Hi

I need some advice regarding Wheels and tyres
I have a Vectra Estate with sports suspension and alloy Wheels 225 45 ZR 
18
Never did like the bumpy ride so am thinking of changing the wheels and 
tyres to hopefully get a softer ride

How far down should I go would 17 inch wheels do the trick or do I need 
to go down to 16

Thanks

Ralph


-- 
R Richardson

"R Richardson"  wrote in message 
news:GxczGIBR4UtIFwxv@nildram.co.uk...
>
> Hi
>
> I need some advice regarding Wheels and tyres
> I have a Vectra Estate with sports suspension and alloy Wheels 225 45 ZR 
> 18
> Never did like the bumpy ride so am thinking of changing the wheels and 
> tyres to hopefully get a softer ride
>
> How far down should I go would 17 inch wheels do the trick or do I need to 
> go down to 16
>
> Thanks
>
> Ralph

This is a wind up right? You really think changing the wheel and tyre size 
is going to make the ride appreciably better?

Here's a clue. The thing you need to be changing is mentioned between the 
words "Vectra Estate with" and "and alloy wheels" on the second line of your 
post.
-- 
Dave Baker

"R Richardson"  wrote in message 
news:GxczGIBR4UtIFwxv@nildram.co.uk...
>
> Hi
>
> I need some advice regarding Wheels and tyres
> I have a Vectra Estate with sports suspension and alloy Wheels 225 45 ZR 
> 18
> Never did like the bumpy ride so am thinking of changing the wheels and 
> tyres to hopefully get a softer ride
>
> How far down should I go would 17 inch wheels do the trick or do I need to 
> go down to 16
>
> Thanks
>
> Ralph
>
>
> -- 
> R Richardson

Yes. And make sure to let the tyres down to about 10psi and you should have 
a nice soft ride.

IN MESSAGE <g93ke5$lqk$1@news.datemas.de>, Dave Baker  
WRITES
>
>"R Richardson"  wrote in message
>news:GxczGIBR4UtIFwxv@nildram.co.uk...
>>
>> Hi
>>
>> I need some advice regarding Wheels and tyres
>> I have a Vectra Estate with sports suspension and alloy Wheels 225 45 ZR
>> 18
>> Never did like the bumpy ride so am thinking of changing the wheels and
>> tyres to hopefully get a softer ride
>>
>> How far down should I go would 17 inch wheels do the trick or do I need to
>> go down to 16
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Ralph
>
>This is a wind up right? You really think changing the wheel and tyre size
>is going to make the ride appreciably better?
>
>Here's a clue. The thing you need to be changing is mentioned between the
>words "Vectra Estate with" and "and alloy wheels" on the second line of your
>post.

Thanks Dave

For the condescending reply
I came on here for advice, if I wanted a smart arse I could have gone 
down the pub and asked the local car bore knowall

Anyway I did find an answer  elsewhere on the Internet
Here is an extract from a road test

"However, our model was fitted with optional 19-inch alloys, which 
create some tyre roar on motorways and take the edge off comfort. We 
reckon the standard 17-inch wheels would offer a truly cosseting ride. 
Nevertheless, the XF is a fantastic all-rounder – and we’ve no doubt 
it will be a huge hit"

Heres some clues Dave On the next line

Rolling Radius Aspect Ratio Wheel Size

Must say its much too technical for me
Should really leave it to you experts



.








-- 
R Richardson

IN MESSAGE <48b573fc$1_1@mk-nntp-2.news.uk.tiscali.com>, Mark W 
<s@o.?.invalid> WRITES
>
>"R Richardson"  wrote in message
>news:GxczGIBR4UtIFwxv@nildram.co.uk...
>>
>> Hi
>>
>> I need some advice regarding Wheels and tyres
>> I have a Vectra Estate with sports suspension and alloy Wheels 225 45 ZR
>> 18
>> Never did like the bumpy ride so am thinking of changing the wheels and
>> tyres to hopefully get a softer ride
>>
>> How far down should I go would 17 inch wheels do the trick or do I need to
>> go down to 16
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Ralph
>>
>>
>> --
>> R Richardson
>
>Yes. And make sure to let the tyres down to about 10psi and you should have
>a nice soft ride.
>
>

Oh our aching ribs , thats really funny Mark W
The wife and I couldn't stop laughing
Wonderfully Witty

By the way whats the "W" stand for?






-- 
R Richardson

"R Richardson"  wrote in message 
news:GxczGIBR4UtIFwxv@nildram.co.uk...
>
> Hi
>
> I need some advice regarding Wheels and tyres
> I have a Vectra Estate with sports suspension and alloy Wheels 225 45 ZR 
> 18
> Never did like the bumpy ride so am thinking of changing the wheels and 
> tyres to hopefully get a softer ride
>
> How far down should I go would 17 inch wheels do the trick or do I need to 
> go down to 16

16 inch wheels with normal tyres might help a bit but the sports suspension 
is the main issue.

