17x7.5" factory sel wheels
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[quote author=blown302 link=topic=65243.msg1118833#msg1118833 date=1166929050]
Have you guys noticed later build 07 sel's have 7.5" wide wheels while early build [9-07] and earlier
have 7" wide wheels? :?
[/quote]
blown302,
I wonder why the changeover? Could it be for better handling? I don't think the extra half-inch in width would make a difference in the ride, would it?
Boz, in Salisbury, MD
Have you guys noticed later build 07 sel's have 7.5" wide wheels while early build [9-07] and earlier
have 7" wide wheels? :?
[/quote]
blown302,
I wonder why the changeover? Could it be for better handling? I don't think the extra half-inch in width would make a difference in the ride, would it?
Boz, in Salisbury, MD
[quote author=Waldo link=topic=65243.msg1124287#msg1124287 date=1167373507]
All 17in AWDs have 7.5in wheels, the FWDs still have 7in. If you really look closely at the stats, you'll see an AWD SEL weighs about the same as a FWD Zephyr/MKZ which has always had 7.5in wheels.
[/quote]
Waldo,
Thanx for the post but what is the purpose of the wider wheel, 7-inch versus 7.5? Is it for better handling? A smoother ride? I've never been a big fan of low profile tires. This is the first set of 50 series I have ever had. They are OK I guess but I am not particularly impressed so far. I'd rather have a nice soft ride. My hot-rodding (an ancient term) days are over.
All 17in AWDs have 7.5in wheels, the FWDs still have 7in. If you really look closely at the stats, you'll see an AWD SEL weighs about the same as a FWD Zephyr/MKZ which has always had 7.5in wheels.
[/quote]
Waldo,
Thanx for the post but what is the purpose of the wider wheel, 7-inch versus 7.5? Is it for better handling? A smoother ride? I've never been a big fan of low profile tires. This is the first set of 50 series I have ever had. They are OK I guess but I am not particularly impressed so far. I'd rather have a nice soft ride. My hot-rodding (an ancient term) days are over.
The wider wheel keeps the tire from rolling off (de-beading) under extreme conditions (think emergency lane change at max RGAWR). Because of the lighter weight of the FWD cars, the 7.5 isn't necessary, so why add the cost and weight? That said, the 7.5in does tend to sharpen the steering a little bit.
Waldo,
Thanks for the input. It's nice to know there is a reason. I guess it wouldn't be a good idea to put 16-inch Continentals on an AWD SEL, would it? I'm more interested in a "cushioned" ride than I am handling. 50 series tires don't do a thing for me. Am I being an old fuddy duddy or what? Boz
Thanks for the input. It's nice to know there is a reason. I guess it wouldn't be a good idea to put 16-inch Continentals on an AWD SEL, would it? I'm more interested in a "cushioned" ride than I am handling. 50 series tires don't do a thing for me. Am I being an old fuddy duddy or what? Boz
[quote author=swoop1156 link=topic=65243.msg1127790#msg1127790 date=1167620693]
I'd love to have the wider wheels. Increase the stance, a little. Maybe throw on a 245 or something next time.
[/quote]
Swoop1156,
Your tire budget is obviously greater than mine.
Boz
I'd love to have the wider wheels. Increase the stance, a little. Maybe throw on a 245 or something next time.
[/quote]
Swoop1156,
Your tire budget is obviously greater than mine.
BozNot really -- I won't replace until it's time... But in that time, it'd be nice to upgrade a little.
In fact, I'm wishing I DID have a greater budget for some staggered 19" wheels with 245 in the front and 295 in the rear. That, sir, would be killer.
In fact, I'm wishing I DID have a greater budget for some staggered 19" wheels with 245 in the front and 295 in the rear. That, sir, would be killer.
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