Using bigger wheels

[lcuadrado]

Hello everybody:
I just join the forum yesterday and I found a lot of useful information in it. I'm a proud owner of a 2002 PT Cruiser Base model. I'm considering in buy bigger wheels for my PT. But, I'm not sure what size I want to buy. I'm more interested in 16" or 17". I saw a couple of pictures with PT with 17" wheels and they look awesome. But I head lots of pros an cons about using bigger wheels. I heard that the riding is a lot better using bigger wheels. On the other hand, I heard that it could damage your drive train.
What do yo guys think about this? Is it good or bad to use bigger wheels? Have you guys had any good, or bad experience using bigger wheels? Any suggestions? OK enough for the questions hehehehe . Any answer is more than welcome. Thanks in advance and have a good day.

Regards,


Luis E. Cuadrado
Rochester, NY

[Sci-Fi]

Welcome to PT CruiserLinks !!!

The standard rim size for the Touring and LE models is 16 X 6". I've seen people use rim widths up to 8", and rim sizes up to 20" (custom made in the 20" size). Think you have to take into consideration the physical limitations of the wheelwell (width and height) before deciding on rims and tire sizes. And the larger the rim, the smaller (lower profile) the tire sidewall will be, resulting in a harsher ride, poorer gas mileage, and a bigger turning circle. Then if you buy lowering springs, you have to take that under consideration too. Can go to TireRack.com and look at what they offer for the PT to get an idea what rims sizes and recommended tires they list.

2002 Almond Pearl Limited Edition 27K

[lcuadrado]

Hello Sci-Fi:
Thank you for your reply. I went to TireRack.com and there are some information about wheels. Also, I checked their selection of wheels for the PT Cruiser and they were awesome. Someone also told me about http://www.discounttiredirect.com and there are good prices for wheels too. Again, thank you for your reply and as soon as I get the wheels, I'll post it here.

Best regards,

Luis E. Cuadrado
Rochester, NY

[Kitsune]

Remember what the man said "Iahu a ula! Wider is better. <img src=icon_smile_sleepy.gif border=0 align=middle> What I'd like to know is where I can find the old solid looking mag style. Anyone know?

[ptbruizer02]

All i know is i have 18" in front 20" in back and it rides just as good as my stock 16" wheels and my drive terrain is perfect.

[ptbruizer02]

if the image above doesnt work here is the page.

http://www.geocities.com/billzpt/mycar.gif

[WUWU20]

I run 17's front and 18's rear and can't tell much difference at all, tracks to odd places in the road maybe alittle but really they work just fine, Be Cool, James

[Gman]

Be careful on those sizes, Your car should be fitted with 225/45/17's with an offset of 35-38mm with a 5 on 100mm bolt pattern. That size duplicates the exact highth of the original size tires. Attached is a website wich will explain allot about sizing tires to your vehicle. Also TireRack is a good source.

http://www.powerdog.com/tiresize.cgi

Becareful as to what people do and say. If you put to big or small of a tire, plus with the wrong offset. This can cause serious damage down the line to the front end of you car. You see alot of these cars (Particularly rice machines) with some crazy stuff. It looks great! But if it is not close to a stock specification with room for adjustment it will cause damage. Plus throw off you speedomoter etc...

Hope this helps Gman

[Pooch]

I just got a set of 17"x7" tires with 205-50-17 Kumho Tires.
The ride is AWESOME!!
The overall diameter is only about .10th larger than the original.

I have an Eibach drop kit as well.

The ride is absolutely totally AWESOME!!

POOCH

[renichms]

I just bought some 18X7.5 Arelli Spigas for what a distributor pays (got a seriously nice deal) and went for tires that'd keep speedo closest to accurate. They offered really low-profile tires but I didn't take 'em.

RN

See Mephisto