definately the BBS copies.
BUT, I have misgivings...
In the past, I had 2 Alfas (75 S and 33 16v), with 17 and 16 inch rims respectively.
Both looked great. 8)
However, the downsides FAR outweighed any upside.
On the 75, the ride was less forgiving but at least tolerable...on the 33 the car LITERALLY began to shake itself to bits...interior trim had more squeaks and rattles than a bagful of mice and rattlesnakes. The suspension crashed horrendously. :x
In terms of handling...EVERYTHING changed. At normal to middling speeds, the roadholding was improved, but as you pushed into the cars dynamic envelope, the best way to describe what happened was "diabolical treachery". :shock:
The 75 felt great...then would let go in a "SUDDEN INSTANT". Just when you REALLY needed the front end to stick, it would COMPLETELY break away.
I punted off on two tight corners...instant and terminal understeer on turn in.
Having tried to kill me twice, this naturally slowed my entry speeds to all corners.
As such, i endeavored to compensate by getting on the power as early as i could...same result (except at the back wheels)...feels real secure...then suddenly and without any warning...instant breakaway at the rear...necessitating rapid and decisive oppy lock.
The 33 (always a more forgiving car...but will still bite if your too cavalier) lost its ability to be balanced with wheel and throttle. Yeah it "hung on better", but instead of getting a balanced and tenacious slide through a longer corner, the rear end now had so much grip that the front would push on with annoying understeer. Nothing as deadly as the 75...but the "balance" was lost.
In both cars, everything went up a level in the wet.
In examining the "whys", it soon became pretty obvious...it was the wheels and the resulting low profile rubber.
It really is true that these cars were engineered the way they were for a reason.
That type of wheel/tyre combo just wasnt around in those days.
By using such, i was basically screwing up all the work the factory had put into the cars to make them such fine handlers in their day.
These older cars' suspensions are DESIGNED to NEED a certain amount of sideways tyre movement.
The bodies roll...then settle...and commit.
When you know what Alfa intended, they are very very satisfying to drive fast; because you can rely on the car to be predictable."
(If you dont know the "Alfa way", or insist on doing it "your way"...the car WILL bite you on the ar#@ very quickly)
I suspect the same principal holds true for the P6.
You can bet Rover put a LOT of time and effort into the ride and handling of the car...17 inch wheels etc were never part of their equations.
Yes there will be certain benefits...looks...roadholding...up to a point.
But will the "whole" be compromised?
As I am fond of saying to the kids at school..."It only takes one pulled thread to unravel a jumper".
Having relayed my Alfa experience, i do understand your motivation for the wheels...they look great. Just remember the possible unintended consequences.
