Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 03:39:58 GMT From: ShazWozza <shaz_wozzanospamentspring.com> Subject: Re: 19" wheels for SAAB Viggen?
Bob wrote: > Wider tires do not increase the adhesion patch (amount of tire > contacting the road). They just change the shape. While making the > wheelbase wider might have some effect on lateral stability, it also > loads the bearing and suspension differently and is not a great idea. > > Shortening those sidewalls (wider tires) would decrease "ride" as most > would refer to it. A smaller diameter wheel (16") would make the ride > better and perhaps soften some of the problems you have. All this > assumes that you keep the outer diameter of the tire constant - which > you should shoot for with reasonable accuracy. > > But, I think "ride" is the wrong term for what you are experiencing. > What are the issues? Wheel hop under acceleration? Torque steer > (tramlining)? If so, there are other improvements you can make that > will correct those issues. I don't think larger wheels will help > anything. Wider wheels/tyres will result in the steering being more prone to tramlining effects. As well, a wide low profile tyre will tend to break away suddenly when it is at the limit of its adhesion, whereas a tyre with more sidewall height will be more progressive in the loss of adhesion.
