[Dazzler]

Hey GM, Photoshop option still available if you find any more you want to try...

[Green Machine]

 :DDazz! Thank You! I was hopeful, but didn't want to push the friendship.

If you would be so kind, good sir...

Advanti Talon in Gloss Black
Advanti Talon in Gunmetal
Advanti Maze-R

If you don't feel like doing all of them Dazz it's cool - I understand, and would definitely not think any less of you.

Cheers,

GM

[accim]

If it was me, I would probably go for the Talon Gunmetal or maybe Maze-R.

17" vs 16" vs 15" -> 15 is the most comfortable one, but the handling isn't that good, as you already know. 16" is a good compromise, because you get let's say 205/55/16, which do okay in curves, the feeling on the steering wheel is much better, they are comfortable enough and they don't effect the acceleration/fuel consumption as much as the 17". The 17" are great for cornering.. Really great. But with 225/45/17 tires and rims, you will probably face a bit higher fuel consumption and loss in acceleration and the comfort of course. Maybe you won't feel it that much. The looks is of course great with 17". But some 17" look smaller than 16". For example, wheels like this in 17" will look the same size like wheels like this in 16". (don't mind the two models, it's just an example).

Anyways, if handling is the main thing, go for 17".

[Green Machine]

Accim,

I'd agree that there would be a marginal loss in comfort, and an even more marginal loss in fuel consumption, but I'm not sure about the loss of acceleration.

If the 17" alloy weighed more than the stock steel rim, I'd agree, but I would have thought it wouldn't be too hard to get a set of mags and tyres that weighed less than the stock items. Lowering the unsprung weight would help improve steering (probably responsiveness and change of direction) and acceleration, as well as braking.

I'm not saying mags are gonna completely change the cars performance, but theoretically, there should be a slight (if not very slight) improvement, not decline in these attributes.

I might even ponder that the sidewalls and overall stiffer construction of the lower profile tyre would go someway to counteracting the increase drag from having more rubber on the road. Big call maybe, but it's possible.

GM

[rustynutz]

Some may find this article of interest.....

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q1/effects_of_upsized_wheels_and_tires_tested-tech_dept

[Green Machine]

Good article rustynutz.

There is a performance drop the bigger the wheels go, although it is fair to say 0.2 sec over a quarter mile isn't going to ruin the driving experience - especially in our cars.

You know I'm going to have to weigh a wheel now, don't you? I hope your happy,  On second thought, let's make that a job for tomorrow. Wifey is sick in bed, and the scales are in the wardrobe. I doubt she'd see the urgency in the issue at...Jeez 11:45.

While I don't deny bigger heavier wheels would dull performace, I've seen wheels in the last few days advertised as "light this", "hollow that". And from my knowledge of bikes, lower unsprung weight = instant, noticeable performance. Lighter discs, lighter wheels, lighter tyres = better acceleration, stopping and turning.

I am leaning towards a gunmetal grey wheel, and so the Talon fits the bill from my last quote request, so I'll endeavour to find out what it weighs, and what an average tyre to fit would weigh.

Then I shall whether I am bettering, or ruining my car.

GM

[Dazzler]

Hi GM..

In the end if you find a 17" wheel like the Talon that you are BOTH happy with the improvement to the handling should offset any minor negatives... Don't want our comments on here to spoil your shopping/upgrading experience 

[Green Machine]

Lol Thanks Dazz. That last comment of mine was said with tongue firmly in cheek.

I'm sure any reduction in fuel efficiency will be offset by the better handling and cornering grip. In the example of the Golf with the various wheel sizes, 15-17 only dropped it by 0.2 L/100. That won't be so bad when we're already sitting in the 5/100 region.

And I like looking around - it's often interesting to see what you started looking at, and what you ended up buying.

GM

[Dazzler]

And I like looking around - it's often interesting to see what you started looking at, and what you ended up buying.

Because I am semi-retired and have worked in numerous different industries I get to have a lot of fun shopping for others.. Cars, Whitegood, Browngoods and PC's and more .. so I know where you are coming from 

[Green Machine]

Dazz,

Have you seen the movie, Borat? I'm terribly sorry to admit it, but your last post made me laugh quite loudly . I think I gave myself away in the office. 

