[Swiss spider]

Just had the Teledials back and they're looking superb.....they're running on 225/45 x 17, part worn Pilots. I know that the rule of thumb is to use the same PSI as the 16" tyres but I've heard a few complaints about the choppy ride on 17's that I've yet to experience. Any thoughts or is it just trial and error until you find the optimum pressure? I'm even thinking of trying Nitrogen.......

Swiss.

 

[Swiss spider]

I think I've answered my own question, checked the pressures on the tyres and they're running at roughly 34psi in the fronts and 32 psi in the rears, this is what they've been inflated to by the guy that's done the wheels.I've just taken it down the lanes expecting it to feel like being on a Space Hopper!Surprisingly it felt sure footed and planted on the ground, it certainly hasn't compromised the ride quality either and looks great to boot....I don't know whether this is also down to the Weicher's strut brace? Who knows? Whilst I'm on I've just fitted a MAF from shop for parts, cost £40 and was delivered the next day, obviously not Bosch but it has revolutionised the drive. The car has been running off since I had the belts done a couple of weeks back.It comes with a 12 month guarantee, this has got to make financial sense having read all of the MAF threads on here.I'll obviously keep the old Bosch and have a go at cleaning it just for a back-up....all-in-all a good couple of days work on the car, sorry for the lengthy thread!!

 

[bradpit999]

think its 39 front 36 rear

 

[Swiss spider]

You're spot on Brad, but as I say with the current pressures it feels sorted. I'm really pleased with the car so far....even though I've spent a small fortune on it!!

 

[Swiss spider]

Re-furbed Teledials on the Spider.

A couple of pictures of the wheels with the darker Silver coloured alloys, just waiting to do the mirrors to complete the overall look (will be body coloured)......

Swiss.

122971 122972 122970

 

[David C]

Have you tried the tyres at the correct pressure yet?

 

[Swiss spider]

Not as yet, although I've been using a somewhat antiquated pencil gauge so I'm just wondering whether the pressures are inaccurate and nearer to the actual 39/36 mark. As I said the ride felt right so I'm loathed to change them as yet. I'll just have to monitor the tyre wear and adjust accordingly.

Swiss.....

 

[JAO]

Interesting post, I've dropped mine down a little from the recommended figures (for the 16" tyres) and believe its improved my very bouncy ride, I might try dropping them again to your pressures just to experiment.

I dont know what the recommended pressures are for bigger diameter and wider tyres like 17 and 18" with 225's etc as it isn't stated in my handbook, does anyone know whether their are official figures for the bigger sizes?

I always work on the premiss that the bigger the volume the lower the pressure needs to be. I'd be interested to learn whether that's an incorrect assumption.

 

[David C]

There is obviously no official pressure for 18" and above as they were never used.
But you should not run below the book pressures, which are clearly stated for 15"/16"/17"

15" = 2.3 Bar front, 2.1 Bar rear
16" & 17" = 2.7 Bar front, 2.5 Bar rear.

 

[alfapash]

The dark silver wheels contrast the lighter silver on your car beautifully. I think once you move to 17 or 18 inch wheels, it's trial and error and will also be affected by the cars suspension set up. Everybody has their own preferences as some like a harder ride and some prefere more comfort, as much as you can get in a GTV/Spider. Mines on 18's and the spider is lowered on eibach's, I have the pressure between 35 and 38. I have also found having new tyres all round has made a much inproved drive.

 

[JAO]

There is obviously no official pressure for 18" and above as they were never used.
But you should not run below the book pressures, which are clearly stated for 15"/16"/17"

15" = 2.3 Bar front, 2.1 Bar rear
16" & 17" = 2.7 Bar front, 2.5 Bar rear.

Thanks for clearing that up, I'm sure my handbook doesn't mention 17" wheels either, Its something that I investigated at the time.

 

[jamesy]

Ive just fitted 215/45 17s on my Spider would these run the same pressure as the 225s ?

 

[David C]

Ive just fitted 215/45 17s on my Spider would these run the same pressure as the 225s ?

They wouldn't be any lower if that is what you were thinking!!

As usual, the correct size would have been better though...


But yes: 2.7 Bar front, 2.5 Bar rear.

 

[jamesy]

Bought them with these tyres on they are to good to bin so I will run them till need changing but as I only do around 3k miles a year could be some time(I hope):lol:

 

[jamesy]

Just as a matter of interest what difference does it make if they are 225s or 215s ?

 

[David C]

Just as a matter of interest what difference does it make if they are 225s or 215s ?

Apart from the obvious difference in width, the 215 will be smaller in diameter (about 9mm difference), so slightly harder ride.
They also have a lower load index than the 225 unless you get XL versions of the 215.

There is usually very little difference in price and the 225 are often cheaper.

 

[jamesy]

So no appreciable difference at all then,I have set them to 27 front and 25 rear and the ride seems fine will not be using much over the next two weeks then off for a weekend jaunt to Dumfries will be going the scenic route through the borders so will see how she performs on the real twisty stuff.

 

[David C]

I have set them to 27 front and 25 rear...

Hopefully not 27PSI & 25PSI...!!

It is 2.7 Bar and 2.5 Bar
Which is 39PSI & 36PSI

 

[Ralf S.]

Aye! 39/36 is the pressure I've always seen quoted on here (and in my own handbook too! ) and in actual fact (with experimentation) actually gives the best handling and the best overall ride comfort.

Strange how Alfa managed to quote the pressure that actually works the best..


Ralf S.

 

[Thoemse]

Any reccomendations for 18 inch? I the GTV did never come with any but i put those lovely GT multispokes on it.
I am wondering how much bar/PSI i should put in there. It's more about tire wear then ride quality. The ride will allways be harsh with 18 inch eibach and konis. :lol: