Got new tires and alignment
07-19-2002, 01:10 PM
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,530
Got new tires and alignment
I had to drive to the tire store like this:
Anyway I opted for Michelin Energy 215 55 16s from my BFGoodrich Comp T/A 225 50 16s, because Tire Rack's customer survey made them look like a good all around and it was in stock at the tire store/wholesale club. The 225s just look ridiculous on the 6.5" rims. I also got an alignment. From my curb incident I was surprised the left (the impact) tire was in spec for alignment, so this means that nothing is bent thank god. The right front was a little out of spec pointing right so thats why my car was tracking right at times. Glad all this got fixed. The camber, was a little out of spec because of the Sprint srings. One side was -1.6 (-1 deg is the low end of factory tolerance) and the other was -1.45.
Impressions of the tires: The car feels like a different animal. The tires are 5x quieter then the old ones. However, the car feels much much slower. Maybe because of the heat out, and the change in tire ratio. The tires fill up the wheel gap much more now.
Handling also feels different. Probably because of the higher profile, the car doesnt feel like it handles as "crisp". Well it never really handled crisp and responsive before anyway so its even worse now. I'll be able to tell for sure next time I go to the drag strip, and I'll also find out how front/back tire traction is.
Anyway I opted for Michelin Energy 215 55 16s from my BFGoodrich Comp T/A 225 50 16s, because Tire Rack's customer survey made them look like a good all around and it was in stock at the tire store/wholesale club. The 225s just look ridiculous on the 6.5" rims. I also got an alignment. From my curb incident I was surprised the left (the impact) tire was in spec for alignment, so this means that nothing is bent thank god. The right front was a little out of spec pointing right so thats why my car was tracking right at times. Glad all this got fixed. The camber, was a little out of spec because of the Sprint srings. One side was -1.6 (-1 deg is the low end of factory tolerance) and the other was -1.45.
Impressions of the tires: The car feels like a different animal. The tires are 5x quieter then the old ones. However, the car feels much much slower. Maybe because of the heat out, and the change in tire ratio. The tires fill up the wheel gap much more now.
Handling also feels different. Probably because of the higher profile, the car doesnt feel like it handles as "crisp". Well it never really handled crisp and responsive before anyway so its even worse now. I'll be able to tell for sure next time I go to the drag strip, and I'll also find out how front/back tire traction is.
07-19-2002, 01:17 PM
#2
Eric you are a nut. 
BTW. neg 1.6 and neg 1.45 camber is gonna eat your tires for lunch. Didn't you notice that before the smoke show? I'd say you will be decreasing your front tire life 1/4 to 1/3 at least.
BTW. neg 1.6 and neg 1.45 camber is gonna eat your tires for lunch. Didn't you notice that before the smoke show? I'd say you will be decreasing your front tire life 1/4 to 1/3 at least.
07-19-2002, 06:07 PM
#3
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That camber reading is a bit steep. I'd try to pull some more positive camber with the play in the 2 lower mounting bolt holes of the strut. You can ususally get a dropped max within spec with the play in those holes. Loosen up the 2 bolts and pull the top of the hub out twards you. Do the same for both sides. Make sure you have your toe checked again, it changes with camber adjustments.
07-19-2002, 07:35 PM
#6
Yo eric, I got new tires and an alignment couple days ago too. But mines are 225/50/16. I dont think the tires are too wide, but I wish I did have 55. I got Eibachs, and I would like to see a pic of your wheel gap with 55's. Can you post a pic?
Thanks!
Thanks!
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