RE: Wheels (AGAIN)

["Ng, Kevin (NationsCredit)" <kevin.ng@nationscredit.com>]

The general rule is that you will suffer a hit in straight line acceleration
when going with a plus one or two wheel, due to a higher unsprung weight and
rotational mass. Cornering and handling however usually improve due to the
lower profile (and thus stiffer sidewall) of the tires. The stock tires are
horrible anyway and just swapping tires will drastically improve
performance. The stock rims (not BBS) are actually very light, so if weight
is an issue, go with something like the BBS RC or RK. Go with 16's; 17 inch
rims look incredible but yield no real performance gain.

Kevin
97 GLX Windsor Blue "don't know what I'm talking about because I have heavy
17" TSW Imolas" edition

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	djbergesen@dotstar.net [SMTP:djbergesen@dotstar.net]
> Sent:	Friday, June 04, 1999 5:17 PM
> To:	Jetta GLX mailing list
> Subject:	Wheels (AGAIN)
> 
>     Ok. It's serious dilemma time. I am really torn right now between
> wanting to get 16" or 17" aftermarket wheels with decent (or very good in
> the case of 17s) tires, or spending about half as much on keeping my stock
> 15" seven spokes and wrapping them with excellent rubber. Are the wheels
> made by BBS? What's the width? 6.5? 7?
>     I have my eyes on Michelin XGT V4s right now, 205/50VR15, 300AA, and
> rated in the 8s and 9s in all categories in Tirerack's surveys excepting
> treadwear. I am also entertaining Pilot SX GTs, same size. I am especially
> concerned about wet-weather driving, as here in NW FL we do get a decent
> spot of rain. Also in consideration are BFG Comp T/A ZRs, Nitto NT555,
> NT450, and possibly Pirelli Assimetricos (maybe that was for the 16, I
> forget) 
>     What would be the advantages of aftermarket wheels besides a slight
> increase in track, and a POSSIBLE reduction in unsprung weight? Any input
> would be helpful. 
>     PS - I KNOW for wheels it's all a matter of taste. BUT if I will not
> be gaining anything in performance by upgrading my wheels, I probably
> won't do it.
>  
> -ENS D.J. Bergesen
> Student Naval Aviator
> djbergesen@dotstar.net <mailto:djbergesen@dotstar.net>
> 96 Vento GLX VR6 "Volks Waffe"