Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Rog on 08 November 2012, 10:24:22

Title: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: Rog on 08 November 2012, 10:24:22
I recently changed from a 2002 2.6 V6 CDX Est (Blue one) to a 2000 2.5 V6 Elite Est (Silver one). Why ? Well its a long story but involved a serious oil leak.

I much prefered the handling of the CDX, the Elite seems heavy and a bit more hard work.

The Elite has bigger wheels. Are these original spec ? Is there any advantage other then the "Bling" factor ? Are there any disadvantages ?

I'm gonna need tyres fairly soon so I'm wondering whether to try to get an old set of smaller wheels. I carry quite heavy loads in the back sometimes.

Before you ask, the old car got scrapped before I even thought about wheel swapping  :-\

Old
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/Old_Mosher/NewOmega.jpg)

"New"
(http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/Old_Mosher/NewOmegaElite2_zps484dc81b.jpg)


Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: Kevin Wood on 08 November 2012, 12:31:44
Some find the Elite self-levellling suspension setup a bit wallowy.

The larger tyres can lead to a bit more tramlining but I very much doubt it would make that much of a difference. Standard size of rubber on the Elite is 235/45/17.

Tyre brands will make a significant difference, as will geometry setup. Might be worth getting it set up competently first, as it's a "new to you" car?

You say if feels heavy.. In the steering or just generally? I've noticed a fair variance in the level of steering assistance having driven a few Omegas, and this can be adjusted using a Tech 2, although I personally prefer the minimum level of assistance as this seems to provide more "feel" through the steering.
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: Rog on 08 November 2012, 17:52:58


You say if feels heavy.. In the steering or just generally? I've noticed a fair variance in the level of steering assistance having driven a few Omegas, and this can be adjusted using a Tech 2, although I personally prefer the minimum level of assistance as this seems to provide more "feel" through the steering.

Well both, steering seems to need more effort, and the car generally, but I understand the latter as it is a heavier car due to leather seats, more kit etc.

I didn't know that it had self-levelling suspension. So that should make it better for carrrying heavy loads then ?

By "geometry" I assume that this means tracking etc ?

But overall, the response does not really point a finger at the bigger wheels etc. So stick with them then.

Thanks
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: TheBoy on 08 November 2012, 19:22:40
If it still has the self levelling (check it ;)), it can feel really soft.

The steering should feel the same.

Geometry is so much more than tracking, see www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: Rog on 08 November 2012, 21:02:47

Geometry is so much more than tracking, see www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk

£%$^&**^%%  . . . . I almost drove right past this place today
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: TheBoy on 08 November 2012, 21:03:37

Geometry is so much more than tracking, see www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk

£%$^&**^%%  . . . . I almost drove right past this place today
You'd need to book anyway.
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: feeutfo on 08 November 2012, 21:20:12
If setting up, check for faults first and rectify. THEN set up.

Bushes track rods and ball joints. Broken springs and failed leaking shocks etc etc


Having seen what regulates the steering assistance, I'm amazed we get two alike when it comes to steering feel/pas
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: feeutfo on 08 November 2012, 21:23:53
And suspension on the Elite is very much softer and ponderous compared to the rest of the range.
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: 05omegav6 on 09 November 2012, 13:07:10
Also worth noting that the 17" wheels actually have a smaller rolling radius than the 16"s :y
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: Rog on 09 November 2012, 14:55:39
Also worth noting that the 17" wheels actually have a smaller rolling radius than the 16"s :y

Right. I had to Google what that means. So the wheel has to turn more times to achive the same movement, so possibly use more fuel and decrease overal performance ?
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: 05omegav6 on 09 November 2012, 15:03:47
The difference actually equates to about 1.3" or -1.6% :y You might only get 100 miles from a given amount of fuel rather than 103 ::)

Really not worth fretting over :y
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: TheBoy on 09 November 2012, 15:15:05
The difference actually equates to about 1.3" or -1.6% :y You might only get 100 miles from a given amount of fuel rather than 103 ::)

Really not worth fretting over :y
The rolling resistance of a given tyre will have far more impact than the difference anyway :y
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: Bixy1 on 09 November 2012, 15:43:41
Nowt to do with wheels but just a thought, are your rear seats heated, and do you have rear parking sensors?  ???
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: Bixy1 on 09 November 2012, 15:46:46
Another thought, mine had the 17's on when I bought my Elite but the tyres were bald, but I dropped lucky at the scrappies and got a set of the earlier 16's. The car seems to ride slightly higher.  :-\
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: 05omegav6 on 09 November 2012, 16:45:43
That because the overall diameter of the wheels is (marginally)greater, together with the fact that the sidewall of the 16" tyres is a touch deeper :-\ More of a visual illusion though :y
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: Bixy1 on 09 November 2012, 16:47:35
Oh. okay. Fooled me though.  :(
Title: Re: Wheel Size & Handling
Post by: Rog on 09 November 2012, 19:52:52
Nowt to do with wheels but just a thought, are your rear seats heated, and do you have rear parking sensors?  ???

I have absolutely no idea. I suppose I should find out though.