15" + wider tyres, or 17"?

Green Machine · **July 31, 2011, 02:53:19**

Howdy,

while I am pleased with the overall handling of the i30 (ride in general), I find it's performance with the standard wheel/tyre (SX 15"steel rims) to be a little disappointing. In hard cornering it always feels like the tyres are trying to fold underneath at the front. To top this off, the stock kumho solus 195/65 R15 are probably the grippiest pieces of igneous rock ever to be hewn into a circular shape (ie not very).

I am going to get a set of wheels to appease the minister for war and finance (especially after I made her give up the WRX), and my question is this -

Do I just get a set of 15" mags with wider/gripper tyres, or do I splurge a bit and get a 17" wheel package?

I don't really want to lose any of the ride comfort by going to big wheels (hence I wouldn't even think about going bigger than 17"), but I am also aware that tyres bigger tyres cost more, as do bigger wheels to begin with. I was thinking about $1000-$1400 as a budget.

I'm pretty sure the car would handle a lot better with the lower profile wider tyres (less sidewall movement, better cornering grip), but I'm just not sure which way to go, and would appreciate some opinions.

BTW, feel free to add your view on tyre colour/design. At the moment, I'm leaning towards 5/6 spoke dark grey/black on a red car. I'm more function than form, so I prefer wheels that are easy to clean, and they don't necessarily have to fill the arches.

Cheers,

GM

rustynutz · **Reply #1: July 31, 2011, 02:58:18**

Any reason you're not considering 16" wheels as a good compromise between comfort and handling?

Surferdude · **Reply #2: July 31, 2011, 03:37:46**

Green Machine, like you, I prefer wheels which are easier to clean than some of the fancy stuff which is around today. As Rusty says, consider 16" as an option as well. Go see a couple of tyre specialists who also offer a range of wheels.
Personally I'd recommend you go with a chain - Bob Jane and Jax are probably the best for wheels.
If you've come out of a WRX, I don't imagine the 17" package would cause you too many concerns as far as noise/ harshness are concerned.
Try to pick a tread pattern which isn't too radical or with large shoulder blocks.

beerman · **Reply #3: July 31, 2011, 04:20:42**

Would these be any good?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5-wheels-tyres-Hyundai-Ford-Mazda-done-3-800-kms-/300582131673?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45fc1757d9

I like the OEM look myself, even if there off a different car.

The price is too high, Hyundai wheels don't seem to be getting much price wise and I would be making an offer after the sale ends.....Though I lost a set of 16 inch i30 slx wheels with the same attitude (sold before auction ended) so I wouldn't listen too much to me.

Green Machine · **Reply #4: July 31, 2011, 05:03:04**

Hey Beerman,

while it doesn't seem like too bad a price, the wheels themselves look a little busy (ie lots of nooks and crannies for brake dust to hide), and being a really light colour, it would show up virtually the first drive after you cleaned them. Another reason why I'm big on darker wheels.

I suppose I haven't ruled 16" out exactly - a friend of mine test drove an SLX and he thought the steering felt a bit strange compared to the 15" wheels. I must say though I haven't driven on 16's, so I can't compare myself. It wouldn't bother me getting 16's.

I'd really like to be able to turn the lil i30 into a bit of a hot hatch for the wife - chip & k&n already installed, exhaust and wheels next. Then she might be a bit happier with it - she still pines over her lost love.

I say get over it, but apparently that's not the best move on my part....

Suferdude,

I agree regarding where to get wheels from. Chains generally have better buying power, and most of the time a much bigger selection.

I think I'll broaden my search to include 16's. Thanks for the input guys.

Cheers,

GM

Dazzler · **Reply #5: July 31, 2011, 06:27:02**

Hi GM ..

I think with your brief that the 17" would be the go. Having had the 16" and the 15" there is an improvement in Handling and steering response with the 16" but still not what you would call sporty.. For the sake of peace at home

i would recommend you go the 17" (and you will probably have a slightly wider choice of styles too..)

Surferdude · **Reply #6: July 31, 2011, 06:59:12**

Quote from: beerman on July 31, 2011, 04:20:42

Would these be any good?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/5-wheels-tyres-Hyundai-Ford-Mazda-done-3-800-kms-/300582131673?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item45fc1757d9

Price isn't too bad for 5 BUT ---- they're 55 series. In other words they're off a 4WD. You need 45 series on an i30 with 17" diameter.

beerman · **Reply #7: July 31, 2011, 08:17:32**

Ahhh, so the wheels are ok, but the tyres are not? The wheels are off an I45 arn't they?

Green Machine · **Reply #8: July 31, 2011, 09:22:30**

I was thinking probably off an ix35 or a Santa Fe. The tyres are slightly too high in profile, so it would change the rolling diameter and screw up the speedo reading.