MattF

Thus spake R Richardson (rhr@nildram.co.uk) unto the assembled multitudes:

>>Here's a clue. The thing you need to be changing is mentioned between the
>>words "Vectra Estate with" and "and alloy wheels" on the second line of your
>>post.

> Thanks Dave

> For the condescending reply
> I came on here for advice, if I wanted a smart arse I could have gone 
> down the pub and asked the local car bore knowall

> Anyway I did find an answer  elsewhere on the Internet

*An* answer, yes, but I would bet not the right answer.

I think Dave was correct.   Your sports suspension wasn't put there for
comfort.  Have you tried a Vectra with 'normal' suspension?  I'm pretty
sure that would provide your answer.

-- 
                                 Andy Clews
                            University of Sussex
                 *** Remove DENTURES if replying by email ***

IN MESSAGE <g95pva$7e1$2@south.jnrs.ja.net>, 
A.Clews@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk WRITES
>Thus spake R Richardson (rhr@nildram.co.uk) unto the assembled multitudes:
>
>>>Here's a clue. The thing you need to be changing is mentioned between the
>>>words "Vectra Estate with" and "and alloy wheels" on the second line of your
>>>post.
>
>> Thanks Dave
>
>> For the condescending reply
>> I came on here for advice, if I wanted a smart arse I could have gone
>> down the pub and asked the local car bore knowall
>
>> Anyway I did find an answer  elsewhere on the Internet
>
>*An* answer, yes, but I would bet not the right answer.
>
>I think Dave was correct.   Your sports suspension wasn't put there for
>comfort.  Have you tried a Vectra with 'normal' suspension?  I'm pretty
>sure that would provide your answer.
>

Hi

Cant  afford or go to the trouble of changing  the suspension
All I am after is improvement in an extremely harsh ride
On these wheels/tyres  5psi either way does make a big difference

I  will just have to get em changed to find out


-- 
R Richardson

On 2008-08-28, R Richardson  wrote:
> IN MESSAGE <g95pva$7e1$2@south.jnrs.ja.net>, 
> A.Clews@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk WRITES
>>
>>*An* answer, yes, but I would bet not the right answer.
>>
>>I think Dave was correct.   Your sports suspension wasn't put there for
>>comfort.  Have you tried a Vectra with 'normal' suspension?  I'm pretty
>>sure that would provide your answer.
>>
>
> Hi
>
> Cant  afford or go to the trouble of changing  the suspension
> All I am after is improvement in an extremely harsh ride

You do know what the difference between the "normal" suspension
and the "sports" suspension is, don't you?

> On these wheels/tyres  5psi either way does make a big difference
>
> I  will just have to get em changed to find out

I expect increased sidewall size will improve ride comfort somewhat.
I can guarantee softer suspension will improve it much, much more.

-- 
David Taylor

R Richardson  gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

>>I think Dave was correct.   Your sports suspension wasn't put there for
>>comfort.  Have you tried a Vectra with 'normal' suspension?  I'm pretty
>>sure that would provide your answer.

> Cant  afford or go to the trouble of changing  the suspension All I am
> after is improvement in an extremely harsh ride On these wheels/tyres 
> 5psi either way does make a big difference
> 
> I  will just have to get em changed to find out

<shrug>
Change the car for one that actually meets your requirements?

IN MESSAGE , David Taylor 
 WRITES
>On 2008-08-28, R Richardson  wrote:
>> IN MESSAGE <g95pva$7e1$2@south.jnrs.ja.net>,
>> A.Clews@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk WRITES
>>>
>>>*An* answer, yes, but I would bet not the right answer.
>>>
>>>I think Dave was correct.   Your sports suspension wasn't put there for
>>>comfort.  Have you tried a Vectra with 'normal' suspension?  I'm pretty
>>>sure that would provide your answer.
>>>
>>
>> Hi
>>
>> Cant  afford or go to the trouble of changing  the suspension
>> All I am after is improvement in an extremely harsh ride
>
>You do know what the difference between the "normal" suspension
>and the "sports" suspension is, don't you?

Uprated springs and shockers?





>
>> On these wheels/tyres  5psi either way does make a big difference
>>
>> I  will just have to get em changed to find out
>
>I expect increased sidewall size will improve ride comfort somewhat.

