I've looked at the chart that was posted a few weeks back- I get the bit about making sure the PCd, centre bore size and offset are the same, but what I'm looking for are tried and tested (known)suggestions for slightly larger tyres, or rims and tyres.

The reason, slightly higher final drive ratiobetter fuel consumption at highway speeds. I've got a cl 1000, 4 speed. 1st is very low, and 4th often too low- I get fed up with the engine whine over 55mph.

I understand the speedo will read artifically low, and braking will be lessened (bigger disk to be stopped), but I drive carefully.

Ideas?

Justin

Hi there,

The brake disc is not part of the wheel - so it stays the same size. Brakes stay about the same - better grip versus increased weight.

I have been running with 14" wheels for a while now - that's about 10% bigger in terms of circumference.

I haven't noticed any better fuel economy or revs redcution but that could just be because I drive 10% quicker now - that under read is deceptive!

You might be better buying/finding a replacement gear box with a 5th gear. I don't know how dificult it is to fit but if it's the FIRE engine it can't be that hard to track down and fit- I think!

New wheels and tyres will cost unless you have a mate with tons of wheels like me.

Bigger wheels does seem to mean increased wear and tear to suspension etc - I am having to replace some parts for the MOT and they were fine before the new wheels - not conclusive I admit but they are a fair bit heavier which must mean more wear.

Also there are "rubbing against the wheel arch" type issues unless you opt for ridiculously low profile tyres (which actually reduces the circumference and so benefit) or go mad with spacers. Or both.

Regards,

Martin

Fix It Again Tony!

Ummm...
1 I wasn't worried about the disk size, I was considering the fact that the same size disk/drum, must now stop a larger, greater diameter disk (the wheel and tyre)- being larger, it is heavier, but also acts as a longer lever.
2 There is a slightly greater unsprung weight, I'll agree, but very little, really
3 Suspension/road handling should be better- it is a larger wheeel to roll over cracks, holes etc. Consider pushing a pram with small wheel compared to one with large wheels, or horse drawn carts- ones for rough areas always have large wheels for ease in rolling over rough roads...
4 My real question was about wheel arches- what can I fit before hitting the arches?
5 Tyres and rims are easier to fit than engines, and can be easily changed if it doesn't work!
6 Do a speed test..it would be interesting to find out if the 10% greater circumfrance really affects end speed and speedo reading...
Justin

1. Yes, correct, higher turning force => lower braking ability.

6. Fitting wheels with a larger rolling radius will also:
Put more wear on your engine and gearbox
Lead to incorrect speedo readings
Hinder acceleration
Cause a higher amount of drag due to more tyre touching the road.

----------
Uno 1.0ie Start. Standard.

I am a schizophrenic currently so please bear with me whilst I try to get rid of the 40+ personality.

Couple of points:

Handling is really down to the width of the tyre and not height: 135/60/R15 would be just as bad as the standard wheels - if not worse. Think of a penny farthing and you'll get the idea.

And greater width means more road noise, slower acceleration etc.

From experience I would say there is a noticeable increase in noise but the effect on acceleration is very slight and quickly forgotten.

Let's face it, whether it takes 16 seconds or 18 to get to 60 it's no flying machine.

See previous threads for info on wheel sizes - there's about 15" of room so 165(175)/60R14 or 165(185?)/45R15 is about the max.

Spacers and a refusal to carry rear passengers will be requirements at the extreme.

Regards,

Martin

Fix It Again Tony!

That's the answer I was looking for Martin!
Thanks!

Justin

hey. Ive got a set of 15's on my with 195/45/15 tyres. handles like a dream.not as quick off the mark but better top speed.MPG is about the same doesnt have to try as hard to keep up high speeds but and the down side needs more power to get her up to those high speeds. but the best bit is she look beautiful. hehe. laters

Rich

Will try to reduce road rolling friction by choosing narrow tyres = less rubber on road. Also, less frontal air drag, though rather insignificant at 60mph, but Citroen did it with the 2CV. lower revs, better fuel economy at 65-70 is paramount!

Hi there,

195MM wide?

What width of spacer have you used? Longer bolts too?

Or does it rub like hell?

Regards,

Martin

Fix It Again Tony!

Hi there,

I have 175/65R14 at the rear and 165/65R14 at the front. I use this size because a friend had them lying around. I have 5MM spacers all round and use longer bolts.

I still have a slight rubbing problem at the front at full lock - but after a year of use this has not caused any wear to the arch lining and is not important.

What is a problem is the ugly noise that comes from the back of the car when going over large bumps/deep pot holes. This is worse when carrying loads - I think either the exhaust/mud flap or the rear of car is hitting the wheels! So I don't risk carrying rear passengers. Though after a year, there is no visible damage to car or tyres, one of the reasons that I am still using these wheels. It is safe I think but I would recommend smaller wheels.

My car is a Lancia Y10 Fila - sounds exotic but really stucturally the same as a 999CC Panda Fire.

Same mechanicals as a later Panda, FIRE engine, Omega Axle etc. The wheel clearance should be the same too but my only experience of 'real Pandas' are ones that I have taken parts off at the scrap yard.

Regards,

Martin

Fix It Again Tony!

i have no spacers on and use the bolts i got supplied with the wheels. it rubs a tiny bit if you go over humps too quick but as an example i can go over the single red speed hump at 20 and theres no rubbing. full lock has the smallest amount of rubbing. but i dont have any rear seats but to compensate the weight ive put in a sub(my sus is also bout had it). im looking fwd to when i lower it 40mm.

I'm running 155x13 alloys on a seat marbella shell. Once the tyres had melted a groove into the moulded side trim all was well !

HHmmmmmmm

My panda was running 165/65/14 on Fiat Punto alloys. The increase in handling was very worth while and the vehicle looked a lot better (as do all cars with alloys IMO). I had no issues whatsoever with rubbing on the arch liners and the tyres had full tread.

Not sure of the offset, but they were genuine 1999 Fiat Punto HLX alloys.

i have found if u drive with 5 peoples in it and take rounderbouts sharp it rubs on the inside wheel arch gona go get me some spacers and new bolts tomro found if rubs on the front to i am going to get the arches rolled before i lower him, but the grip is amazing

@ Donkey - It sounds like your suspension may well be worn. I had no rubbing at all on either the front or the back (although I never had 5 in the Panda). I'd check your shocks before lowering; it may be adviseable to get new shocks & springs.

anyone know where i can get new shocks from??? cuse panda parts and almost as rare as a rust free panda

You should'ave bought the whole car!

haha i went to camberley auto factors 50quid pershock the only real prob at the mo is the back wheels i hav ordered some extra long bolts so that i can wack a spacer bettween and move the wheel out a bit[8D]