Quote:
Originally Posted by zzyzzx
Just thinking about this for when I need new tires.
Code:
Specification Sidewall Radius Diameter Circumference Revs/Mile Difference
225/50-16 4.4in 12.4in 24.9in 78.1in 811 0.0%
215/60-15 5.1in 12.6in 25.2in 79.0in 802 1.2%
If I can get a set of 15" rims at a junkyard that still look almost like new (to match the rest of my car, obviously this would be the hard part and potential show stopper) I would think that I would only need to find a 1999-2001 Alero with the 15" OEM painted aluminum wheels and they should just bolt right on and clear the calipers for an Alero with the rear disc brakes. I doubt that I would notice any difference except that the 15" replacment tires would be way cheaper. This almost seems too easy, unless I am missing something???
I'm not inclined to think that they put in a different VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor) in the ones that got the 16" wheel package to make up the 1.2% difference. |
I have used both interchangably on my '99 and '03. There is a much lighter feel, less effort on handling with the 15s, but you get a more bouncy, less sure ride. Less cornering ability. You may be able to compensate with a strut tower brace. My son claimed better mileage with the 16s over the 15 inch OEM steel wheels, I do better with 15 inch alloys over the 16's. The PCM may or may not react to the change, but most probably won't, unless you went to a smaller diameter tire.
What is kind of hard to find is a better performance tire in the 15 inch size.