Discussion and technical advice the SW20 MR2. 3S-GTE, 3S-GE, 3S-FE etc
Anything and everything to do with maintenance, modifications and electrical is in here for the Mk2.
I am currently running 17" wheels 225/45/17 rear and 215/45/17 front on a standard suspension setup rev2, I find this too harsh for where I live. I am thinking of downsizing to 16" wheels with larger profile tyres such as 205/50/16 front and 225/50/16 rear. Will this be a much better setup for comfort without too much handling sacrifice and will it cause any rubbing because its too tall of a profile?
Might need a roll on the rear arches depending on the offset of the wheels you get. I had no problem running that setup with +35 offset 7.5j f and 8.5j rears.
Tbh if your suspension is still standard the shocks may be a bit knackered also which will not help bump absorbtion imho.
I always thought that if shocks were knackered the handling would bounce all over the place non stop. Mine is pretty solid atm so always thought they were fine.
asdrewq wrote:I'm still running the OEM 15" for this reason.
They really do drive awfully with 17" wheels. I don't understand why they are so popular.
Same, they do feel pretty poor with 17" wheels. I personally think its too much of a sacrifice for the UK roads. The only reason why I have 17s is because I bought the car with it but im wanting a change now.
It does seem like there are quite a few who agree with the poor ride comfort associated with 17" or larger wheels, either that or Im just getting old and grumpy at the ripe age of 22..
Slightly different scenario but perhaps you guys can offer opinions. We are currently running some 18" rims with 215/35/18 all round. Looking at going down to 17" with 205 or 215 fronts and 235 or 245 rears, possibly with a 45 profile. Providing these tyre sizes fit, ride comfort going to improve somewhat?
Willenium wrote:Slightly different scenario but perhaps you guys can offer opinions. We are currently running some 18" rims with 215/35/18 all round. Looking at going down to 17" with 205 or 215 fronts and 235 or 245 rears, possibly with a 45 profile. Providing these tyre sizes fit, ride comfort going to improve somewhat?
I'll be honest, I am running those similar sizes atm and its pretty dreadful considering some roads where I live are worse than a third world country which is why im looking at larger profiles with wheels that can work with a standard mr2 suspension.
I've been contemplating 205/55/15s on the front and 225/55/15s rear. Extra tyre. Extra size in the arches, slightly more common tyres. I think they'd probably look better & the difference is minimal in speedo readings. Haven't done it yet.
I didnt like the way mine felt on 17's, I fitted the suspension from my Rev1 UK N/A as it is supposed to be softer and it was all very new but it made almost no difference. In the end I took the tyre pressures down to the minimum I though I could get away with, about 26-24 psi and it feels much better, like any modern car with large wheels. I have no problems with handling or tyre wear at these pressures.
My car is on standard suspension, 15'' staggered. 195/50 upfront and 225/50 rear and find it really comfy as a daily car. Also, tyres tend to be cheaper around this price with Toyo T1r's at £35 and Michelin PE2's at £45. Admitidly i would like 16'' but i'd keep the same profile for that comfort.
I am thinking of downsizing to 16" wheels with larger profile tyres such as 205/50/16 front and 225/50/16 rear.