Ride Quality with 22" or 20" Wheels

[frank29]

Originally Posted by Northern Rider

Thanks for your comments, Jim. I have been waiting for others to jump in. Many of us love to see "show cars" tricked out with the latest bling.

Driving on roads and freeways is another matter. The issue of modifying wheels and tires is important - I have been doing this for street and track for over 40 years.

I have seen way too many people injured and killed over the years as a result of poorly thought out mods to this part of the car.

I just don't want to see another young person get in over their head in the name of "bling".

Save your breath, I know what you mean; but, you can't educate a fool who doesn't realize he/she is a fool.....and after reading the revelant postings, I would bet the overwhelming majority of members know who the fool is.

[Croozer]

You need to watch who you are calling a fool on a public forum, because now your true colors have come through.

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by jhelmuth

I'm really not worried about the "death" or "injury" thing. For me, it's just a matter of seeing way too many people igonre the conesquential damage to their car because no one bothered to tell them about the possible damage that can be done. I'm also NOT saying that you can't build a 22" setup that will work correctly... but it will not come cheaply. If you can stay reasonably close to the parameters of the original design (weight, "pad", angular momentum, overall diameter, etc.), then there is almost no reason to be concerned (you will, however, still change the ride characteristics by going to a shorter sidewall, which will place a higher shock load on the suspension via transmission). I understand "looks" - it's the reason for many of the mods we all do to our cars... it makes them unique and personal. But you can't ignore the bad side effects that come with the bill. Please - by all means - make your 22" mod. But do it right by understanding "how" to counteract the changes which are not a positve contribution to the performance of your car. Some of these include (or are usually manditory) suspension and brake changes, judicious selection of wheels and tires - paying particular attention to overall weight (and where that weight is) via forged wheels ($$$'s yikes), etc. (you do the research).

NO SLAMS intended (to anyone)... just go out and educate yourself so that you will not end up with a problem that could be avoided. I happen to like the looks of the 20" (and a few 22's), but do not like the "drops" (and they exacerbate your problems with wheel height).

If all else fails... go see a "real" wheel/tire/performance specialist. They can tell you what you'll need and how to accomlish your look (and what the consequences will be in advance).

Very well put, Jim.

Your advice about a "real" wheel/tire/performance specialist is very important. It may not be the guy who is trying to sell you the big 22" wheels for only $300.00 a wheel.

[jhelmuth]

I'd like to find all the 20 & 22 inch wheels in 9-9.5 inch widths that are no more than 30 lbs (which I think are a bit heavy - but I'd qualify that as the "cut-off"... anything more will probably be more than I'd be willing to modify the brakes and suspension over (except for the ltd. std. and touring models - which would all require some pretty serious changes to properly handle the 22" and probably most heavier 20"). From my perspective, the 18" on the C are a bit heavy when compared to SRS 18" forged (~ 18lbs. in a 8 inch width). If I could get the SRS in 20", I'd be all over them with some nice performance tires (like the Nitto's).
Anyway... give me that list, and then I'd look at some lighter weight tires that would give me a max 5% net over stock weight. At that place I'm comfortable with just replacing the stockers (18" on a C), although I know that with the reduced sidewall height I'm gonna pay a price on the harshness of the ride on bumps (but I would be very pleased with the stiffer sidewall performance in all other circumstances). I'd pay particular attention to the foot print of the tire and would want a performance model to counteract any tendancy for the tire to over steer in cornering. I think I'd have to test drive several to find the right combination.
Personally, I'm not very willing to modify the brakes on my C. I like the ceramics and what they've (DCX engineers) done with it. The only thing I'd like to change are the rotors for some drilled and slotted performance models (seems like I saw some offered ~ $350) that won't rust and would improve fade and angular momentum. The jury is still out on the suspension. At the moment, I think the stock C suspension is "civil" and reasonable. For a daily driver and occassional agressive moods - I'm OK with it. If I changed to a different set of shoes, then I might have to re-think that.

If it's all show, then I guess it doesn't really matter much. And as I stated before, there is nothing wrong with it if you understand the consequences and are willing to pay the price. I guess in most well-paved situations without much hard cornering on heavy 22's, only the brakes will suffer and the ride ought to be acceptable (again - in most cases).


PS - if you run "heavy" wheels, don't forget to also have your wheel bearings service/replaced much more frequently than recommended. I'd check often and ajust the schedule according to the wear I observed.

[frank29]

Originally Posted by Croozer

You need to watch who you are calling a fool on a public forum, because now your true colors have come through.

I guess you're right, maybe I should have called the position foolish not the author.

You are a very insightful person to know my true colors considering your two days of membership. And thanks for the P.M., there were a number of touching aspects to it, especially the suggestion that I reproduce with myself.

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by frank29

I guess you're right, maybe I should have called the position foolish not the author.

You are a very insightful person to know my true colors considering your two days of membership. And thanks for the P.M., there were a number of touching aspects to it, especially the suggestion that I reproduce with myself.

Hey Frank, at least your PM got answered! My 2 (friendly) PM's were ignored.

Such a clever noobie - guess we're fortunate to have such knowledge in our midst.

[Croozer]

Originally Posted by frank29

And thanks for the P.M., there were a number of touching aspects to it, especially the suggestion that I reproduce with myself.

No problem.

[PixelPusher]

Originally Posted by Northern Rider

Hey Frank, at least your PM got answered! My 2 (friendly) PM's were ignored.

Such a clever noobie - guess we're fortunate to have such knowledge in our midst.

Let's remind ourselves about the block feature .. "croozer" no longer exists on my version of the forums

[Northern Rider]

Originally Posted by PixelPusher

Let's remind ourselves about the block feature .. "croozer" no longer exists on my version of the forums

Thanks, PP, for the reminder. Now on my ignore list as well.

[jhelmuth]

How do I put Croozer on my ignore list?