So do I now
and thats all I am after




>I can guarantee softer suspension will improve it much, much more.
>
Of course it will but  I dont want to go that far

Anyway thanks to all who submitted a civil response



-- 
R Richardson

R Richardson  gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying:

>>>>I think Dave was correct.   Your sports suspension wasn't put there
>>>>for comfort.  Have you tried a Vectra with 'normal' suspension?  I'm
>>>>pretty sure that would provide your answer.

>>> Cant  afford or go to the trouble of changing  the suspension All I am
>>> after is improvement in an extremely harsh ride

>>You do know what the difference between the "normal" suspension and the
>>"sports" suspension is, don't you?

> Uprated springs and shockers?

Lowered, stiffer springs.
Uprated dampers.
Uprated anti-roll bars.
More aggressive alignment.
Larger rims with lower-profile tyres.

>>> On these wheels/tyres  5psi either way does make a big difference
>>>
>>> I  will just have to get em changed to find out

>>I expect increased sidewall size will improve ride comfort somewhat.

> So do I now
> and thats all I am after

It will, but not as much as changing the car for one with standard-fit 
suspension.

>>I can guarantee softer suspension will improve it much, much more.

> Of course it will but  I dont want to go that far

Well, yes, you do. That's what you asked. The tyre sidewall flex IS part 
of the suspension - and, assuming Vx did the development job properly, is 
something that may well have a knock-on effect. You may even find that 
standard-size tyres with the uprated suspension will provide lower grip 
than a fully standard setup, due to the increased spring and damping 
rates not allowing the tyres to do their job properly.

Oh, and don't forget to inform your insurance about the modifications to 
the car, will you?

...or you could just flog the fucking thing and buy the car you actually 
want...

"Dave Baker"  wrote in message 
news:g93ke5$lqk$1@news.datemas.de...
>
> "R Richardson"  wrote in message 
> news:GxczGIBR4UtIFwxv@nildram.co.uk...
>>
>> Hi
>>
>> I need some advice regarding Wheels and tyres
>> I have a Vectra Estate with sports suspension and alloy Wheels 225 45 ZR 
>> 18
>> Never did like the bumpy ride so am thinking of changing the wheels and 
>> tyres to hopefully get a softer ride
>>
>> How far down should I go would 17 inch wheels do the trick or do I need 
>> to go down to 16
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Ralph
>
> This is a wind up right? You really think changing the wheel and tyre size 
> is going to make the ride appreciably better?
>
> Here's a clue. The thing you need to be changing is mentioned between the 
> words "Vectra Estate with" and "and alloy wheels" on the second line of 
> your post.

Dave, you generally know your stuff, but you're wrong here. I swapped from 
65 profile tyres on 14" wheels to 50 profiles on 15" wheels on my MK2 Golf, 
and it made a very noticeable difference to the ride quality. IMO buying a 
set of (generally cheaper) alloys and tyres and flogging the bigger (and 
generally expensive) set seems like a good idea. Ask anyone who knows much 
about suspension and they'll tell you that the tyre and wheel combination 
makes a massive difference to the wheel rate.

"Doki"  wrote in message 
news:6hqiqvFnc1gcU1@mid.individual.net...

> Dave, you generally know your stuff, but you're wrong here. I swapped from 
> 65 profile tyres on 14" wheels to 50 profiles on 15" wheels on my MK2 
> Golf, and it made a very noticeable difference to the ride quality. IMO 
> buying a set of (generally cheaper) alloys and tyres and flogging the 
> bigger (and generally expensive) set seems like a good idea. Ask anyone 
> who knows much about suspension and they'll tell you that the tyre and 
> wheel combination makes a massive difference to the wheel rate.

And before anyone starts chuntering about sports suspension, this is on a 
GTI. I suspect the difference between standard and sports suspension is very 
little on something like a Vectra...

"Doki"  gurgled happily, sounding much like they were
saying:

>> Dave, you generally know your stuff, but you're wrong here. I swapped
>> from 65 profile tyres on 14" wheels to 50 profiles on 15" wheels on my
>> MK2 Golf, and it made a very noticeable difference to the ride quality.

Oh, it certainly WILL make a difference, but...

> And before anyone starts chuntering about sports suspension, this is on
> a GTI. I suspect the difference between standard and sports suspension
> is very little on something like a Vectra...

Quite the opposite - I'd suspect it's substantial.

"Adrian"  wrote in message 
news:6hqj97Fnfqj4U2@mid.individual.net...
> "Doki"  gurgled happily, sounding much like they were
> saying:
>
>>> Dave, you generally know your stuff, but you're wrong here. I swapped
>>> from 65 profile tyres on 14" wheels to 50 profiles on 15" wheels on my
>>> MK2 Golf, and it made a very noticeable difference to the ride quality.
>
> Oh, it certainly WILL make a difference, but...
>
>> And before anyone starts chuntering about sports suspension, this is on
>> a GTI. I suspect the difference between standard and sports suspension
>> is very little on something like a Vectra...
>
> Quite the opposite - I'd suspect it's substantial.

