Hi Guys!

I have a dilemma! I purchased some mint OZ Ultraleggera wheels and the person selling them to me said they were 17". I have an R57 with the 17" web spokes and looking for a second set of wheels and tires. My current wheels had runflats and are now shod with Conti DSW's. I was going to put some summer rubber on the new rims. Unfortunately, when I got home and checked, the rims are 16" and not 17! He has offered to take them back but I am torn.

I want something that is still sporty but rides nice. I still think the Conti's on stock rims are a little harsh and not quite as sharp as I would like. If I keep the 16's but put on a good summer tire, do you think that will sharpen things up without adding harshness. The runflats were unbearable to me and my last car was a Ford Flex that rode really soft. I don't want that again but I do want a bit more compliance. I would be willing to perhaps change out the springs or shocks if that helped also. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Mark

 

If you install the 16in wheels with a typical summer performance tire, they will not be a runflat design.
That means the sidewall will flex more trading for more ride comfort for less turn-in response.

Its up to you really, but you're saying somewhat opposite things when you note that you want a "sporty" ride with zero "harshness"; those usually go hand-in-hand.

- Erik

 

I understand what you mean and have had both sports cars and luxury cars. I hated the runflats on every car I have ever owned. I actually like the Conti's and feel they over a pretty good trade off until pushed hard. I want something with a bit more grip so I can push the car more around corners.

My issue is going from 17" rims to 16" inch rims. I have 17 now and they have the continental DWS all season tires. The ride is pretty nice and handling is OK. I got a deal on OZ Interleggara rims but they are 16" not 17. If I keep them, I will get a summer only tire for the car. Question was simply would they be sporty enough or should I just get some 17" rims and summer tires. I love the idea of a lighter setup at each corner and the rims were a great price. Thanks!

 

Tire Rack shows a limited range of choices in ultra high performance summer tires in the OE 195/55/16 size. They do offer the Bridgestone RE760 though.

Apparently the new wheels are 16X7", so you might consider going to the slightly wider 205/50/16 tire size, where more choices of sticky rubber are offered. Since you like the Contis already, one of the Maximum Performance summer tires in the 205/50 size is the Conti Extreme Contact DW, which also happens to be survey rated as having relatively good ride and noise comfort for such a sticky summer tire.

One of the drawbacks of going to the 205/50 tire is that they will have a shorter sidewall, and thus somewhat less ride compliance than a comparable 195/55 tire. As Erik said above, it's practically impossible to maximize both dry grip and ride comfort with the same exact tire, as those two performance characteristics tend to be inversely correlated. Thus, if you want some of both, you'll probably need to compromise. Then the question is how much of one thing you're willing to give up in order to get more of the other.

 

Thanks Jim!

I know it is a trade off but really want a little better ride. My dealer is installing fresh run flats on the stock rims as part of my original purchase agreement, purchased car used. I picked up some nice OZ rims but it turns out they are 16 and not 17" and thinking about keeping them. I figured a little more sidewall might not be such a bad thing and the roads around my house in Easter PA are in a constant state of construction lately. We don't just have potholes, we have craters!!!!!

I think the combination of a higher performance tire in a 16 with the light rims, might give me what I am looking for. This car already handles way better than my last one. Thanks!

Mark

 

Sounds like comfort comes first, then performance.
Therefore, the 16in wheels are your preferred choice; grab some performance rated tire for your new OZ wheels, and go to town!

- Erik