Alloy wheel and tyre combinations you'd recommend for a Punto GT

[Matherj10]

I currently drive a Punto GT with 15" Fox Racing Alloys with 195-50-r15s

It feels like im driving a sailing ship sometimes when i take corners so I'm thinking of getting it lowered 30mm. Besides my current setup looks a little dated.



I was thinking perhaps 30mm Eibach springs with a set of 16 or 17 inch Rota rims in black?



16" Rims 195 45 r 16
17" Rims 195 40 r 17

it would look something like this...



If I go for 17inch rims whats the ride like?

Cheers
J

[Vern]

Mate dont go 17's the ride will be even worse!

Go 16's with a 40 to 60mm drop will look and handle alot better.

Rotas FTW

[jrracing]

I would go for the Eibach springs everytime unless you want to fork out plenty extra for a coilover set. Most of the other spring sets are in a lower league. Never had a problem with Eibach - good quality and well tested.

GT's don't like severe drops, they start eating downpipes, drive shafts and CV boots. So 30mm is a good blend of style and functionality.

Once the car is lowered maybe see if you can pick up a 2nd hand Eibach ARB kit, although very rare these are very good for this car especially when combined with a sports spring set.

Larger wheel and tyre size will do you very little good unless you are running big power. At worst they will increase unsprung weight.

15" is more than adequate on anything upto 200bhp. The limit of the car is with the suspension geometry and stock suspension configuration. If you corner quickly on a dry surface with quality rubber chances are the car will tip over before the tyres start reaching their grip limits.

This is assuming road use, if you are chasing a track car then you may make something larger work.

[sicskate]

Lowering alone will improve cornering.

As for the wheels, nothing bad about 15", I personally only really like silver alloys these day.

Bradley is running 302bhp with OEM 14" alloys.

[Matherj10]

I've used Eibach on my Mk1 Clio for over 10 yrs and I'm glad I did. 30mm seems right but I can't seem to make up my mind on 16 or 17s?
Thanks for the advise! Tempted to go for 16s now then reading the above... Just saw the new corsa's on 17s and they do look nice though.

I don't normally like black alloys but black alloys appear to suit 'this car and colour scheme' , so i'm happy with that reasoning.

[Matherj10]

Another option could be to just get this lowered 30 mm and then spray up my 15s black?

[Puntoboy]

There's a set of Blisteins for sale in parts for sale. 16's are good size for Punto's. Mine had 40 profile (205/40 R16) and were good.

Coupe 20VT wheels look good on a Punto but are a bit heavy. Again some for sale in parts.

[jrracing]

Just a word :

This is a nineties car, not a new car. It was designed for smaller wheels. Not the 17" common place today.

Show off your nineties classic with PRIDE I say!

[Matherj10]

Interesting! going for 40 profile with wider tyres? I'll give that some thought.
45s are more accurate for a step down in size but you have alot more clearance with 40s to allow for the wider tyres.
Cheers

There's a set of Blisteins for sale in parts for sale. 16's are good size for Punto's. Mine had 40 profile (205/40 R16) and were good.

Coupe 20VT wheels look good on a Punto but are a bit heavy. Again some for sale in parts.

[Grantgt]

Get some coilovers, much better than springs because of the adjustable height. If you go for Coupe 20VT alloys it leaves the option of the Brembo brake upgrade without the need for spacers.