15" wheel performance

[wrongwheeldrive]

Hi, I am considering a 15" wheel/tire setup for improved comfort and cheaper tires. What effect would steelys w/tires have on performance? I would like improved comfort but won't compromise on handling. Would 15" wheels compromise performance? I want to have a second setup for messing around... Whatcha think? I love nittos on stock wheels they are cheap ($109) but kinda wanna experiment. Should I just save my $$ for more nittos or get a second tire setup?

 

[scotman]

Hi, I am considering a 15" wheel/tire setup for improved comfort and cheaper tires. What effect would steelys w/tires have on performance? I would like improved comfort but won't compromise on handling. Would 15" wheels compromise performance? I want to have a second setup for messing around... Whatcha think? I love nittos on stock wheels they are cheap ($109) but kinda wanna experiment. Should I just save my $$ for more nittos or get a second tire setup?

I dont think you understand that all tire choices are a compromise. 15 inch tires in an summer compound are an improvement in handling and comfort over the stock 17's. Even more of an improvement if you get 15'' wheels that weigh less than 14 pounds each. I am not a fan of Nitto tires. I found them noisy and super sensitive to alignment and rotation issues as they gained mileage. If you want to save alot of money, just go buy a set of less agressive performance tires, i guess they would be refered to as touring types. If you dont track or autocross, that type of tire might suit your need for a better ride, good handling and low cost. But a touring tire will still be an H speed rated tire, so ride quality will still be firm. As for steel wheels. They are round and inexpensive. They are great for snow tires and are not theft targets, you must decide.

 

[LedRobster]

Generally 15" wheels are going to be skinnier and the added sidewall can make for less stability in cornering. You'll lose grip, but depending on your driving style it may not make too much of a difference. Autocross? you're going to notice, just squirting around town? probably not so much.

 

[StayPuft]

i went to 205/50/15 on 15x7 Team Dymnamics wheels and the ride improvement over the stock wheels and tires is apparent. It's smoother over bumps and less jarring. That being said it does affect off center turn in a bit but not enough to notice on a daily driver. And certainly not enough to outweigh the improved overall ride.

 

[Joker328]

It really depends on the tire. If you want a similar amount of cornering stability with a larger sidewall, you will need something with a more heavily reinforced sidewall which will add weight and cost to the tire. At the same time, the smaller wheel should more than offset the weight penalty yielding better straight line acceleration, unless you go with a heavier steel wheel.

I have winter tires on 15" aluminum wheels and I do feel that I get better fuel economy and easier acceleration around town, but they lose grip much more easily and feel a lot more soft/wobbly when turning aggressively. Definitely improved ride comfort, but you can tell the stock suspension is not really designed for them so the ride feels a little bouncy/floaty. My sense is 16" may be the sweet spot for comfort and handling on this car, but I haven't tried them.

 

[wrongwheeldrive]

This is all very good information, thanks. I am just throwing around ideas. I am considering a set for longer road trips with cheap enough tires I can burnout and mess around on. I figured the low profile of the stock 17" cause the stiff ride (which I don't mind normally!!).

Nitto's are not the greatest tire, I admit. I actually preferred the OEM spec Bridgestone's, but the Nittos offer me the best value for performance/price at this time. With a second set for commuting/road trips, I could afford to spend more on nicer tires for stock wheels.

I live in southern California so I run soft/summer compound all year long. It sounds like 16" aluminum wheels might be the ticket, although I might still go with 15's if they will be utilized primarily for commuting/road trip purposes. I do not want the wobbly feeling @Joker talked about from 15's, but they will not be my performance oriented option. I will have to price out the wheel/tire setup.

Thanks again for all the info guys. I can always count on this forum, it's a special place.

 

[StayPuft]

^^^ good point. A lot of the ride characteristics are in the sidewall of the tire. For example I went with the Dunlop Direzza dz102 and they are a fine all around summer tire and priced really well (~$70ea). I'm sacrificing some all out effort in favor of softer sidewall and ride but my car is just a fun commuter. Compare those with the Direzza Star Specs and the star specs will have a harder more reinforced sidewall since they're built to handle increased cornering forces that will translate into better grip but a little stiffer ride than the dz102.

This reminds me how on my fbodies I always had the best ride when running drag radials in the back since the sidewalls were so soft.

I have 15" winter tires too and they are taller and softer than the summer tires and I can see how they may be described as floaty when compared to stock tires. With 205/50/15 summer tires I don't notice any wobble feeling or anything like that. It's a really common tire size with the Miata crowd so there are a lot of good tire options.

 

[SeanBonham]

Anyone have a photo of a 205/50/15 on stock suspension?

 

[StayPuft]

Anyone have a photo of a 205/50/15 on stock suspension?

I think Rodmoe's car was stock height here with 15x8 205/50

 

[StayPuft]

Here's mine with 15x7 & 205/50 lowered on coilovers

 

[wrongwheeldrive]

I think Rodmoe's car was stock height here with 15x8 205/50

I really like this look. It has probably been beat to death on some other wheel thread but what widths fit the stock spacing for 15" and 16" wheels?

 

[StayPuft]

I really like this look. It has probably been beat to death on some other wheel thread but what widths fit the stock spacing for 15" and 16" wheels?

That blue car is 15x8 with +35 offsets. It will sit flush with outer fender. Mine is 15x7 with I think high +30s or +40. Never had issues with rubbing even when lowered.

 

[Waterfan]

That blue car is 15x8 with +35 offsets. It will sit flush with outer fender. Mine is 15x7 with I think high +30s or +40. Never had issues with rubbing even when lowered.

For completeness and your convenience, Rodmoe's 15x8 wheels are Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2. Check out our forum sponsor PCA for details. http://www.fiestastforum.com/forum/threads/1248-Pro-Race-Wheels-For-Your-Fiesta-ST-!