17" wheels

[Russell O]

Seriously thinking of going back to 17" wheels. I think my 18"s look great but the drive is pants and was sooooo
much better on the smaller wheels.
Anyone else feel they have made the wrong move regarding driveability and wheels?

 

[Dino D]

I run both.
17 are better generally for comfort but 18's are not pants. In the dry and on smooth roads my 18's are better - wider and less profile with some stretch so very grippy and direct. the 17's have some more 'play' in them with bigger sidewall and no stretch.
How is your suspension - if it's tired then the effect is more noticeable I found when switching between wheels on old suspension.

 

[Russell O]

I run both.
17 are better generally for comfort but 18's are not pants. In the dry and on smooth roads my 18's are better - wider and less profile with some stretch so very grippy and direct. the 17's have some more 'play' in them with bigger sidewall and no stretch.
How is your suspension - if it's tired then the effect is more noticeable I found when switching between wheels on old suspension.

That's a very good point and one that GazH mentioned to me when I told him the same story.
MOT time next month and I take her to a strict tester who know's how I like my cars so will get him to double check the suspension components.
See what he recommends needs changing.
He won't rip me either as he knows I do most of the work myself or through other people.
It does grip well to be fair but just not as smooth as on the 17"s.
The wheels don't look Pants just the drive..
18"s do look the dogs though........

 

[Grumps]

I'm running 18's and have questioned a couple of times weather to drop to 17's. After asking on here I've been pursued on both occasions to keep the existing wheels. The ride is very firm and it tramlines like a pig! My suspension is on the original shocks tho so I assume that is the main reason for the ride. It's on the to do list when funds allow.

 

[Mr C]

I've just bid on a 17" set on eBay located in Wales as I don't like my basic 16" that I have on mine