Front rim size question

[clive1]

I now have 21.5MY convertible and I would like to get some new wheels but will keep the Michelin tyres. When I look at what is available there is a much smaller choice for the 19”x 9” front rims than 19x8.5” wheels. There are a lot of 8.5” rims to choose from.

My question is it legal to drop down ½”, 12.7mm, to a 8.5” rim. I did read somewhere that said it is legal to go up or down 15mm which would cover it.

The other option is to have square setup but then I have different size tyres back to front.

Has anyone got reliable info as I would not want any issues with my insurance (who insured it a few months ago for an agreed value of 90k)

Thanks

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[snake bite]

Hey mate not sure of the legalities of it all, but it sounds like a headcase. As you have said the strategy doesn't leave you with much wheel choices and why would you go smaller, bigger is the way to go .I don't know how much you are going to drive it but if I was you I'd just wear these out.Anyway I was going to finish and say wear them out while looking at and purchasing new mags, Took me a good year to work out what I was going to get. Good luck 

 

[Stevefreestyle]

I now have 21.5MY convertible and I would like to get some new wheels but will keep the Michelin tyres. When I look at what is available there is a much smaller choice for the 19”x 9” front rims than 19x8.5” wheels. There are a lot of 8.5” rims to choose from.

My question is it legal to drop down ½”, 12.7mm, to a 8.5” rim. I did read somewhere that said it is legal to go up or down 15mm which would cover it.

The other option is to have square setup but then I have different size tyres back to front.

Has anyone got reliable info as I would not want any issues with my insurance (who insured it a few months ago for an agreed value of 90k)

Thanks

I could be wrong, but am 98% sure it is illegal, as it is also illegal to go smaller size, Speed and Load Rating Tyres. Anyway, why would anyone want to go smaller width rims?

There is another matter of the Correct Wheel Offsets - F: +45.0 mm R: +52.5mm

The Standard Rims are 9.0" Front and 9.5" Rear.

 

[GT450]

I could be wrong, but am 98% sure it is illegal, as it is also illegal to go smaller size, Speed and Load Rating Tyres. Anyway, why would anyone want to go smaller width rims?

There is another matter of the Correct Wheel Offsets - F: +45.0 mm R: +52.5mm

The Standard Rims are 9.0" Front and 9.5" Rear.

This quote from Transport NSW. may assist you . Just go to their website if in doubt.
I put Mach 1 wheels on my GT because (a) i like the 5 spoke design and (b) i like to keep things OE. These are 1/2 inch wider than standard although that was never the point of putting them on.
Requirements for alternative wheels When alternative wheels and tyres are fitted to a vehicle, the following requirements must be met: • You must not fit wheels with rim widths less than the minimum width fitted by the vehicle manufacturer for the particular model • The alternative wheel must not increase wheel track of passenger cars (or derivatives) by more than 25mm beyond the maximum specified by the vehicle manufacturer. The wheel track of off-road four wheel drive vehicles and good vehicles (MC, NA, or NB ADR category) must not be increased by more than 50mm beyond the maximum specified by the vehicle manufacturer for the particular model. • Where non-original axle or suspension components are fitted, the wheel offset in relation to the axle or stub axle assembly used shall not be increased by more than 12.5mm each side of the vehicle based on the specifications for the axle components. • The wheel and tyre must be contained within the bodywork or mudguards, including any flares, when the wheels are aligned straight. The wheel and tyre must not contact any part of the body or suspension under all operating conditions, including when the front wheels are steered to full lock with the suspension fully compressed. • All wheels fitted to an axle must be of the same construction, diameter, offset, width and mounting configuration, except for spare wheels used in an emergency situation. The wheel must not prevent the wheel nuts from fully engaging their studs. • The wheel rim must not have a circumferential weld other than that which attaches the rim to the wheel centre. • The wheel must be designed for the particular hub/axle in respect to bolt pitch circle diameter and wheel nut tapers. Wheels with slotted stud holes must not be used. • Speedometer accuracy must be maintained and adjusted where necessary. • Wheel spacers or adaptors must not be used for wheel conversions between the wheel mounting face and the wheels unless fitted as original equipment by the vehicle manufacturer. Some modifications may require certification by a licensed certifier to ensure your vehicle still complies with applicable NSW vehicle standards. Refer to page 6 for more information. Vehicles with diagonally split brake systems Except where the original manufacturer allows, front and rear wheel widths must be t

 

[BruceTheQuail]

Could I just make a comment that I thought going from the OEM 19's to semi forged 20's made quite a significant handling improvement with no compromise to ride quality.

I went with rims
20*10 ET34

20*11 ET50

and michelins


275/35/20

295/35/20

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