messiah

Since fitting 02 STI alloys to my classic, the handling seems to have improved, especially at the rear, I'm assuming this is down to the greater offset over the 02 WRX wheels that were on previously - centreline to centreline is now 10mm wider.

Just thought I'd ask the knowledgable type's their views on how different wheels can affect handling as it doesn't seem to have been covered much.

Is there an optimum "setup" or width? and if some wheels are prefered to others.

mmmiddy

The extra width of the wheel, 7.5 instead of 7, plus the wide rubber you're running is probably why it feels more planted.

Mine seemed to tramline more with the extra width too!

messiah

still using the 215 wide Toyo's mate, they did tramline a bit with the 225's on but I put that down to the tread pattern on the Bridgestone's...

mushkinee

wot is tramline?

corradoboy

I think going by your description, the effect you're getting is down to the offset pushing the wheels out slightly further, which will slightly improve stability in cornering. It's why supercars are low and wide. The best improvement I ever got from just a wheel change was when fitting OZ Superlegerra's. The lightness of the wheel allows the suspension to work much more freely and effectively, greatly improving ride and cornering. As an example, hold an empty bucket at arms length and swing it up and down, trying to stop it at random places. Then fill it with water and repeat the same exercise, you will find it much harder to stop it. Apply this logic to the lower wishbone and it's easy to see how lighter wheels will benefit.