Preferred tyre size on Whiteine Astra G.

[JasonM]

Quick question about what wheel tyre/size was used on the Whiteline development Astra.

I have an Astra G Coupe, currently it’s running 205/50/16 tires (et49), I also have Koni’s, lowering springs, and Whiteline rear ARB. I’m planning a Whiteline front brace in the future also. Car handles good, with no tramlining. Balance has just the slightest amount of understeer. Car is road going only, not track.

I’m considering fitting 215/40/17 tires (et47 wheels), I’m trying to determine if it’s a wise move, and expecting more tramlining, worse wet grip, but are there any advantages? Tyre wise I’m running Goodyear Eagle F1, and will use the same in new size. A third option to consider is 205/45/17.

Given the three choices 205/50/16, 205/45/17 and 215/40/17 what’s preferred.

BTW. The rear ARB is amazing, very well researched, front and rear of car is connected for the first time.

[Wojtek]

Hi JasonM,

Project Astra was fitted with the original tyre size of 215/40-17 on the original wheels (unknown off-set). I would expect there to be increased tramlining when increasing from 16" low profile to 17" ultra-low profile tyre, as well as a somewhat harsher ride over sharp edges/bumps. The main advantages of a lower profile tyre are sharper and quicker steering responce, increased steering feedback (although this could be detrimental if excessive), and generally higher lever of grip for the same tyre brand and model. The choice is really yours depending on your expectations and requirements.

Regards,
Wojtek.

[JasonM]

Thanks for the info, thats pritty much what I expected, to be honest i'll likely stay with the 16"'s. I'm not a big fan of the larger wheels myself, just that all new performance cars now come with 17" so there may have been a good reason.

I actually have another car thats stripped out for track use, polly bushed, custom poundage springs ect, and that does fine on 205/55/15 tyres.