If you haven't seen it, you won't get it, but Borat asks a guy what he does for work, and he says, "well I am retired" (imagine thick mid west American accent). Borat then starts telling everyone how good it is that Americans let retards (try saying retired in the above accent...) work.

Again, sorry, but it just struck me as hi-larious.

I have wondered how you get so many posts done everyday! Sometimes work gets in the way of a good bargain, so from that perspective you would be very much an ebay assassin.

Cheers,

GM

[rustynutz]

Dazz,

Have you seen the movie, Borat? I'm terribly sorry to admit it, but your last post made me laugh quite loudly . I think I gave myself away in the office. 

If you haven't seen it, you won't get it, but Borat asks a guy what he does for work, and he says, "well I am retired" (imagine thick mid west American accent). Borat then starts telling everyone how good it is that Americans let retards (try saying retired in the above accent...) work.

Again, sorry, but it just struck me as hi-larious.

[accim]

Hahaha good one with Borat

My post wasn't to scare you about the loss of performance and fuel cons., it was just so you could think about all factors. I know that in that Golf the difference in 0-60 mph acceleration (15" -> 17") was only 0.2 sec, but that Golf obviously has some powerful engine, because 7,6 s too 60 mph is fast. So I recon that in let's say 1.6 petrol engine, the difference would be greater (maybe 0.5 sec).

But if you do find some light wheels you probably won't feel any difference. I remember (quite some time ago and still do), people used to buy OZ Superleggera, as it was famous for it's lightness and strength. With something like that, you probably wouldn't feel the difference.

They look like this:



P.S.: I'm not saying to buy those, it was just an example 

Hah, I found them also on i30. It wouldn't be my first pick, but I must admit, that it doesn't look that bad at all. More I look at it, better it seems. But I think these are 18".

[Dazzler]

Dazz,

Have you seen the movie, Borat? I'm terribly sorry to admit it, but your last post made me laugh quite loudly . I think I gave myself away in the office. 

   Looks like I will have to think of some other words to describe my situation...

Even the "semi" appears to have more than one meaning..

Asathorny says he still gets a a "semi" when he gets in his i30 

[Green Machine]

Lol. Your doing very well for someone with your condition - hehe.

Accim, that white hatch looks great with those rims. I gotta say I'm even liking the white/gold combo. Lookin good .

I've seen a few red cars with gold rims on various forums, but they look a little too boy racer/pimp daddy. Can't quite decide which one though...

Those wheels in general look all business. If you didn't know any better you'd think that i30 was about to engage the warp drive and leave you standing at the lights! It's going against my general philosophy of "Speak softly and carry a big stick" - usually I'd much rather have the go and not the show. I suppose there's not much choice with the i30 though.

Meh. I'm happy enough with how it goes. It surprises a few people. That'll do pig.

GM

Some may find this article of interest.....

http://www.caranddriver.com/features/10q1/effects_of_upsized_wheels_and_tires_tested-tech_dept

There are few things here imho that are not done well.
Car in consideration is powerfull hatch and we all saw that it has no siginificant problems runing 19". But how about 90hp or 115hp or 125hp hatch? IMO results must be slightly worse.

Second, this Golf has SIGNIFICANTLY better suspension then i30. Just like the GTi, and they both can easily absorb road imperfections with 17-18-19". I ask dude who got 17" for Kia Pro Ceed which is basicly the same platform, and he sad awful driving experience, but, for good looks im willing to suffer.

My third observation goes to tires. FFS all season??? Biggest crap ever invented! Even blind man can see BRUTAL difference in thread between summer tire and winter tire, how do you then combine both? 245 width with all season tire is joke! UHP summer tire would perform better and gave unmistakable grip.

In the end i believe that if you get REALLY light alloy as you planned most of "bad things" would be eliminated except level of comfort, but that varies from person to person and while i would think of it as very bad thing, you can have it as perfect. 

