Is it a Bad Idea to change front springs only?
11-19-2002 | 02:52 PM
#16
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,606
Likes: 1
From: Highland Park, IL
Thanks for the support, Christer, but I think Piers is wondering why I'd suggest that 17" wheels will make the gap seem larger (which I did). His argument is very valid: The gap and tire are both shades of black, so wouldn't a larger wheel fill the arch better? I think that's very possible.
I was simply passing on a theory based on optical illusions, so there's no hard science here. I think it is possible, though, that the gap will seem enormous if it's sunny and your sidewalls are grubby--the dirty, thinner tire will emphasize the size of the gap. But I think we all agree that the gap size has not changed--only your perception (perhaps).
To help demonstrate the illusion, I've included a page from Tire Rack that shows the visual impact of changing wheel diameters (and lowering!). There's a Porsche 996 you can use with this tool and I'd suggest you switch between 17's and 19's for maximum impact. Decide for yourself if sidewall height changes the gap's appearance.
<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/lowering/golf.html" target="_blank">Tire Rack Tool</a>
Enjoy! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
I was simply passing on a theory based on optical illusions, so there's no hard science here. I think it is possible, though, that the gap will seem enormous if it's sunny and your sidewalls are grubby--the dirty, thinner tire will emphasize the size of the gap. But I think we all agree that the gap size has not changed--only your perception (perhaps).
To help demonstrate the illusion, I've included a page from Tire Rack that shows the visual impact of changing wheel diameters (and lowering!). There's a Porsche 996 you can use with this tool and I'd suggest you switch between 17's and 19's for maximum impact. Decide for yourself if sidewall height changes the gap's appearance.
<a href="http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/lowering/golf.html" target="_blank">Tire Rack Tool</a>
Enjoy! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
11-19-2002 | 05:31 PM
#18
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk
Hi Joey
There's certainly no science involved in my theory either - just a bit of lunch time theorising! Great link, I've just spent a while clicking from 17" to 19" squinting, looking away and looking back suddenly, cross eyed....and I could'nt make up my mind which looked better!!
BR
Piers
There's certainly no science involved in my theory either - just a bit of lunch time theorising! Great link, I've just spent a while clicking from 17" to 19" squinting, looking away and looking back suddenly, cross eyed....and I could'nt make up my mind which looked better!!
BR
Piers
11-20-2002 | 05:28 PM
#20
7th Gear
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: France
[quote]Originally posted by Christer:
<strong>
Sympathy
Many of us have done the 17" wheel upgrades before doing any suspension upgrades. This is not a problem and improves the handling considerably. Make sure you do a full alignment though.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Indeed
but the problem is that the full alignement you recommend is not necessarily done when upgrading to 17" wheels, at least here in France...
What I meant in the previous post is that a P-car is a finely tuned instrument to go fast, and should remain so, whatever the mods you do...
<strong>
Sympathy
Many of us have done the 17" wheel upgrades before doing any suspension upgrades. This is not a problem and improves the handling considerably. Make sure you do a full alignment though.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Indeed
but the problem is that the full alignement you recommend is not necessarily done when upgrading to 17" wheels, at least here in France...
What I meant in the previous post is that a P-car is a finely tuned instrument to go fast, and should remain so, whatever the mods you do...
