This is a wind up right? You really think changing the wheel and tyre size is going to make the ride appreciably better?
Here's a clue. The thing you need to be changing is mentioned between the words "Vectra Estate with" and "and alloy wheels" on the second line of your post.
For the condescending reply I came on here for advice, if I wanted a smart arse I could have gone down the pub and asked the local car bore knowall
Anyway I did find an answer elsewhere on the Internet Here is an extract from a road test
"However, our model was fitted with optional 19-inch alloys, which create some tyre roar on motorways and take the edge off comfort. We reckon the standard 17-inch wheels would offer a truly cosseting ride. Nevertheless, the XF is a fantastic all-rounder ? and we?ve no doubt it will be a huge hit"
Heres some clues Dave On the next line
Rolling Radius Aspect Ratio Wheel Size
Must say its much too technical for me Should really leave it to you experts
Thus spake R Richardson ( snipped-for-privacy@nildram.co.uk) unto the assembled multitudes:
*An* answer, yes, but I would bet not the right answer.
I think Dave was correct. Your sports suspension wasn't put there for comfort. Have you tried a Vectra with 'normal' suspension? I'm pretty sure that would provide your answer.
IN MESSAGE , snipped-for-privacy@DENTURESsussex.ac.uk WRITES
Hi
Cant afford or go to the trouble of changing the suspension All I am after is improvement in an extremely harsh ride On these wheels/tyres 5psi either way does make a big difference
Dave, you generally know your stuff, but you're wrong here. I swapped from
65 profile tyres on 14" wheels to 50 profiles on 15" wheels on my MK2 Golf, and it made a very noticeable difference to the ride quality. IMO buying a set of (generally cheaper) alloys and tyres and flogging the bigger (and generally expensive) set seems like a good idea. Ask anyone who knows much about suspension and they'll tell you that the tyre and wheel combination makes a massive difference to the wheel rate.
And before anyone starts chuntering about sports suspension, this is on a GTI. I suspect the difference between standard and sports suspension is very little on something like a Vectra...
This is the description of the Vauxhall sport suspension pack for my car
Four uprated springs and shock absorbers which lower the ride height by up to 30mm (depending on model) and give a firmer, sporty ride. Front axle weight up to 1060kg. Estate models only.
You know, you drop up here and ask a question that you think you know the answer to, then get all shirky when we tell you that you're a moppet for half-assing it.
Change the wheels and tyres, the difference won't be all that much.
IMO swapping the aspect ratio of the tyres does make a noticeable difference. Whether it's enough to keep you happy or not is another matter - I'd sell the car and buy another rather than try to go to a non-sports spring / damper setup. However, if you keep your current wheels and tyres, buy a full set off ebay of smaller wheels and try them, you can always sell them on again if there isn't much difference.
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