I've got 17" wheels on my Velocity with 205/40 tyres.

The previous owner extended the front and rear arches in a basic manner using some rubber mudguards and a steel strip so it would pass the SVA but I've never been that happy with the look.

I've had the arches re-sprayed and don't really want to put the extensions back on but don't think it would pass an MOT if they are hot on this type of thing.

It got me thinking.........

I could change the wings and arches and go for something wider but could change the wheels and go smaller and lighter.

I was thinking of getting some black 14" or 15" alloys with a larger profile and hope this would help reduce weigth a little. The wheels I have look great but are on the large size.

Is this a sensible move downsizing from 17" to 14" wheels? Anyone have any experience of a Velocity with these different sizes?

A lot of racers swear that smaller is better. A 17" wheel may look good but often the grip is better (and more comfortable too) with a smaller, higher profile tyre. Just look at Formula 1 tyres and see what I mean.
Less unsprung weight can only improve the handling IMO.

I have 15" wheels on my Luego locost which I sometimes think are perhaps too big. Would probably stick with 14" if I build another

Two sets of 13" and one set of 15". Hardly ever use the 15" as the 13" make it feel more responsive and are lighter.

14" because that is what was available when I was looking (2nd hand Westfield wheels). Personally, I think that 13" wheels look a bit on the small side aesthetically (though they may be better for track days/racing, as mentioned), and 16"+ look too big, so I would go with 14" again or maybe 15". I understand that a wider range of tyres is available for 15" than 14"

IMHO 13" will give the best handling, feel and excelleration due to the weight, or lack of it. Hence most 7 type race cars use 13".

I used to have a 3 series BMW that had standard 15" alloys and I changed to 17" for the look and noticed such a difference in excelleration loss. So doing this on a car that weights so little would make a large difference. Just my 2 peneth worth..

13" with yoko's and 14" toyo 888

the toyos are a good tyre but pick up all the grit off the road!
and end up in the car !

Thanks for the info guys. I'll have a search around on ebay and have a look for some black 14" rims and tyres. Could be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

What profile would be best for the tyres, obviously its going to be impossible to maintain the rolling radius so what other issues will I need to address?

Guess I'll have some 17" TSW alloys for sale in a while.

Sometimes I think I'm doing the kitcar thing backwards, bought it built and slowly taking it apart and selling bits

Not sure how this will work for me but I am using a set of compomotive mo's 15's at the back and 14's at the front. Got em cheap so will see how they go!

thanks
Dave Bailey

Pics of a friends Rotus with 17s & 18s. This was done to try to tame the built LS1.

Recently ordered Image EV 17" x 10" for the back and 8" for the front of my Viento. Should only be a couple of weeks now before I get them. Just need to decide on the tyres!

Worzey, do same as everyone else and get silver then paint them with satin black p!ss cans

Right - thanks guys for all your input.

Just got myself a nice shinny set of 14" alloys with good tyres which I will get sprayed myself. 17" TSW Freeze alloys with new Yokohamas anyone? - only done 400 miles!!!

Lets hope this improves the ride and acceleration a touch.

I might be on to something - Un-Pimp my Ride!