wcoy

So I'm a bit indecisive. I really really like the Ron Jon Harrow wheels but the 20's are just too big for my taste and I'm afraid the 18's are going to be too small.

I previously had 19" ASA wheels with Kuhmo 255/40 ZR load rating XL directional tires and the experiment went bad. I liked the size but they have all started to cup and the car rides like crap now. I have my OEM wheels and snow tires on right now and it rides like a dream, I think I convinced myself after awhile that it was supposed to ride like that. Tire Rack told me that it could be a combination of the tires being 255 width, XL and directional. Also each wheel weighed 29.5lbs sans tire!

First choice is sell the wheel and tire set that I have and get RJ Harrow's in 18" with the Continental DW tires. Pro's are perfect fitment and perfect ride. Cons are maybe too small and now I'm spending 2k on new wheels and tires.

Second choice is keep the 19" wheels I have right now and scrap the 255/40 19 XL tires and get the Continental DW tires in 245/40ZR19. Funny that in 245/40ZR19 size on the Tire Rack the load rating is only 94, is that too low? Pro's are less width, non directional, and lower load rating that may cure the problem of cupping and crappy ride in future. Another pro being now I'm only spending another $1000 instead of $2000. Con being I still have the heavy wheels and I don't like the look of these wheels as much as the Harrows.

I don't think I want to get the H&R springs or ASPEC suspension either because I'm worried of degrading the ride too much, and more money if I do that with the 18". Here is a photo shop of 18" Harrow's on 037's car, with H&R's. Do they look too small, I'm worried they do.

vtr1000sp2

Here's how I gauge what to get, it's never failed me and my measurement of success is compliments from others. Whatever size the base model of the vehicle in question comes with, go +2 so in this case, 19's would be perfect. However, if going +0 or +1, try and get a design where spokes run to edge of wheel, no rim lip. What that does is give the wheel a look of being larger than it is. Look at our OEM 17" wheels, they look good, not perfect but not small either. Although that's a personal opinion.

The 18" harrow would look good but the tire profile being a 45 isn't helping it "look" big. 20's on the other hand will "look" huge. It's a tough call. Wanna buy the AME Tracer FS-01's I just got? lol.. I found a race bike that's bigger than my budget but EXACTLY what I want.

wcoy

I agree with you, I think the kicker is going to be the 45 sidewall making them look small. Yes please on the AME's!

Chas2

As I understand it, the front axle Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) (the rear is less, so it does not count) determines the minimum tire load rating to be used.

The RL's two front tires at least have the capacity to carry the front GAWR of 2680 lbs. The typical 94 load index (2954 lbs) of 245/45-18 or 245/40-19 or 245/35-20 are adequate to meet the RL GAWR, so in English, 94 is OK.

Now let's say you run small tires such as 225/30-20, as some do. These tires are typically smaller in diameter (with the all the problems those bring) and have an 85 load index which means 2270 lbs (combined 2 tires)...probably not something you want to do. The tires will probably wear more quickly, and may be unsafe under sustained high speed driving.

wcoy

Thanks so much Chas2, you are the wheel master.

I have had a hell of a time finding the Continental ExtremeContact DW in 245/40 ZR 19 but just found them. They only come in a 94 load rating which I think I will be sacrificing cornering ability for comfort. I think I'm okay with that.

Plans have also changed and I think I will be putting these on AME Tracer FS-01 wheels! Still on the fence because of the price, what should I do??

Wh1t3r0b

just get the 20's and H&Rs

ichi d

^+1 lol

wcoy

How much are H&R's and do they really hurt the ride that much?

I think the 20's may be just a tad too big for me, look amazing though, I really love the Harrow's.

rtr

do you have a camber kit? did you get an alignment when you put your ASA's on?

wcoy

No, I don't have the H&R's yet either. Okay so my posts are going to be super boring now, I decided not to get the AME's that were available and just put some Continental ExtremeContact DW 245/40ZR19 tires on my old rims. I'm hoping this cures the crappy ride that the old Kuhmo's ended up giving me. Having a 6 week old kid kind of stopped me from spending $3,000 on new wheels and tires I didn't really need, tires cost $1000 so saved $2k.

037

sent an email requesting removal of that horrible chop.

vtr1000sp2

Saved it for a rainy day.

wcoy

Sorry 037, Ron Jon sent it to me the other week.

rondog

iTrader: (1)

Don't worry, 037 is just a litel sensitive, I had that chop done way back when he was debating on the different styles. Anyway, I think it's just something about that pic, here's a better chop or two of 18" RJ wheels:

037

yes, the offset is all wrong on that chop, which is why when I got Rev GT-M they looked a million times better.

Ballinger

I think 18's look spot-on under the RL. My bias is that, although 19's LOOK really rad, they don't have enough sidewall for rough roads and I live in a city fallen to decrepitude. I can't tell you how common it is to see cars with 35- and 25-series tires and dented rim edges.

Low profile for butter pavement and/or the track.

rtr

You could have ok tire before but you never did alignment or correct the camber? If you change wheels or suspension you have to

wcoy

I had 2 alignment's throughout the year from the Acura dealer when I went from my winter to summer tire combo.

037

chop upgraded to 20's, thanks Ron

23109VC

Have you checked out the revo from ronjon? That looks pretty good on the RL too.

I'm not a fan of the harrow...if youmwere deciding between harrow and the rev, the rev looks better. IMHO

rtr

I wonder what the specs are. You always should get the print out and keep it in the glove box so you can refer to it. Did you have outer tire ware??