I've also seen that the offset for the i30 is 45, and those are 33.5. Does that mean they would rub the inside of the guard?

Dazz,

I agree with your view regarding the 17's, thus I was originally tossing up between them and wider 15's, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to look at all options. It can also be the case that 17" tyres are cheaper due to the sheer number of Holden/Fords with 17" wheels. I know when we had to get tyres for the WRX if we wanted to go slightly wider than standard (ie large car spec) the price dropped markedly.

I've sent a few emails out today looking for 17" wheel/tyre packages, and I'll give Jax a call and see what they can do - they often have specials on, so I'll keep my eyes & ears peeled for them.

Cheers,

GM

Green Machine · **Reply #9: July 31, 2011, 10:38:33**

Ok, try picturing these on a red hatch...

Pic 1 i30cw with 17"
Pic 2 different angle

Thoughts?

GM

beerman · **Reply #10: July 31, 2011, 11:27:01**

I like it,

how much?

Dazzler · **Reply #11: July 31, 2011, 11:30:07**

I personally like busier ones like the ix35 ones earlier in the thread but I reckon they would look OK .. I will try and photoshop them on to a red hatch for you ...I'm only using my laptop at the moment but I'll see how I go

rustynutz · **Reply #12: July 31, 2011, 11:37:14**

I don't go for them.....sorry, GM!

I really don't like the whole low profile look so, you're probably better off ignoring my opinion....

Dazzler · **Reply #13: July 31, 2011, 11:48:49**

Here you go.. look better on red (wish WE got the new front)

Green Machine · **Reply #14: July 31, 2011, 12:14:03**

That looks great! Thanks Dazz.

Anyone know what sort of offset a falcon would have?? click here

I reckon they look pretty sweet. And for the current price, cheap too.

**EDIT**

Answered my own question. i30 offset is definitely 45, and falcon is 36 (the same as those earlier ebay wheels, which look like they've come off a Santa Fe)

Anyone reckon they'd fit?

GM

Green Machine · **Reply #15: July 31, 2011, 12:41:28**

Found an interesting site with info on offset. As width increases Grasshopper, offset must also change....

http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/techpage.jsp?techid=101

From guessing, I'd say that with a wider wheel, the offset would reduce, thus making those falcon wheels about right, but I've gotta say $350 is a little too much to ride on a guess.

GM

**Reply #16: July 31, 2011, 18:07:38**

Here you can see offset even better

http://www.rimsntires.com/specs.jsp

Dazzler · **Reply #17: July 31, 2011, 21:29:52**

Quote from: Green Machine on July 31, 2011, 12:41:28

From guessing, I'd say that with a wider wheel, the offset would reduce, thus making those falcon wheels about right, but I've gotta say $350 is a little too much to ride on a guess.

GM

Now $415 + and only approx 50% tread left.. I wouldn't buy 2nd hand mags (could have come off a wrteoff or anything)

(nice enough looking wheels though..)

Green Machine · **Reply #18: August 01, 2011, 11:31:20**

So I got a price back from a mob in Sydney that freight nationwide.

I'm looking at $1099 for a set of 17's with Kumho ku31 tyres (they seem to have quite good reviews??) + $150 for freight.

The wheels in question are these or these.

Black or Charcoal. Thoughts? I like the Charcoal.

Here is a pic of them on a Mazda 3. Couldn't find any i30's, sorry.

I'll see what someone local has to offer.

Cheers,

GM

Pranav · **Reply #19: August 01, 2011, 13:06:34**

My car has 16 inches tyres and they feel good enough to me. But 17 will obviously be good looking !

rustynutz · **Reply #20: August 01, 2011, 15:26:41**

Been pondering.....

What is the point of going for really low profile tyres?

Is it just for the looks?

Are huge wheels with nearly non existant tyres really an attractive look or is it just current fashion?

From what I see they just bugger up the ride for little benefit......

I'm hearing crys of better handling...but, if that is the case why don't F1 cars run them?

Dazzler · **Reply #21: August 01, 2011, 21:16:59**

17" should be a good compromise though (I prefer the charcoal ones GM.. )

But I would try and get them locally fitted and balanced etc for a similar total price (if it were me.. )

I'll try and do some more photoshopping for you )

Green Machine · **Reply #22: August 02, 2011, 00:04:09**

Rustynutz,

Not particularly bothered looks wise - I guess the wife is though but eh. I guess I'm after less sidewall flex first and foremost. When cornering hard, and the car understeers, the tyres try to tuck under (they feel like they are trying to rip free of the rim almost). It feels cr@p, and scrubs the bejesus out of the outside shoulders. Having grippier, wider tyres would solve this to a degree, but reducing the profile as well would improve it more.

I don't think 17's would be too bad ride wise. Not as comfortable as the 15's, but the suspension is a lot more supple than the WRX we stepped out of, as surferdude mentioned, so it should be ok.

