Hi all,

Bagged myself a set of AP2 V1's the other week, which I've had refurbished, collecting tomorrow. The car handles just fine on the 16s and I believe the previous owner had an all-wheel alignment last year sometime. My question is, is changing the wheels up to 17s a reason to have another alignment done? Or would I be safe to just swap em over and see how it drives?

I know alignment can open a can of worms.. I've read enough threads about people having all sorts of fun & games, so wanted to be sure before I do anything unnecessarily.

Your help & advice is, as always, appreciated.

 

I'd see how it feels first, the overall wheel diameter is the same so ought to be fine. If you find it feels odd then have it checked over by someone who just charges for the adjustments made.

 

I'd be more interested in getting the new set of old wheels balanced. I'd probably only do that if I took the car for a drive after fitting them and it didn't feel right though.

 

Balancing was included in the refurb, so should have been done already.

 

Even changing a set of tyres on the same alloys can affect geo, but irrespective of that, if your geo was done last year then that indicates that your pins are free.

If you want to keep them free, then you should take them out a grease them up and get another geo done, ideally once a year.

But that all depends on whether all pins are actually free; previous owner could have just gotten the tracking done.

 

Why wouldn't you?
It has a massive impact on the handling for not a lot of money
I do it every time I change a pair of tyres on my cars

 

Just for the sheer number of alignment issue threads I've seen when searching around the forum, such as coming away worse than when they went in, the S2000 being a bit of a pain to adjust (5 adjustments on the front, with each one seeming to knock out the other, etc), some places charging per-adjustment and not really knowing how to set up the S... none of this is personal experience, just what I've read.

If you know of a good reputable place in the South-East who won't charge a bomb and know how to set up the car properly, I'll gladly make the trip - just want to make sure I should before I do, if that makes sense?

 

Wheels in Motion in Chesham www.wheels-inmotion.co.uk

 

Cool - they're about 90 mins from me - I can swallow that if they're S2KI recommended

Can't see their prices though - have had a good old click around their websites - don't suppose you know off hand what & how they charge?

Might have to get them to sling some Bridgestone Potenza's on while I'm there, but don't tell the missus!

 

I think around £90 but they will tell you if you call them.