Can I increase my tyres profile ?

Hey ppl, Was just awondering when Im due to replace my tyres could I get ones with a larger profile, Currently I have 235 50 18 and would like to fit 235 55 18, this should make the ride a little more comfortable, there does not seem to be that much space between the edge of the wheel and the suspension mount, If I do this would I have to fit spacers and if so what size would they be ?

Thanx for any replies in advance

Although you are technically correct in relation to the 'bump-absorption' of a 55 profile being more than a 50, in reality I doubt very much that you would be able to detect it.

According to my technical data book the laden tyre radius will only increase by 8mm - from 321 to 329mm.

As you say you will be reducing the clearance between the tread edge and the spring cup on the front strut - which is about 7mm at the moment down to under 5mm - not enough in my opinion to allow for tyre flex when cornering hard.

Have you thought about fitting a tyre with a less 'sporty' compound?

Exactly what tyres have you now, and what pressures are you running them at?

Singvogel.

if yer worried about comfortableness why not buy a set of 17s which will give you a bit more comfort with still a sporty look?
If your buying 4 new tyres you could pick up a set of good rims for no more than £50 and put your new tyres on there. Then you could sell your old rims with tyres on which might give somone a few miles. For some reason rims with tyres on will always sell for more on ebay even if they are no good

Agree with Kizzeh, 17's with a thicker wall will be more comfortable if that's your concern.

Otherwise, 235/55/18's (716mm OD) will be no problem on an F1 with a standard wheel offset, as 205/80/16's (734mm OD) work fine on mine and many other cars, although run very close to the lower spring cup.

or if your a tight arse like me get 16's and pay half the price for tyres :5bcheers2:

willh said:

Agree with Kizzeh, 17's with a thicker wall will be more comfortable if that's your concern.

Otherwise, 235/55/18's (716mm OD) will be no problem on an F1 with a standard wheel offset, as 205/80/16's (734mm OD) work fine on mine and many other cars, although run very close to the lower spring cup.

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Although I can't argue the figures willh quotes (as they are within the +/- tolerances for the nominal size) I would be careful as not all 235/55 18s will be the same OD.

Continental for example quote 725 not 716. You need to check the overall unladen radius - not the laden radius as we are concerned with the upper part of the tyre which is not compressed, and the tread width at that point. No probs with a 205/80 16 as the egde of the tread is 15mm further away from the spring cup.

With the gap between the tread edge and the spring cup small to begin with you may well have a problem with some brands and be OK with others.

S.

Thanx for the info people, much appreciated, I really like the wheels on ther car at the moment, was one of the reasons why I picked the one I did, Where I live is basically speed bump after speed bump so would like to make it more comfy on the road and I think the bigger profile will help and it sounds like they would fit with a spacer, when I eventual get to go off roading I plan to get smaller wheels like 16s or 17 as there is a much better choice in off road tyres for that size, and costs much less.... Thanx again