What is the optimum wheel and tyre size for a nova?

[ednovasr]

I have a 5dr nova and is being rebuilt this winter new round front arches rear quarter and arechs plus few other bits and bob's done.
I want it to handle like it's on rails!
I have a set of TSW stealths 15" with a ET38 and 195-50/15" tyres and it doesn't rub!
A set of 14" SR/GSI Nova three spoke alloys with 185-69/14!
And a set of 17" BK racing 121 with 205-40/17

It's lowered -60mm all round on Spax adjustable shocks (Not ride hight,coilover ones)

What is the best that everyone else has found didn't see much improvement but the old GSI alloys that are on for the mucky winter roads, seems to have less grip for roundabouts (There are shit loads in MK)I get quite a bit of under steer on them when ever going just 45-50 over them could do that no prob's with the 15" and 17"!

what pressures should I run for optimum grip have been running about 28-33psi and found no real difference in these either!

Plz help peeps. Your wizdom's are needed!


8)

[Ste_Nova]

tyres make the diff
i went from 195/50 15 kumos
to 185/60 14" yoko a539

100 times better

[rgv_stu]

i have found that they handle better on higher profile tyres too
more flex on the sidewall is good to a certain extent
anything lower than 50/45 profile is suspect on britains roads tbh

[Breeny]

oops :roll:

[frog_southampton]

roads round ere are sh*t only realy notice if u got low profile's n low suspension tho...


frog! - Mk1 Nova GTE
Southampton

[novax]

Optimum is 195/45/15s you get the best of both worlds. I'm running 195/45/16s and it handles well but it is a harder drive than when I had the 15 there instead....

[Jim]

I think 185/45/15 is the optimum. You'll get different sizes from different people. I'm running 195/45/16, not sure what offset they are (but there around the correct offset). The handling is pretty good, but I too get understeer.

Some people also say that you shouldn't run the car any lower than -35mm for the best handling. Again, it all depends on what type of susspension you have and what state all the other handling components are in.

Each Nova is individual, so I don't think there is any optimum specification. Best thing to do is try out different combinations of wheels and rideheight and see what you feel comfortable with.

Jim

[Chris LR]

I Run standard 14x5J 3 spokes on 165/65, no problems

[Will]

i also run 195/45/16 et49, tyres are good, yokos and toyos, doesnt handle as well as 15s would and slows the car down a little, but your only gona notice it if you run a low powered engine! :)