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hmm??? what did i do wrong?

Let's try this...

 

lookin good. What kind?

 

That's better.

Ok, with 580 some miles my son and I installed the new wheels/tires yesterday. I ended up ordering the wheel/tire package from Tire Rack. I went with the Tire Rack because of past experience, and because of some of the negative experiences others posted reguarding other online sellers.

As expected, the Tire Rack came through. I ordered my wheels on Monday (7/3) and the wheels arrived on Friday (7/7). The packaging was perfect and professional. The Tire Rack knows how to do it right. As soon as I reduce the size of the photos I'll post the shipping packages.

The wheels/tires were a relatively inexpensive package. The wheels Sport Edition E1 (17") were $109 each. The tires Dunlop Direzza (205/45/17) were, $81 with rebate.

I'm pleased with the appearance, and very satisfied with the ride. I was afraid that the ride character would change drastically, but the difference is minimal. Not at all harsh.

 

Nice!!

 

Thanks guys.

I know the inevitable comment is coming so I'll address it now.

I plan to lower it, but I'm trying to decide if it makes sense to just do springs, or to do both springs and shocks at the same time. I'm really only interested in lowering the car and maintaining factory like ride charactistics. I'm not to concerned with autocross type handling.

Anyway, the next mod will probably be tint. 35% is legal here in MD. Got a quote of $200. It's interesting, the shop uses a mechanical cutter to cut each window film to size. Back in the early 1990's when I got my Jetta GLI's windows tinted, sizing was all done by hand. Technology, you've got to love it!

 

I've got 35% all around on my xA, love it. Probably should have gone slightly darker on the back with 25%, but I'm happy still.

Love the look of your car. Will look even better with a drop. Which springs are you looking at?

BTW - You don't need to do springs and shocks/struts at the same time. I'd do springs, and then wait for the stock shocks/struts to crap out before you replace them.

 

I'm glad you like TireRack. I plan on using them this fall. As far as suspension goes, I would just stick with springs. Tein H's get pretty good reviews.

good luck
[nathan]

 

Thanks. I'm still undecided on the springs. My concern about doing the springs only is that the factory shocks will bottom out with the aftermarket springs. It's going to cost me about $350 to do the suspension (springs or springs and shocks). If I do just the springs and turn around and do the shocks I'll have to pay another $350.

 

The Tire Rack is a class act, you won't be dissapointed. However, I wish they had a wider selection for the xA. Although, I'm pleased with the results, this wheel design was not my first choice. WheelMax has a set that I really liked, but I was afraid to take a chance with WheelMax after reading the experiences of some other SL Members.

I've got the Tein S, and Eibach Sportline springs highest on my very short list.

 

Very nice.......I was looking at those on tire rack just the other day. The preview they gave was not the best. But after seeing it on a real car, I think that may be the way I go also.

 

Thanks for the encouragement! Yeah, the previews only help judge better the the differences between wheel sizes.

The Sport Edition series wheels are high quality. Don't let the "low" price fool you. The finish is nice too.

Go for it! You won't be disapointed.

 

Nice

 

I have the S-techs on my car, and love them. Looks far better with them over stock.

The ride can be a little harsh, but before my wheel/tire upgrade, it was absolutely fine.

 

I just got my motegi mr7's in gunmetal. I LOVE EM'!


<--- check out the profile.

 

Here's another photo.

 

This is a photo of Tire Rack's packaging.

 

Thanks.

 

Without having the opportunity to drive/ride in a car with a particular spring installed it's tough to decide.

I don't want a ride that's a "little harsh". But then again, what you consider a little harsh may not be harsh at all to me. I do appreciate your opinion.

I'm looking for a ride feel that's as close as possible to stock.

 

Well, the ride was absolutely fine until I got the new wheel/tire combo. You have a little more sidewall than I do (I only have 205/40s), so you should be fine.

I'm fine with the ride. Its just train tracks and expansion joints that suck.