Probably 20mm lower and 10% stiffer. I doubt it's huge.

IN MESSAGE , Doki  
WRITES
>
>"Adrian"  wrote in message 
>news:6hqj97Fnfqj4U2@mid.individual.net...
>> "Doki"  gurgled happily, sounding much like they were
>> saying:
>>
>>>> Dave, you generally know your stuff, but you're wrong here. I swapped
>>>> from 65 profile tyres on 14" wheels to 50 profiles on 15" wheels on my
>>>> MK2 Golf, and it made a very noticeable difference to the ride quality.
>>
>> Oh, it certainly WILL make a difference, but...
>>
>>> And before anyone starts chuntering about sports suspension, this is on
>>> a GTI. I suspect the difference between standard and sports suspension
>>> is very little on something like a Vectra...
>>
>> Quite the opposite - I'd suspect it's substantial.
>
>Probably 20mm lower and 10% stiffer. I doubt it's huge.

Doki

This is the description of the Vauxhall sport suspension pack for my car


Four uprated springs and shock absorbers which lower the ride height by 
up to 30mm (depending on model) and give a firmer, sporty ride. Front 
axle weight up to 1060kg. Estate models only.

So I dont think you are far out












-- 
R Richardson

"R Richardson"  wrote in message 
news:smyJjLCliDuIFwcR@nildram.co.uk...
> IN MESSAGE , Doki  
> WRITES
>>
>>"Adrian"  wrote in message 
>>news:6hqj97Fnfqj4U2@mid.individual.net...
>>> "Doki"  gurgled happily, sounding much like they were
>>> saying:
>>>
>>>>> Dave, you generally know your stuff, but you're wrong here. I swapped
>>>>> from 65 profile tyres on 14" wheels to 50 profiles on 15" wheels on my
>>>>> MK2 Golf, and it made a very noticeable difference to the ride 
>>>>> quality.
>>>
>>> Oh, it certainly WILL make a difference, but...
>>>
>>>> And before anyone starts chuntering about sports suspension, this is on
>>>> a GTI. I suspect the difference between standard and sports suspension
>>>> is very little on something like a Vectra...
>>>
>>> Quite the opposite - I'd suspect it's substantial.
>>
>>Probably 20mm lower and 10% stiffer. I doubt it's huge.
>
> Doki
>
> This is the description of the Vauxhall sport suspension pack for my car
>
>
> Four uprated springs and shock absorbers which lower the ride height by up 
> to 30mm (depending on model) and give a firmer, sporty ride. Front axle 
> weight up to 1060kg. Estate models only.
>
> So I dont think you are far out

IMO swapping the aspect ratio of the tyres does make a noticeable 
difference. Whether it's enough to keep you happy or not is another matter - 
I'd sell the car and buy another rather than try to go to a non-sports 
spring / damper setup. However, if you keep your current wheels and tyres, 
buy a full set off ebay of smaller wheels and try them, you can always sell 
them on again if there isn't much difference.

"R Richardson"  wrote in message 
news:GxczGIBR4UtIFwxv@nildram.co.uk...
>
> Hi
>
> I need some advice regarding Wheels and tyres
> I have a Vectra Estate with sports suspension and alloy Wheels 225 45 ZR 
> 18
> Never did like the bumpy ride so am thinking of changing the wheels and 
> tyres to hopefully get a softer ride
>
> How far down should I go would 17 inch wheels do the trick or do I need to 
> go down to 16

To make a noticeable difference you need to get 55 profile or higher, have a 
play with this link and try a few sizes.
 http://www.alloywheels.com/tyrecalc.asp

IN MESSAGE , Fred 
<Don't-ask@hidden.co.us> WRITES
>
>"R Richardson"  wrote in message 
>news:GxczGIBR4UtIFwxv@nildram.co.uk...
>>
>> Hi
>>
>> I need some advice regarding Wheels and tyres
>> I have a Vectra Estate with sports suspension and alloy Wheels 225 45 
>>ZR  18
>> Never did like the bumpy ride so am thinking of changing the wheels 
>>and  tyres to hopefully get a softer ride
>>
>> How far down should I go would 17 inch wheels do the trick or do I 
>>need to  go down to 16
>
>To make a noticeable difference you need to get 55 profile or higher, 
>have a play with this link and try a few sizes.
>http://www.alloywheels.com/tyrecalc.asp
>


Thanks Fred
-- 
R Richardson