Should I (can I) consider 16" Hydra wheels on an '87 740 ?

I've researched this here at the Groups and it appears they will fit. Now it seems that tire prices will go up with 16", performance will go up, comfort will go down and style will go up.

I guess I am opening the floor to opinions of those who've had 15" and

I sell wheels for a living and when a customer chooses a wheel style I call my warehouse and the first thing out of their rep's mouth is, "What car is it going onto?" So it's not much trouble to know what will fit and what size. The lower profile tires required for fitment with oversize wheels (retaining the same overall tire height) are typically higher performance, softer compound tires which will have less of a lifespan, i.e. 50,000 miles versus 75-80,000, so be mindful of that when looking. Also, you can check the plus-sizing chart and pick from several dimensions of tires which will be the same approximate diameter as your originals, and often you can find a dimension which will fit but is much less expensive than others you may choose. I agree a car like that would benefit from somewhat larger wheels, cosmetically speaking. Some of those 20" and 22" aren't my cup of tea, a few of them remind me of garbage can lids or something, LOL.

James, I've been Photoshopping in different wheels on my car photos. I really like the Virgo's, but I am starting to think that the 240 was a lower profile car and the open space of the Virgo really looks good on that car.

The 740 is much more boxy and the Virgo might be a bit too open. The Hydra's seem to add substance that enhances the box.

The jury is still out, but I am really starting to like the look of the Hydra on the 87 740 with the E-code headlights.

What puzzles me is whether I like this because it looks better, or does it just look like a more sporty, early 90's European model.

Help!

;-)

Yes they'll fit, they were OEM on some of the later 740s. Performance is substantially improved, though the ride is bit harsher and tires are more expensive.

Virgos are nice, but they will only fit if your car does *not* have ABS as the ABS discs are too big. Also you may have trouble finding chrome lugnuts to use with them, the 740 studs are different than the 240.

Thanks James and James.

I didn't know about the lugs. hmmmm.

Also, I'm a 30-something guy who doesn't personally care for tbe ultra-high-performance look. While I think some modified cars look really great with sport tuned suspension and thin tires, my cup of tea is more along the lines of style with a hint of sport tune.

So, I want to ditch the 14" alloys and step up to "polish" the look of my car -- not completely transform it.

Right now it looks like a sport sedan. I want to erase a bit of Sedan and add a touch of sport.

Question: can I up to 16" wheels and not have to give up any or at least not much tire depth? Maybe like 205/55/16 like this set up:

I'm currently running Hydras with 205/55/16 tires on my 1971 145 wagon. So yeah, they will pretty much fit and improve the look of any Volvo with the same bolt pattern. Some people don't like the look of Hydras on sedans but I think that they are nice on any body style.

thanks! I PhotoShopped images of Virgos and Hydras side by side on a picture of my vehicle. I LOVE the Virgos on the 200's, but prefer the hydras on the 700's.

If you dare going 17" IPD will have these next month

Regards,

Boris Mohar

Got Knock? - see: Viatrack Printed Circuit Designs (among other things)

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