kept the standard size on the rear, it has not upset the cars handling, nor does it rub the chassis, its still easy to turn even when parking [and no i dont have arms like popeye!]. IMO Good points... The car turns in alot quicker at speed, you also have to get your corner entrance/exit spot on, because the slightest lift off gets the back end out, but when it does let go it feels alot more predictable [to me anyway] than what it did with the skinnys fronts . *T1Rs move around alot Bad points.. It also feels very twitchy on bumpy roads and can sometimes track the cracks. If your not giving 110% in bumpy country lanes it will spit you of the road *T1Rs move around alot. But if the road is smooth and you hit all the corners right it really is a dream to drive, it sticks to the road like shiit to a blanket The only way you guy will find out if you like it or not is if you give it try...just like i have. *Toyo T1Rs You'll either love them or hate them

[Foxy]

FWIW - 205/40-17's will just rub on the chassis, but only 100% lock.

[Richy]

FWIW - 205/40-17's will just rub on the chassis, but only 100% lock.

Mine dont so you all got a 50/50 chance of it happening

Foxys tyres must of been abit flat

[laidback50]

Thanks guys. I am really looking forward to trying the wider tyres on the front but I might stick with standard rims for the track day at Brunters cos I won't have time to get a geo set-up before the event. No-one has commented on tyre pressures for the rear tyres on the front of the car ! Also, what tyres can you get for this rim? I had Yokohama on a Cavalier 2.0SRI once and they were fantastic although they did wear quite quickly. Brilliant road holding though. Graham.

[griffo]

I used a set of rear wheels with standard rear tyres (in fact the original ones the car came with new -- albeit well worn) on the FRONT of the VX in the recent Dunkereswell Sprint (see Kippers pics on UK meets section). The steering is SLIGHTLY heavier at very low speed but feels just as good as normal on the move. Turn-in at the hairpin was MUCH better. I get very slight rubbing at full lock so will move to a slightly smaller section sticky tyre. In my view the mod is well worth doing (tho I'm not sure what I'm going to do with two sets of front wheels). Griffo

[garyk220]

Also, what tyres can you get for this rim? I had Yokohama on a Cavalier 2.0SRI once and they were fantastic although they did wear quite quickly. Brilliant road holding though.

Try and find a tyre with a suitable load rating. From memory, the standard fronts are 81V/W. Most of the 17" tyres will be 87-91 load rating, if not higher. I'm running Yokohama A539 tyres at the moment (205/50 on 16" wheels).

The side walls are very stiff, meaning that the tyre doesn't flex enough, and this reduces the effective footprint of the tyre on the road. When the car is stationary, only the central part of the tread is in contact with the road. The extra load when cornering flattens the tyre out, but you can get caught out occassionally when braking on certain road surfaces. The Bridgestone tyre has a much flatter profile...

more like this |_| than the U shaped Yoykahama, so is much better suited to the lighter VX chassis.

Oh, and my nearside tyre rubs slightly, but only on full lock. The offside tyre is at least 5mm clear of the chassis