Big phat rims - good or bad?

[warren_cox]

Question:

LCR comes with 18's as standard. However rumour has it that S3 17's will fit.

My question is, the larger rims get the heavier they get. OK so the rolling circumference is increased, and the rolling mass is heavier, but does this mean:

a) they are heavier to stop revolving?

b) the extra profile causes extra drag?

c) the reduced flex in the tyrewall as you drop profile is a good or bad thing?

d) they are slower to build up speed with?

We are all pretty aware that in the snow the wider profile stops us from cutting through the snow like a thin tyre can. A mate of a mate has just turned up in an Evo 7 with 16's on it. I wondered why Mitsubishi decided to go with a 16" tyre on this car when SEAT think an 18 is better on the LCR (and before someone says it I appreciate 16's wouldnt go over the brakes).

Do 16's / 17's make for a better overall ride / performance than the 18's?

 

[m0rk]

Do 16's / 17's make for a better overall ride / performance than the 18's?

In short, yes

But your car doesn't look so pimped up on 16's

 

[stuart_hatch]

I dont think the S3 wheels will fit mate, wrong PCD

 

[ibizacupra]

5x100

 

[stuart_hatch]

i though a3's were 5x112

 

[RickC]

i didnt feel any slower accelleration or breaking on my wheel change but going up un wheel size you go down in tyre size so my 20s are not that much bigger than the 18s and they are smaller than the 19s.

the ride isnt as soft but i have coilovers so i couldnt tell you on standard suspension.

evos have 16 and big tyres cos they are rally orentated (sp) and are meant to be driven off road, same as range rovers dont come on 30s as standard, yes they look the dogs but not entirly practical.

 

[Ruddmeister]

Warren

Nice idea mate but getting the suspension sorted first will be a bigger improvement

Steve

 

[ibizacupra]

6025571 AUDI A3 / S3 (Typ 8L)
wheel number of holes 5, except version with self levelling DRA-System 60 mm 100/5, 57, 1 mm, offset: 12

http://www.h-r.com/index.php

New A3's are 112mm PCD same as the bigger Audi's (like my S8), and Mk5 Golf etc

 

[techie]

New A3's are 112mm PCD same as the bigger Audi's (like my S8), and Mk5 Golf etc

Same as the bigger Audi's but the A5 platform (MK5 Golf, Octy2 etc) have different offsets, some ET45.

And S3 wheels fit just fine on the LCR, as do TT wheels. (see CupraRog (iirc) old track wheels).

 

[Scotty_b]

Heavy wheels mean more un sprung weight which isnt the best thing in the world.

I think seat put 18's on to try and feel those huge huge arches!

 

[Si]

The bigger the better! My PIMP hat is on!

19's would of filled the LCR arches better but I think SEAT went for a little more comfort thus sticking the 18's on.

 

[Scotty_b]

Would be nice to turn the stock wheels into 19's at front and 20's at the back by adding a deep dish lip!

 

[warren_cox]

some interesting thoughts as always. was more a sounding board than a thought for a next mod.

suspension is definitely next on the cards unless anything really revolutionary rears its head for a fair £££. Unfortunately car insurance is due in a few days so £600+ is about to be washed away

 

[Coffe_H]

my 18 inch are the same weight as my original Seat 16 inch wheels

so bigger dont have to be heavyier

 

[Lentäjä]

20" wheels

Does 225/30-20 size wheels fit on Leon?

 

[RickC]

Does 225/30-20 size wheels fit on Leon?

yes