17" PSEngineering wheels on a CR

[jwinkler]

Pictures in my photo gallery - thanks again to Don Scott (who had the unenviable task of being the contact person for me while PSE took a little extra time with the wheels).

Per Don's recommendation, 8" in the front with 3.75" backspacing (same as stock CR rim recommendation) wearing 255/45/17 tires (a really good deal on BFG KDWSs), and 9.5" in the rear with 4.5" backspacing wearing 285/40/17. Plenty of clearance up and down and left and right, and they tuck under the fenders just right.

I think this is also what Jack21 settled on, and I'll agree with his assessment - they look "factory"!

JLW

[dscott]

JLW, the wheels look great. What did you have on it before?
Don

[jwinkler]

Don -

Thanks - I'm truly pleased with the fit!

Before these, I had the black center "Centerline"-looking wheels that are on the car in the old CR brochures. There's a "before" picture in my gallery, as well as a couple of pictures comparing the old 15" tires to the new 17" that show width and height differences.

If any of my pictures would be useful to you (if you get other people asking about wheel/tire combinations, or wanting CR pics), please feel free to add them to your gallery.

JLW

[Tongue Pirate]

The wheels look great! PSE makes great wheels!

[Curt C.]

Did the ride change much - stiffer? I assume it handles much better but how about the traction? I have always wondered about this. On the one hand, 15 inch tires (Comp TA) have a hard compound, but a much bigger sidewall like a drag slick. The 17's have a softer compound, but shorter sidewall. Do tell.

[jwinkler]

First impressions - maybe a touch rougher, but it could be my imagination. I went over one dip where the car felt distinctly different.

Turn-in seems to be sharper, but the KDWSs didn't solve my 1st gear traction problem. That's actually probably just as well, since if it had, I'd be planning right now for a motor upgrade!

JLW