Replacing 16"s with 17"s

[Al115]

Hello everyone...

Are 17" Volvo alloys a straight bolt-on replacement for 16"s, or will I have to worry about spacers / offset?

Hopefully another stupid question with a simple answer!


Alastair

[Simon Linton]

If you're buying from a Volvo stockist, ask at the time of purchase - that way if there's a problem you have complete comeback in law.

If you're buying second-hand it depends on the wheels, the car and any modifications you or previous owners may have made.

You also have to work out tyre choice to maintain total diameter as close to the original, or recalibrate the speedo/odometer to take the new diameter into account.

No simple answers I'm afraid...

[Dan F]

Take a look here for a handy tool to work out if the new wheels and tyres are staying close to the original rolling radius.

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

Cheers,
Dan.

[Al115]

Thanks Chaps. Dan, I had already found your "handy tyre tool" in a previous post and made use of it! An excellent webpage indeed.

I am buying second-hand rims, since new ones are outside my price range (and would probably double the value of the car!) I'm taking off my 16" Perfos (I think that's what they are, the standard T5 ones anyway) and putting on 17" Comets. The car in question is an ex-police 1999 V70 T5, so hopefully standard in the wheel department.

Although I will soon be running with lowered "R" suspension, from what I have read on this Forum it sounds like I'll be OK with 205/40/17s. Having said that, even my 205/50/16s were managing to rub the front nearside arch liner, on an unlowered car....


Alastair

[IC]

Hi Alastair, I have fitted 17" Comets replacing the standard 16" Perfos on my T5 with no problem. My car has lowered Volvo sports suspension. This set up is of course standard on '97 and '98 V70Rs. The rolling radius on the 16" Perfos and 17" Comets are exactly the same so the speedometer is not affected.

[don kalmar union]

Alastair,

You should be able to run with 225.45 x 17's, maybe even 235 if you don't mind a bit of rubbing on the inner wheel arches on full lock. Within reason, the wider the tread that you can run the better the driven wheel grip.

Regards, Don.

www.kalmar-union.com

[Al115]

Don,

Thanks for your comments. I thought from reading other posts on the Forum - particulary around Phil's experience - that even 215s might rub with lowered suspension?

http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/dc/dcboa...id=1&mode=full

"I know from bitter experience that 225/45/17 SO3s scrub on a T5R. Before I buy tyres that are not the OEM size again, I need to know that they fit properly."

Can anyone confirm the Volvo stock size for V70s on 17" rims? I am tempted to go for 215/40/17 or 225/40/17 at this stage. 235s are out because I will still need to use my car around town on occasion.

Thanks to everyone....


Alastair

[Al115]

Iain,

Thanks for your post. For the rolling radii to be identical, I'm guessing you have moved from 205/50/16 to 225/40/17?


Alastair

[IC]

Hi Alastair, no I moved to 205 45 17 which is standard size for the Comets. I use Pirreli POs which are again standard. I know the debate on tyre size and types, however I am happy with the original size and type that were originaly specified and indeed tested by Volvo for the V70R. I have to do some very difficult full lock turns every day in a confined space, there has never once been an issue of tyres rubbing and catching.