Steel to Alloy Wheels????

[ChrisZR160]

I have a (97-R) R214 bubble shape with 175/65/R14 82T steel wheels which I intend to upgrade to standard MG Rover alloy wheels. Now I know Rover (200) used 14, 15 and BRM 16's, however MG used 16 and 17's (ZR) Being as they are more-less same body shell, I can't quite get my head around the varied duration of wheel and tyre sizes used between the models, I intend to try and replace my 14'' steel wheels with larger BRM Cosmos. Would I throw out my speedo reading drive and general handling of the car by using these? Thanks in advance.

[garythesnail]

It all depends on the profile of the tyre you use Chris.

tyre size converter (http://www.tyresave.co.uk/tyresize.html)

Click the shortcut and see what sizes you need.


205/45/R16 are within 3% of that of a 195/65/R14 so the speedo will be 3% out

205/40/R17 are just over 2% different to a 195/65/R14.

[maph2]

assuming that the speedo is accurate in thef irst place (which is won't be)

[mad99mike]

just keep in mind the tyre is the primary part of the suspension in the design of your car and when using much lower profile the spring design should be of a progresive as you dont have the depth of tyre to absorb the inital shock from the road
regards mike