Second set of wheels

[jev]

After reading the thread on the guy who is thinking of driving to a ski resort, as I've though of this as well I though I would canvass views on a plan which has ocurred to me.

Thinking of seeing if I can pick up a set of not too pricey 16" rims. Then I can put winter tyres on them for cold contenental trips and R888s on them for summer track days.

Currently run my Tamora on 18" rims. Can I just put 16" on as an alternative or would the suspension be all wrong? Will I notice any (or a significant) loss of handling on the smaller wheels. Basically the reason I'm thinking of 16" is simply cost - both of the wheels and the tyres. Also can anyone advise as whether it is OK changing tyres in this manner?

Thanks

Jev.

[Tangoed]

Good move, not sure about the rims, but I've got R888 for summer and Goodyear F1 for winter. Swopped them over last weekend.

[bobfather]

16's will go straight on without any suspension adjustment. You will need to work out the appropriate tyre profile to keep the rolling diameter right. As for handling, the 16's may actually be better especially in winter. The ability of the tyres to absorb initial bump will make the car feel softer but that can be a good thing and cornering grip will be more progressive so you'll get warning signs of rear break away earlier.

[tbdgriff500]

i have a set of 16" spiders for sale in the parts section at the moment,am open
to offers as i am trying to fund tasmin racing next season and need the cash.

[Avalanche]

16" will be better than 18" for winter. Majority of people here have a full set of winter wheels with fitted tyres, instead of only changing the summer/winter tyres over on the same rims. That's what I do on my Cosworth. The winter wheels are always always narrower, better control in those conditions etc.

I have to say great idea, I just bought from Power a 2nd set of Tuscan rims in anthracite to do exactly the same thing! But heart ruled head and stuck to 18". I'm going to put Dunlop SP WINTER SPORT M3 255/35 R18 94V XL on them. GBP170. Check out the test result on www.mytyres.co.uk A 1.1 !!!!!!!!! But I'm having trouble finding 225 for the fronts....
If I can get round to it I will film a before/after in a carpark!

Tangoed, I currently have F1's as well. How are the R888's??? I saw them on Brem's car at the TVR show in Switzerland couple weeks back. Semi-slicks? You rate them? I've been in need of something grippier ever since my RR upgrade!!! How much are they/long do they last...?

cheers

[softtop]

Avalanche said:

I just bought from Power a 2nd set of Tuscan rims in anthracite to do exactly the same thing!

new, second hand, what did it cost for four?

[Tangoed]

The R888's are fantastic, Had them on all summer and I'm really pleased. I've done about 4500 miles with them and two track days, theres still loads of wear left. The down side to them is the side walls are alot stiffer, good for fast cornering but on the road its alittle bumpy. They cost around £650 for four 255/18/35 with fitting, got them from tyre traders on the net.

[Avalanche]

Softtop GBP212 each new with valves/without UK VAT.
Couldn't find anthracites secondhand which ruled out kerbed or bent anyways..

Thanks for advice Tangoed - will go that route next summer then

Laters