19's on a 1.6 will it cause gearbox troubles?

[53 Leon SX]

Right, went for MOT yesterday, passed with no problems was sure they were going to call me out on bushes and possibly the new hid lights, but anyway. Whilst speaking to one of the mechanics who also owns a Leon 1.6, told him I was going to planning to go see some 19 rs4 reps afterwards if I passed and he said not to as they would kill the gearbox. Mentioned something about unsprung weight . Also said it would be a bad idea to put 18s on as well citing the same potential issue. Now I didn't question him after all its his job to know but I'm not aware of any issues of putting 19's or even 18's on a 1.6 messing up the gearbox.

Is he right or simply misinformed?

Another unrelated mechanic said the same thing to me who I asked!

 

[crezz]

surely if you have the correct profile tiles on it shouldnt make a difference if the overall rolling diameter is the same? so if you have gone up two wheels sizes, come down a couple sizes in tyres on the side wall,

use a tyre calculator to work out the difference it will be, it will alter your speedo also

 

[litcan91]

seems to be fine, theres the calculator, try it

http://www.alloywheels.com/tyrecalc.asp

 

[litcan91]

the 18s would be 225 40 18

 

[53 Leon SX]

surely if you have the correct profile tiles on it shouldnt make a difference if the overall rolling diameter is the same? so if you have gone up two wheels sizes, come down a couple sizes in tyres on the side wall,

use a tyre calculator to work out the difference it will be, it will alter your speedo also

This is also my line of thinking!

 

[m0rk]

Both your mechanics are mis informed.

It's still a bad idea, just not for the reasons given regarding your gearbox

 

[53 Leon SX]

Both your mechanics are mis informed.

It's still a bad idea, just not for the reasons given regarding your gearbox

Yeah the ride would be very harsh I assume putting more strain on the suspension components, plus I think it would look kind of silly. Was only considering them as they were going for cheap anyway.

Out of interest for what other reasons are they a bad idea Mork?

 

[m0rk]

The biggest thing is the unspring weight (that they did mention) - but this just makes it lazy to turn in, and no manage the bumps so well etc. You might not think you're into handling, but you'll notice the benefit of smaller lighter rims

They'll look carp with weeny brakes also

 

[53 Leon SX]

Wikied unsprung weight and I understand it better now. I quite like the comfort of the standard 15's but they don't do anything for the image.

They would look ever so sightly ridiculous with the tiny brakes haha but the "I know nothing about cars so just put on the biggest wheels I could afford/find" is fairly popular my way so I'm sure I'd fit in with the crowd but like I said only considered them as they were cheap on offer.

Thanks for the help mork

 

[m0rk]

MY03 Cupra wheels - that'd keep a nice level of comfort, good value tyres & look the part too.

 

[53 Leon SX]

The 16 inch ones? Yeah the mechanic had those on his leon. I'm just not sold on how the look under the arches. Personal preference I guess!

 

[m0rk]

MY03 are 17's - aka starfish

 

[53 Leon SX]

Oh my mistake! Yes those are a different kettle of fish entirely. Amazing the difference an inch makes I haven't been looking at 17's generally but have noted that the starfishes do look nice. Seen them recently on someone's build thread, would be a done deal if I could also get them at £100

 

[litcan91]

FR wheels look the part!

 

[LEE69]

19's will hinder the already slow(er) acceleration and generally feel not nice to drive on.

 

[53 Leon SX]

FR wheels look the part!

Would also do the job!

19's will hinder the already slow(er) acceleration and generally feel not nice to drive on.

How dare you call my car slow lol I take serious offense to that Lee

 

[LEE69]

Why is it quick?

 

[53 Leon SX]

Blistering

 

[LEE69]

Blisteringly SLOW

Edited for accuracy

 

[53 Leon SX]

lol. Oi...be nice!