Where did I go wrong w new wheels & tires?
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 79
From: Bellingham WA
Where did I go wrong w new wheels & tires?
Just got a Fit Base. My goal is high efficiency with a little fun tossed in. I planned on purchasing alloys, better tires & a RSB from the start. Nothing fancy nor expensive, but just wanted lighter wheels & read so many rotten reviews of the OEM Dunlop A31 A/S tires.
I am used to the handling dynamics of Hondas I have have had 8 Civics from 85 to 97 (most were 92s - 97 including 3 Del Sols). So I understand Hondas don't win award for their smooth, quiet ride. I have almost always upgraded the OEM tires & been happy for it (the one exception was some very stiff BFG Radial T/As which I took back).
I just got back from Discount Tires with my new shoes. I got MB Seven X 15 x 6 wheels w +55 offset. They weigh 1.2 lbs less than stock. I got 195/60 x15 Hankook 727 T rated tires (OEMs were 174/65 x15 R rated). The Hankooks are the highest rated Standard Touring Tires on both Tire Rack & Consumer Reports. I expected better smoother ride, less noise & better handling with some minor mpg loss (1-2 mpg?). Like I said, nothing fancy nor expensive.
Before I was out of the parking lot I realized the new set up was significantly noiser & stiffer. The noise is basically a soft but noticable whiring sound, perhaps due to the fact there is about a 1/2" more rubber on the road than before. I can definitely feel the irregularities more on what are pretty smooth blacktop roads - overall there is just a lot more feeling of the road imperfections & the ride is slightly more jarring. On the highway up to 70 mph there is no suggestion of a balancing problem,
I immediately checked the tire pressure - right on at 33. Also I realize that the sidewalls of a T rated tire are going to be a bit stiffer than an R rated tire.
Given the great ratings for the 727s, I was hoping for less noise and smoother ride along with better handling. On the plus side it definitely takes the corners nicer (should be even better when I get the 19 mm Progressive RSB on). But in the balance I am not real happy about this
So, where did I go wrong with this set up? I am half tempted to go get the Dunlops put back on!!! Any suggestions from the experts here short of spending 50% more for rims & tires? Might a going with the same tire in 185/60 size make much difference in the smoothness of the ride & noise? HELP!
I am used to the handling dynamics of Hondas I have have had 8 Civics from 85 to 97 (most were 92s - 97 including 3 Del Sols). So I understand Hondas don't win award for their smooth, quiet ride. I have almost always upgraded the OEM tires & been happy for it (the one exception was some very stiff BFG Radial T/As which I took back).
I just got back from Discount Tires with my new shoes. I got MB Seven X 15 x 6 wheels w +55 offset. They weigh 1.2 lbs less than stock. I got 195/60 x15 Hankook 727 T rated tires (OEMs were 174/65 x15 R rated). The Hankooks are the highest rated Standard Touring Tires on both Tire Rack & Consumer Reports. I expected better smoother ride, less noise & better handling with some minor mpg loss (1-2 mpg?). Like I said, nothing fancy nor expensive.
Before I was out of the parking lot I realized the new set up was significantly noiser & stiffer. The noise is basically a soft but noticable whiring sound, perhaps due to the fact there is about a 1/2" more rubber on the road than before. I can definitely feel the irregularities more on what are pretty smooth blacktop roads - overall there is just a lot more feeling of the road imperfections & the ride is slightly more jarring. On the highway up to 70 mph there is no suggestion of a balancing problem,
I immediately checked the tire pressure - right on at 33. Also I realize that the sidewalls of a T rated tire are going to be a bit stiffer than an R rated tire.
Given the great ratings for the 727s, I was hoping for less noise and smoother ride along with better handling. On the plus side it definitely takes the corners nicer (should be even better when I get the 19 mm Progressive RSB on). But in the balance I am not real happy about this
So, where did I go wrong with this set up? I am half tempted to go get the Dunlops put back on!!! Any suggestions from the experts here short of spending 50% more for rims & tires? Might a going with the same tire in 185/60 size make much difference in the smoothness of the ride & noise? HELP!
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