Couple of questions

[t0m]

Right, bit of a leading question, but how far if at all will 16" rims throw the speedo out on a 1.2 (Standard with 15"'s). Also if I were to lower it coupled with new alloys, is it likely to add a lot to the insurance. Like is there a standard figure they go by to increase the premium? I get my 1 years no-claims in May and it shaves nearly £1000 off my premium I don't want it back up there again, but a 1.2 standard looks so high sometimes.

Pro's/Con's of bigger wheels and lowering anyone? Anything I should not do or look out for? Bit clueless about this sort of thing although I have sourced some nice 16" multi-spokes with tyres off the net, and am itching to just type in the old credit card details. Could just do with some small bits of guidance before.

Oh and 1 more thing, Is it necessary to inform the insurance of alloys because it already has alloys as standard? And dutty_112's car, does he inform the insurance everytime he changes his wheels? Lot's of questions I know but any help is appreciated

Many thanks.

 

[thedoc]

would deffo tell insurance if changing alloys wheels.
It can be as little as £20 for changing your alloys, could be more with you being a youngster though.
Dont think it'll throw the speedo out.. check out this to be sure
http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

 

[GarethM]

tell insurance company about any mods!!!
16's wont throw out the speedo, 17 will they did on my old clio. but you'll be fine with 16's. definatley lower it if you get wheels on, about 40mm - 60mm.

 

[edde]

SInce usually with bigger wheels you have smaller thickness tyres the distance covered in one revolution of the wheels is about the same you can work it out though.
I'd lower the car first bigger wheels make the car look even higher and a low ride height is more enjoyable and loosks better than big wheels and an even higher look IMO.
There no standard figure some places won't charge other charage a lot.
You need to tell insuarance any chnages to the car aftermarket alloys are different so you need to tell them you realy should ell them is you use different width tyres but they don't realy care about tyre size.
Fk coilovers though are very good and the way i'd go personally and forget bigger wheels for a bit if you do get some tporini alloys (from the 172 cup) as they look very good.
Once you've told them there different alloys they ask for a premium and depending on the company they will let you stick any siaze on most places are like this. Some charge per inches in size so say £60 for 16 and £100 for 17's but you never tell then what type so there no problem there no issue going back to standard realy either if you want to clean them etc.

 

[t0m]

Them coilover things are bloody expensive hehe, I'll get something cheaper. On that note, how low can you go (safely) on standard shocks. I should imagine it's probably not advisable at all, but without being dangerous whats considered acceptable before changing shocks becomes an issue.

 

[edde]

Them coilover things are bloody expensive hehe, I'll get something cheaper. On that note, how low can you go (safely) on standard shocks. I should imagine it's probably not advisable at all, but without being dangerous whats considered acceptable before changing shocks becomes an issue.

£440 or so I think from john2modified.

Apex do suspension kits for £300 which are very good.

Standard shocks well they die anyway mine are worn at 60k with stock springs and are worn lowe springs just make them wear quick how much depends how you drive mayabe 20k maybe 60k it won't instatly go it just will become less and less restrictive till its like ride a boat on the sea ie no damping.
You can get 60mm springs from a load of place and there no rpblem.
If you want to just get springs for cost I'd recoment the Eisback (no idea how you speell it) ones as there very good.

 

[klio]

You wont be too much off. Although it is hard to get the size to exactly the size the original rims/tires were, you will probably only be a few % off

 

[Timmay]

if you have lower profile tyres then you will be fine - speedo wont be out at all as you'll still have the same rolling radius