17 inch vs stock 15 inch alloys?

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mr2stuff
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17 inch vs stock 15 inch alloys?

Post by mr2stuff »

Hi All,

My "new to me" MR2 Mk3 (prefacelift) came to me on 17 inch alloys all around with the correct staggered tyres.
I like the look of the 17's as they fill the arches and also the car feels planted and handles great due to the slightly wider rubber, but I can feel every bump in the road.
I'm thinking about whether I should go back to the stock 15 inch alloys with higher sidewall and whether they would ride better or whether it would still ride the same due to the mr2 being so low?

Anyone with any real life experience on the difference in the 15 inch vs 17inch alloys would be appreciated?

Cheers.


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TonyleFrog
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Re: 17 inch vs stock 15 inch alloys?

Post by TonyleFrog »

It's not the width of the tyre which is causing you to feel the bumps, it's the aspect ratio (profile).
There's a big difference between the stock 50 on the rear and the 35 you currently have.
As a rule of thumb, the lower the profile the less flex the sidewall is capable of.

The only way to counteract it would be to reduce the inflation pressure.
The problem is you can't do so without creating other issues. e.g. excessive wear and heat.
It will also seriously compromise the handing in an emergency manoeuvre.
Not only that, to decrease them sufficiently to make a noticeable difference is illegal.
Serious under inflation is a Construction & Use offence for which you can get a FPN.
Also, if you're involved in a major RTC and the CIU can prove it to be due to that you're screwed.

You'll defintely notice an improvement in ride comfort if you revert to 15s.
Of course that assumes you are still running stock dampers and/or springs.
That is certainly the case with a Mk2.
If you're not living life on the edge, you're taking up too much room!

HM wrote: TonyleFrog aka "The Fog Penetrator"

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mr2stuff
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Joined: 31/03/18 5:59

Re: 17 inch vs stock 15 inch alloys?

Post by mr2stuff »

Thanks Tony for your advice on the tyre pressures and 15's.
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Essex2Visuvesi

Re: 17 inch vs stock 15 inch alloys?

Post by Essex2Visuvesi »

16s are a nice compromise of looks and comfort
I had 17s on mine and it wasn't much fun, went back to stock 15s and the ride was much more pleasant, finally settled on 16s
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Re: 17 inch vs stock 15 inch alloys?

Post by Portgordon »

Are tyre choices more restrictive for 16s?

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mr2stuff
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Re: 17 inch vs stock 15 inch alloys?

Post by mr2stuff »

Thanks, may look into 16's all round, I know the post face lift mr2 mk3's staggered 15's in the front and 16's in the back.
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Re: 17 inch vs stock 15 inch alloys?

Post by angpozzuto »

Portgordon wrote: 06/04/18 21:39 Are tyre choices more restrictive for 16s?
There's a better selection of tyres with 16s than 15s but 17s have much more options
Supercharged v6 mk1 build thread
https://www.mr2oc.co.uk/forums/125/166558.html

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