5 replies to this topic

[Three_Cross]

Well after changing the 18" alloys back to standard 17" turbo alloys I can say there is a tremendous difference. The stability is much better and the steering wheel isn't forced by the road surface as much as the 18". To be honest it felt like I was fighting a bull until I put the 17" alloys on! The 18" were still fun to drive on due to being able to get the back end out and control it but for sure the standard setup is much better for overall cornering and increases the speed on corners by at least 15mph compared to the 18's. I noticed a huge spacer and larger bolts were needed on the front when the 18's were fitted. I had to buy standard bolts as they rubbed on the hub due to being too long without the spacer. I think the wrong offset created ruined the cars handling. All round It was like getting into a new car again that I didn't want to get out of! It is a LOT easier to drive now and get good power into and out of corners.

[chuno]

Nice to get a definate answer after all the speculation about handling and bigger wheels

[christurbo]

16/17 the way to go!

[speedyK]

16/17 the way to go!

Yup

The Delta-Motor supercharged Speedster I tried years ago had 18"ers: bad tramlining and the finesse in the steering feel was missing.

Lotus know what they're doing – when it comes to car set-up, at least!

[christurbo]

Speedy - Malbons Elige [MLOC BlownK] had the 17/18 combo. It looked although the handling couldnt have been as focused.

[djegiant]

With Geo correct- I bet the ride characteristics would be pretty much the same as 16/17 combo! Maybe slightly stiffer and without the tyre flex that seems to be a bugbear of the 16" front! 16" front is just a bit tiddly for my liking!