superstring

Hi Mike

I've been trying to get an answer to this question without luck, so I thought I'd try this approach

I'm running the old Prodrive "Performance" suspension on my Classic and am thinking of "upgrading" my wheels (Prodrive P1's or P7's) and tyres. You're on record as saying that going from 16" to 17" rims is a more important performance upgrade than changing suspension:

http://www.scoobynet.co.uk/bbs/thread.asp?ThreadID=6277

So I guess I'm doing this the wrong way 'round! , however....

Since there are so few choices to be had in the 205/45-17 tyre size, if I were to go with a 215/45-17 tyre (as opposed to 215/40-17, because of load rating considerations) do you think I would realize any significant PERFORMANCE benefit over the same tyre in the standard 205/50-16 size, since there would be only a very slight decrease in sidewall height, a small increase in overall diameter and most certainly more unsprung weight?

Also, and I could be wrong about this , I'm thinking that, in order to maximize the contact patch on a 17 X 7 rim, a 215 tyre might need to a little less air pressure, thereby softening the sidewall and perhaps negating, to some extent, whatever advantage the lower sidewall might have.

Thanks!

John

PS If anyone else would like to add their opinion, please do!

[Edited by superstring - 11/16/2003 7:33:53 PM]

[Edited by superstring - 11/17/2003 1:52:14 AM]