Can I pick your brains bout tyre sizes pls

[Nik C]

If fitting 7x17" alloys to my 1.8 HLX, precisely what tyre size does this restrict me to (without actually having to do anything to the car). Forgive my ignorance, but the sizes seem to vary between 205mm and 235mm. Does the latter still have a 7" width, but a larger diameter?

The advice afford me by the mods section sugests having the arches rolled, for a mere £120-ish, if considering a larger alloy. Is it perhaps worthwhile having this done in any case, for a 7x17"?

Any advice muchly appreciated

 

[Joske]

205/40/17 is the recommended tyre size for 17" alloys. If you fit any larger tyres to these alloys you'll not be able to get full lock on your steering.

I own a HLX and the problems i do get is that when the cars fully loaded and i hit a bump my tyres catch the arch and rips into the tyre. However even if you roll these arches your still gonna have a problem if your cars fully loaded and you hit a bump, you have a possibility at hitting the unit where the fuel enters the car, mine has catched it and rubbed it abit.

However if you dont overload your car then you'll be fine, no need to roll your arches.

Joske

 

[Nik C]

Q. About your suspension

Have you also lowered your suspension? I'm considering the Bilstein kit to lower by 40mm, but surely the spring must be proportionately stiffer to compensate for the reduced compression!? (ie.If your cars fully loaded and you go over a bump, your wheels may touch the arches in any case, alloys or no alloys, lowered or unlowered?!)

 

[Joske]

Re: Q. About your suspension

My cars standard except for the alloys, i havent lowered it at all. Comparing 17" to the standard Fiat 15" alloys and there profile, the 17's do come out overall bigger in diameter which means a much bigger risk of catching the arches. However catching the arches only comes into affect on the width of the tyre and the alloy size.

Alot of people agree that they catch and others don't, but i've had first hand experience with the car with a full boot and four people inside and hittimg a bump in the road travelling at about 40mph+. BUMP!!!

Lowering the car, well some people have done it and again have had no problems, its really your choice. To be on the safe side roll the arches and buy your 17"x7" 205/40/17 Alloys and lower the car, the lowering kit you suggested is very good. or you could buy 18" alloys on 18"x7.5 with 215/35/18 tyres and not lower the car at all, but you'll not get full lock ever again. The turning circle on the Bravo is pretty poor in my opinion but again its your choice and taste.

I will give you this much advice £120 for rolling the arches on your Bravo is on the expensive side. But then i guess it depends where you live and who ya know.



Joske

 

[Joske]

PROS AND CONS

Pros and Cons of 17" Alloys to Steelies & Fiats Own Alloys

Pros:

Lots of Bling

Cons:

Alloys ride very close to the ground
Alloys can get kerbed very easily
Tyres cost £50 each upwards
Stand Out. Attracts thieves
Slower acceleration
Reaching Top End Speed is reduced. (Takes longer to get to 120mph)
Attracts scum to nick your Centre Badges
Ride Comfort significantly reduced. Shake Those Bones! LOL
Car pulls you on gradients in the road, makes you think your tracking has gone.
Car seems to hit every damn hole in the road. LOL


I still bought 17" alloys for BLING!!!! LOL. However will be selling them as soon as i get some 15" alloys. The Cons eventually caught up with me after a year

Joske

 

[Anonymous]

Re: PROS AND CONS

afternoon nik....
i own a fiat brava lowered by 35mm on 17" alloys with 205/40/17's, u can get full lock on and it doest bottom out as suck but its more worrying.... when i hear a noice it only ever comes from 1 place.... the rear driver side i founds out that the wheel is hitting the fuel pipe..... me being a noob cant be bother to find a cure so ill just leave it..... maybe u might have this broblem....

Smee