49 replies to this topic

[Guy182]

awesome any totally side on shots? what size are yours.. 6.5j? any news on the weight yet

[ratboiler]

I think they look great I wonder what they would look like in black, so they actually fit without touching the brake calipers?

[Steve Crisp]

Hi, They weigh 9.8Kg without boots - that's the 6.5J that I bought. I used a 5mm(ish) spacer from Halfords and the original studs are a perfect length with this spacer, if not slightly more protruding thread than the original. I'm using 16/205/55 Continentals just because I've got them, and there's a slight rub at full lock because I've got some 4mm rubber stone-chip protectors where the clam is exposed within the wheel arch. There's loads of room around the calipers. Any questions - just ask... Steve

[Guy182]

side on piccy?

[Steve Crisp]

Hi Guy, Yup. I'll do one tomorrow. I'm sure Danny won't mind posting it for me. Steve

[danyeates]

email it over

[danyeates]

[Crimson_Killa]

Now comes the hard part, the cost!

I bought 1 VX220 rear and it cost £295 these wont be cheap will they!

[Steve Crisp]

Two-thirds of bugger-all! They are on Ebay regularly at around £200 a set of four in top condition with tyres. There's a set on there now - go halves with some one. The full price of a single rim is £92 from Vauxhall (see start of post for details). I don't believe the spacer is actually required either by the way, but you would then maybe need shorter bolts... Steve

[danyeates]

Pathetic half arsed attempt at what it would look like with low profile tyres!



That really is awful! Why did I even post that!

Edited by danyeates, 19 November 2006 - 12:08 PM.

[mandarinvx]

Pathetic half arsed attempt at what it would look like with low profile tyres!

That really is awful! Why did I even post that!

So you were planning to fill them with helium

[Guy182]

hahahaaha ~@ that photoshop!

anyone want to go halves?

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...1QQcmdZViewItem


suppose the only downside is the spokes are curvy so look a bit like venoms! ha
anyone for a dimaond cut spoke face to make it match the rears better?

Edited by Guy182, 19 November 2006 - 03:23 PM.

[Ferguson]

Just a note, the standard Astra tire size (also shown in the pics) is 205/55-16. These are too tall. 195/55-16 is a perfect match to the standard fronts, and there is a large selection of performance tires in this size.

Don't know if the 6.5 rim would be enough, but a 225/50-15 would also match the standard rear diameter, if you wanted to run a full set of 16s for whatever reason. I've seen this on at least one track car, and it looked fine, plus potentially cuts rotating mass. Wheel offset (ET) may be way off, though.



These may also be the perfect way to put more appropriate rubber on for places with colder winters...

Edited by Ferguson, 19 November 2006 - 03:44 PM.

[Guy182]

Just a note, the standard Astra tire size (also shown in the pics) is 205/55-16. These are too tall. 195/55-16 is a perfect match to the standard fronts, and there is a large selection of performance tires in this size.

Don't know if the 6.5 rim would be enough, but a 225/50-15 would also match the standard rear diameter, if you wanted to run a full set of 16s for whatever reason. I've seen this on at least one track car, and it looked fine, plus potentially cuts rotating mass. Wheel offset (ET) may be way off, though.

These may also be the perfect way to put more appropriate rubber on for places with colder winters...

if i get a pair of the 16x6.5's the plan is to get another pair of standard vxt rears and then fit the r888 as per the usual vxr/elise sizes. just for track use and a bit of summer use.

and keep set of full standard vxt wheels/tires for normal use.

hope that clears the offset/tyre size points up

[Ferguson]

if i get a pair of the 16x6.5's the plan is to get another pair of standard vxt rears and then fit the r888 as per the usual vxr/elise sizes. just for track use and a bit of summer use.

hope that clears the offset/tyre size points up

That was clear. Just opening up discussion of other options. I still wonder if a 195/55 instead of 195/50 may cure some of the ABS problems people have when switching to 16/17.

[Guy182]

195/55 16 makes it near enough identical rolling radius to the 175/55 17's that they have as standard so may cure the abs problems.. but arent the so called problems with the 16/17 combo a bit of a myth really? some have said they had it, some havent experienced any problems? the standard 17/17 abs is really poor anyway so maybe the people who say they have probs with 16/17 combo are actually just experiencing the same probs they had with the 17/17 combo? does that make sense? lol

[Steve Crisp]

Hi, Well, I've done about 700 miles over the last week with 205/55/16 on the front. The not-so-subtle difference is the total lack of understeer - bloody marvelous - far more confidence into corners and roundabouts. I haven't overcooked it yet, so no spins todate! The other differences are subtle, but certainly a slightly softer ride on the 55's - which is really nice for motorway driving. It's turned my NA to the sort of feel you get with the VXT. The 205/55/16's can rub at full lock with spacers, so you don't need them with these rims. I'm going for the Toyo 195/55/16 because I do a lot of miles, but if I wanted a sportier feel then I'd go for 195/50/16s. I've got four front rims so I might as well get both! Steve

[Ferguson]

Thank you. This is exactly the kind of feedback I have been looking for on options to the usual 195/50-16.

[Steve Crisp]

Hi, I took my 6mm spacers off tonight, but I'm afraid they're needed to clear the caliper so I put them back on. So, if you use 205/55/16 on the Astra rims they will rub slightly on the back of the wheel arch at full lock. I don't think 205/55's are too sensible anyway! Steve

[MikeF]

They are some nasty wheels