what size wheels are best?

[waynesworld]

Hi all,

I have just got a Dutton Melos





and it is fitted with 13 inch wheels, now i was wanting to fit bigger wheels, wider for the better traction and diameter for ,looks, but when speaking to the previous owner he says that bigger diameter wheels are not good and its best to stick with the 13inch rims, for better handling.

so it it correct that it would be better with the 13`s than bigger wheels?

[Viatron]

Unsprung weight is a key factor in good handling, by upping the wheel size you will increase the unsprung weight. Fitting bigger wheels with lower profile tyres is also bad as flex in the sidewall of a reasonable profile tyre helps the handling by giving under extreme conditions rather than just breaking away.
The above is very condensed but the basics are, stick with your current wheel size mate. Oh and increasing the width is also not a guaranteed win either.
HTH

Mac

[waynesworld]

Hi kida, i have to agree with what you say, i have put this another forum and the larger side walls can be a good thing for control, no sudden loss of control, i also wanted bigger diameter wheel to fil the gaps in the archs, it is coil over all round, the dampers are dropped to the max, so i think i will lower it a bit by welding in new top damper mounts. i fitted the exhaust today and it is dam low to the ground, i will be adjusting that tomorrow though and then see how far i can lower the suspension.

[Mitchelkitman]

Had a Melos years ago - the first kit car I built.
Be careful about lowering it - I used to find even as standard if you hit a pothole the suspension (F & R ) used to crash badly!
Tyre size - I'd suggest don't go any wider than 185 (in fact maybe go narrower)... A mate fitted 205's to his and declared it undriveable in the wet. Mine had 185's which was generally ok, but you had to take care.
Bigger isn't always better, and it's usually more expensive.

[waynesworld]

Well it wont be getting lowered or bigger wheels now, the exhaust hasnt much room as it is lol.



and today i went for a cheeky spin, went over a twig and lost 2 teeth lol