[Surferdude]

I've just got around to reading this article and should clarify a couple of things.
The term "all season" doesn't necessarily mean a poor performance under normal circumstances. Recent developments in thse tyres mean they are more than adequate performance tyres.
Read about them here........  http://www.motivemagazine.com/pub/news/Tested_New_Goodyear_Eagle_GT_High-Performance_All-Season_Tires.shtml

And the comment about weight effecting performance and fuel economy is true given the range of packages tested on the Golf.
But, if I read the satrt of this thread correctly, our member is considering a change from steel wheels and I would bet the replacement 16" or 17" alloys will be lighter, even when combined with a suitable tyre. In fact I think he's already alluded to this.

However the weight thing does bear consideration. Certainly some alloy wheels are heavier than others and I'd be looking at that as well as if the lightest were also the cheapest, why is that so.

[bloodnut]

Have had 19" wheels on my wife's i30 for about 2 years now. It 's got 235x35x19 on. The thing feels like a go kart. The tyres are 'bandaids, so you feel a lot of bigger bumps. Bought them for $1200 with tyres that had done 6000km { second hand of course}, so it was worth doing, the 'boss' was looking for some bling. Had a few cars over the years & it seems 18'  tyre is the cheapest option.
Cheers Bloodnut.

[Green Machine]

Howdy all.

I'm just waiting on my local guy to get back to me with a price - his supplier is dragging the chain a bit I'm told. When I get it, I'll summarise the quotes I've gotten. All 3 are from different avenues - one interstate (I suppose internet based trading to a degree), 1 a local big chain, and finally my local friendly guy.

I'll try to get which brand/model tyre, and break it down per corner.

It might just be of help to others when looking for wheels. It could cement what we all think we know regarding the big chains, or perhaps open up the possibilities of looking elsewhere for a good deal.

Not sure if I'll have to wait until Monday for the final price, but it's quite painful. I've even got the post all drafted up, ready to paste in when it's done!

Cheers,

GM

[Dazzler]

Will be interesting GM but from what Surferdude (our Tyre Guru) has said on here before you are better off with the 2nd and 3rd option...Local chain or Friendly local guy ...

[Green Machine]

Finally got my 3 prices. Very surprised, although I probably shouldn't be.


Tempe Tyres in Sydney with $1099 + $150 freight ($1249) for these, these, or these. They come with Kumho KU31 225/45/17's fitted to the rims & balanced. **Just a note, what does everyone think about the copper/bronze colour in the DC-6? I think it looks a bit more tasteful than porn star gold. It is drawing my eye.....but Gemcat16 disagrees so I imagine my eyes will be drawn elsewhere for me...

The 2nd is from JaxQuickfit (Capalaba in this case, but it wouldn't matter) with $1350 for these or these. This package includes Austone SP7 225/45/17 tyres (never heard of them?)

The final price is from Mick's Bike & Car Tyres, Brendale. It is also for the Advanti Talons. Price is near enough to $1800 with Nexen N6000 tyres.

I'm a little bit disappointed my local friendly guy couldn't compete, but I think I knew it deep down inside. It would be incredibly difficult for him to get anything at the same price as Jax (or Bob Jane, Beaurepaires for that matter). I appreciate him trying though. I was pleasantly surprised with Tempe's price - even delivered it is the cheapest by a cool $100, but I guess it is up to personal preference whether people feel comfortable dealing with an interstate supplier. I have heard good things about them from a mate of mine who has used them in Sydney, so who knows - might be in luck.

As the price between Tempe and Jax is close enough to be the same, I think I'll probably go for Jax, simply because they are local, and I can go there and see them doing the work. However, if the freight was taken out of the equation.....(which it probably could be - I work for a national freight company ), I might rethink my decision.

Hmmm, I think I've given myself too much to think about. Final decision on wheels will probably have to be down to The Minister for War and Finance.

Stay Tuned...

GM

[Green Machine]

**UPDATE**

For those (if anyone) that does care, I have found a set of the Advanti Talons in the right size, stud pattern, offset and colour for $150 per wheel. Needless to say I'm gonna buy them. It is overi $100 cheaper per wheel.

