ajax1964

Ok, my 2002 TT came with 19" HRE's on it. I love the look, but as a daily driver (and having already had back surgery) the streets of LA are proving a bit brutal. Will a switch to 18's make a big difference? Anything else I can do? I'm not looking to track so I would take a little hit in performance if need be. Thanks

Joe Weinstein

The car was designed for 18"ers. The best performance *is*
with 18" wheels. And you will be more comfortable. You may
be able to buy good hollow-spoke stock wheels and tires for
less than you can sell your 19" HREs.
Joe

tkerrmd

I agree with Joe, also could try slightly lower tire pressures or another suspension set up?

Woodster

Your tires are ?
your tire pressures are ?
your current suspension and spring rates ?

could be a combination of things...

MK

RobynC

Having had both, I notice no difference. But, that's me.

Performance and comfort are absolutely two different things...we shouldn't confuse them. I agree with Woodster on this, combination of things to consider.

Woodster

Robin,

you went underground !!
how is life and the beautiful red P-car treating you??

Marty K.

Shark

Alright you two.....get a room

For the poster, I believe a set of coilovers would make you happy with the 19s

RobynC

Actually, if he is worried about ride "comfort", coilovers would not make him very happy. It would stiffen things up and imho, make things worse. The best thing you can do in this case it so buy a Cadillac.

Think about a different tire with not so much of a low profile. Perhaps a 265 or 285 with a bigger sidewall aspect ratio...perhaps that can soften things up a bit? With 19"s you are down to a very small sidewall aspect ratio which can make for a bit of a harsh ride I suppose.

Hi Marty, thanks for asking! Things have been busy, just clearing up a few matters. (Why must we get a room, Shark? Is it not okay to ask another how they are doing? Don't you guys do that normally? )

Shark

Of course its OK, I was just busting Marty's chops on his deep corncern for someone who just happens to be a beautiful woman with a great taste in cars..........hey, he never asks how I'm doing

Richard.

and compound, will probably make more difference than wheel size

Oak

I feel for you as I have been going through chronic nerve pains in my lower back for a few years. I also have both 18's and 19's and there is a very slight difference but not very discernable difference, it's still a pain to drive. Although with the 19's you can definately feel a tighter and slightly quicker response due to less sidewall flex. But overall performance with the 18's are better due to less unsprung weight. Hope you have a fast and successful recovery from your back injury.

Woodster

Arabelle, you sexy little thing,
How is the Shark??
I would agree that 18's ride slightly better than 19's, soften up the air pressure
and maybe a Cross JIC suspension with the lighter spring rates and set on the softest position ??


MK

Shark

Now Thats what Willis was talking about

Following the same logic, for someone really ride sensitive, wonder if you can go to 17" wheels?

RobynC

You're a good guy Shark. I'll buy ya a beer someday.


So...how are you doin'?

RobynC

Hmmm...don't Cadillacs come with 17"s? I tease, I tease!!!