Thanks a lot for the photoshopping Dazz. You the man.

The wheels themselves look pretty cool - nice and open for cleaning - nice brake dust friendly colour.

I've been checking out a brand called G.Max. Anyone heard of them? Apparently run out of Perth, with warehouses there, Sydney and Brisbane. I'm also looking at some of their wheels. They are sold through Jax Quickfit, so I'll have to call them to get some prices.

Anywho, that's enough for me - better do some work.

GM

rustynutz · **Reply #23: August 02, 2011, 02:00:15**

Quote from: Green Machine on August 02, 2011, 00:04:09

Rustynutz,

Not particularly bothered looks wise - I guess the wife is though but eh. I guess I'm after less sidewall flex first and foremost. When cornering hard, and the car understeers, the tyres try to tuck under (they feel like they are trying to rip free of the rim almost). It feels cr@p, and scrubs the bejesus out of the outside shoulders. Having grippier, wider tyres would solve this to a degree, but reducing the profile as well would improve it more.

What sort of tyre pressures are you running, GM?
I run 38-40psi and find handling through corners quite reasonable, it certainly never feels like the tyres are gonna peel off the rims anyhow.... btw, I have 16" wheels on my i30.....

Green Machine · **Reply #24: August 02, 2011, 02:09:41**

Rustynutz,

I run about 36 psi. Never felt the need the need to go as high as 40, but I do run that in the tyres on my bike. I'd say the cheap as chips tyres are mostly to blame for the horrible understeer feeling. They do suck, quite a lot.

GM

Surferdude · **Reply #25: August 02, 2011, 09:27:16**

Quote from: Green Machine on August 02, 2011, 02:09:41

Rustynutz,

I run about 36 psi. Never felt the need the need to go as high as 40, but I do run that in the tyres on my bike. I'd say the cheap as chips tyres are mostly to blame for the horrible understeer feeling. They do suck, quite a lot.

GM

GM, 36psi is plenty.
I must say I'm surprised at your concerns regarding handling. I particular, understeer. I haven't experienced it at all in my i30 which was only on the standard 15" Nankangs. I found them noisy (bloody noisy) but no evidence of understeer nor a feeling of the tyres peeling off the rim. In fact, I'm on record elsewhere on this forum as saying I have found the i30 the equal in handling of the 2 Subarus I've had.
And that's with 20 odd years of rallying experience behind me.
Anyway, I don't doubt you are experiencing the problems you detail I just wonder what other factors might be at play.

Also I agree the 17's won't be too harsh and also agree they are likely to be the best priced option.

Dazzler · **Reply #26: August 02, 2011, 11:33:19**

Quote from: surferdude on August 02, 2011, 09:27:16

In fact, I'm on record elsewhere on this forum as saying I have found the i30 the equal in handling of the 2 Subarus I've had.
And that's with 20 odd years of rallying experience behind me.
Anyway, I don't doubt you are experiencing the problems you detail I just wonder what other factors might be at play.

It could partly be the extra weight of the diesel engine in the CRDi .. Trish reckons the Petrol model feels a bit lighter and nicer for her to steer than my old CRDi did ....

Surferdude · **Reply #27: August 02, 2011, 11:37:42**

Quote from: Dazzler on August 02, 2011, 11:33:19

Quote from: surferdude on August 02, 2011, 09:27:16
In fact, I'm on record elsewhere on this forum as saying I have found the i30 the equal in handling of the 2 Subarus I've had.
And that's with 20 odd years of rallying experience behind me.
Anyway, I don't doubt you are experiencing the problems you detail I just wonder what other factors might be at play.

It could partly be the extra weight of the diesel engine in the CRDi .. Trish reckons the Petrol model feels a bit lighter and nicer for her to steer than my old CRDi did ....

That makes sense Dazz. I keep forgetting about those diesel engines.

rustynutz · **Reply #28: August 02, 2011, 12:26:35**

Quote from: Dazzler on August 02, 2011, 11:33:19

It could partly be the extra weight of the diesel engine in the CRDi ..

Which is why I find the recommended tyre pressures a bit odd, surely with the extra weight of the diesel, you'd want a bit more pressure in the front tyres at least, instead Hyundai stipulate 32psi all round regardless of model or engine.

Green Machine · **Reply #29: August 02, 2011, 12:43:49**

Good point Dazz. Not that I'm putting blame squarely on the extra weight, but lead arrow syndrome + cr@p tyres won't be doing anything for understeer.

Well I've emailed my tyre guy at Brendale, and he's going to get me some prices for tyre and wheel packages (didn't even know he did wheels until today...

) and I'll see what he comes up with.

Email is so damn handy to put out the feelers obligation free.

Muah ha ha.

When I've finally decided on wheels, I'll only have to wait until we move (2 weeks

) and then the wheels are in motion....get it.

Pun intended.

GM