T5 Alloys & Advice

Guys,
Looking for some advice on V70 T5 1998, do i change to 17" alloys or keep the 16"?? I've heard the 17" is a lot harder ride, and you can really feal the difference?? Anyone got any views??

Also i'm looking for a replacement steering wheel as the old one is worn, looking for dark grey or the walnut one.
Thanks Rodger

rodger_shanks02@hotmail.com

[sholtby]

I changed from 16" alloys with 205/50 16 tyres to 17" alloys with 215 45 17 tyres and noticed a very slight loss in ride comfort. The ride is probably quite a bit harder if you fitted 205/40 17 tyres which is what a tyre dealer may recommend you fit.
On a positive note the handling was noticably better with the bigger wheels/tyres.

Simon

[Al115]

Running 17" Comets on 215/40/17s (soon to be 235/35/17s, and sod the arch liners!) Yes they do ride harder, and handle better. A compromise would be to stick with 45 profiles as Simon says.


Alastair
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http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/photopos...357v70-sig.jpg

[sarge]

Yesterday I had my new 17" titans fitted to replace my previous 16" heliums. Because I've an AWD the heliums were on 205/55/16 and the titans are on 215/45/17. Any loss in ride comfort is minimal (I hardly notice any difference), and my worries about a hard ride have not be born out. But the difference in handling is amazing. Even before I put my new shocks and springs on (parts now all ordered :-)), the new wheels/tyres alone have improved the cornering.

Sarge
'99 V70 AWD

I recently changed from 225/45/17 Amalthea to 215/55/16's as I prefer the Metis style (more metal than space) and it was VERY noticable going down the rim size. A lot more comfortable, so what did I do? I put new 225/50/16 tyres on and noticed the ride was a bit more like it used to be for grip but not much different on the comfort. Sure the 17's are harsher, but in & around Edinburgh, the roads are shocking no matter what you drive (I love paying tax).
If you do get 17's - keep the 16's for a few months in case you dont like them.

[sarge]

Further to my earlier post on this thread, I checked my tyre pressures yesterday morning, only to discover they were running at 30psi (which is what the dealer must have set them to!). I have now put them up to the specified 36psi and yes, the ride is now a bit firmer than it was, but the handling is definitely better.

Sarge
'99 V70 AWD

Sarge,
Sorry guys i've been without a PC since the post.
What have you done with the springs and shocks??
I've been locking around for 17" Volvo alloys, like the comet or the "R" ones. But can'r find any good ones, or the price is high.

It's also a shame my wheels are shot,Micheldever tyres recons near 50 quid a wheel for refurb, and a 4 day service, so what do i do for 4 days??

Guys i'm also looking for a walnut trim steering wheel, any ideas where to look.
Thanks for all the response, and sorry for delay in replys.
Rodger

[Al115]

Springs and shocks are Koni adjustable sports.

17" alloys will cost, no two ways about it. Best to only use the Volvo ones as they are built to withstand use on our heavy cars.


Alastair
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http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/photopos...357v70-sig.jpg

[Al115]

Also, talk to these guys about refurbing, if you're in the area -

http://www.wheelrefurbishing.co.uk/

They did a top job on my T5 rims.


Alastair
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http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/photopos...357v70-sig.jpg

Good proce for the refurb, but i really want a new set like the comet or the Titans. Seen some on Ebay,but depends on the prices.

Any one know where they sell replica's of Volvo wheels??
Rodger