There is a slight catch - I don't think it's an issue but here it is anyway. The wheels are from a company that went under in the floods in January. The dude selling them (and I went and saw them - proper tyre/wheel shop) got them cheap because they were covered in mud etc, and cleaned them up. They look pristine, and they are alloy, so they aren't going to rust. Plus they are painted. If they were full steel wheels I'd be wary, but I wouldn't have any issues putting these on a car.

Old mate also said he fit them with Nexen N6000 (have read reviews - seem good) and fit them to the car for $1140 all up.

I likes! 

GM

[Green Machine]

Buggered if I can find the modify button to update a previous post just at the moment, but I bought the wheels! Yay me right...
Not getting the tyres just yet, but at least the most difficult decision is done.

You may go about your lives. That is all.

GM

[Dazzler]

Sounds good GM .. not sure about the Nexens so good idea to just get the wheels to start with 

So you got Charcoal then? (Bronze nice but not sure how they would match your colour...)

[Green Machine]

Dazz, yeah got the Gunmetal

Those are the actual wheels as it happens. That ebay store is based 5 mins from work. Turned out well. And yeah, I've got the wheels, now I can shop around for a deal on tyres.

GM

[Dazzler]

I like that style more than the original one.. the more spokes the better for Trish and I.. 

[Green Machine]

Hey Dazz,

Found a post from prgervacio - his wheels look remarkably similar - on a red car too. Looks good.

https://www.i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=10115.msg116414;topicseen#new

[Dazzler]

Yeah they are.. The wife and I may have gone with those in Silver for her CW if they had been available in 15" ...

[Green Machine]

Howdy,

Picked up the wheels today. All boxed, properly packaged and with the Advanti wheel sock things (a bit like a hair net - for rims  )

The front visible part of the rims is perfect, but on a couple I did notice a few rub marks on the inside (ie the inside of the tyre, where the air goes) where old mate had to scrub the mud off. Really not an issue as far as I'm concerned. Only person that'll see that will be whoever changes tyres - and that sure as hell won't be me.

In addition, myself and a mate of mine carried the wheels out to his car 2 at a time, and could probably have easily carried a set of 4 rims each if they weren't so bulky - they are incredibly light. The dude even mentioned that these are particularly light wheels. Pretty stoked that the rims I ended up getting are lightweights to boot!

I took a picture at work today, but there are much better pics of them on the ebay site, which are here

Overall happy as Larry about the bargain.

Can't wait to get some treads and get them on the car!

GM

[Surferdude]

Just realised the post I made here last night never made it to print. In summary what I said was YHI is the distributor which went under water - over the road from the Oxley Golf Club. There would be no problem with the wheels being under water and they're on my short list if I ever can justify the outlay.
One thing, based on what you said about the scrub marks. Make sure the paint hasn't been removed. Although the wheels themselves are meant to be non-porous, the paint works as a sort of final backup sealer (highly technical term that  ).
So, when you do fit tyres, keep an eye on the pressures for a few weeks. It almost definitely won't be a problem but worth at least checking.Have you any preferences for 17" tyres?

[Green Machine]

Hey Surferdude.

I'll take some pics of the rims when I get them home tomorrow night to show you what I mean. If it came down to it I could tape them up and give them a dose of spray paint around the insides. I might get your opinion on it after tomorrow night though if I can. It looked like he'd given it a go with a scotchbrite scouring pad. It doesn't look like bare metal though - it's not shiny. Maybe gone through 1 layer of paint though.

We shall see...

Oh, got a full set of wheel nuts, and a matching drive thrown in too. Not a bad days bargaining. 

**EDIT** just noticed your question - I'm a bit interested in the Nexen N6000. I've read some reviews that seem complimentary, and the dude (admittedly he wants to sell me a set), couldn't say enough about them. Even going so far as to recommend them over much dearer Bridgestones etc etc. I had Events on the WRX we had, and I was incredibly surprised - $95 a tyre and they stuck like you know what to a blanket. Got rid of the car before putting any decent mileage on them, but I would get them again.

GM