16" wheels to improve ride
05-13-11, 05:11 PM
#1
16" wheels to improve ride
I swapped the stock 18" wheels and 245/45/18 tires for a set of 16" wheels and 225/60/16 tires, on my 2006.
YUCK! It sure was a downgrade in the looks department.
My first impression is that the ride has improved, as if all the sharp edges on the road joints and potholes were rounded off. Or, perhaps like the difference between jogging on cement versus on a rubberized 400 meter track.
I need the softer rubber for the Michigan potholed roads this time of year. I also need tires with more snow traction than the stock Dunlop 18". Once the roads are fixed for the season, I think I'll swap back to the 18", then swap back again to the 16"when the snow falls.
I'll post again after I get a better impression of the ride difference.
YUCK! It sure was a downgrade in the looks department.
My first impression is that the ride has improved, as if all the sharp edges on the road joints and potholes were rounded off. Or, perhaps like the difference between jogging on cement versus on a rubberized 400 meter track.
I need the softer rubber for the Michigan potholed roads this time of year. I also need tires with more snow traction than the stock Dunlop 18". Once the roads are fixed for the season, I think I'll swap back to the 18", then swap back again to the 16"when the snow falls.
I'll post again after I get a better impression of the ride difference.
Last edited by MDEC; 05-14-11 at 08:49 PM.
did not even remove the lug wrench... 
05-13-11, 08:58 PM
#3
Moderator
Great looking car...nice color
05-13-11, 11:17 PM
#5
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05-14-11, 03:33 AM
#7
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05-14-11, 03:37 AM
#8
Really, in the flesh it doesn't seem as bad as the pictures make it appear.
Certainly the 18's are being kept handy.
Last edited by MDEC; 05-14-11 at 02:23 PM.
05-14-11, 03:41 AM
#9
05-14-11, 04:11 AM
#10
Even the 18" did not look big on the 430, but the 16" look really small. I have 16" for the winter and did not realize they looked that small. I also don't have the wheels you have, I must have had the 2002 16" wheels, which look more like the old MB wheels.
05-14-11, 04:34 AM
#11
Recovering Lexus Addict
Do you feel much handling difference between the two? I considered going from 18 to 17, but didn't want to give up what little handling feel the 18s provide. I would mount up some winter tires on the 16s and softer summer tires on the 18s. I also noticed that running the 18s at 30 psi v. 33 psi makes a big difference in ride softness.
As for looks, I agree - very Camryesque.
OT - Is that wood grating beside the service door fancy security "bars" for a window on the stairway landing to the basement?
As for looks, I agree - very Camryesque.
OT - Is that wood grating beside the service door fancy security "bars" for a window on the stairway landing to the basement?
Last edited by caddyowner; 05-14-11 at 04:39 AM.
05-14-11, 06:36 AM
#12
Moderator
Camtyesque? - man you guys are harsh : )
05-14-11, 06:45 AM
#13
Recovering Lexus Addict
I was just agreeing with the owner. He's another Michigander. Probably a Yooper at heart. We have to be always prepared for driving on dirt roads whether in metro Detroit or to a UP cottage that has optional indoor plumbing and a short summer season that's measured by what bugs are biting this week.
