Pics of new 18" wheels and 314mm brake upgrade

[Duncan]

As per this thread, I fitted the new wheels yesterday........





I also changed the grooved discs that came with the 314mm brake upgrade kit I bought from Matt back to normal discs (and set of new OEM pads as well).

Visually there's not a huge difference in the size of discs compared to the 302mm I had as standard, but the calipers are somewhat larger!! The extra 12mm in diameter also helps to fill the 18s a bit more as well.

Even though there may only be 12mm difference in disc size, that equates to 8% more disc area. Along with the different calipers there is a noticeable difference in braking power compared to the 302mm setup - even though I'm still only just bedding them in.

Edit: Forgot to say. I'm very, very happy with the wheels - with how they look (always liked this wheel) but also with the ride and how they handle. I'd always been unsure about getting larger wheels as I didn't want too much of a harsher ride.

The ride with my 17s had felt a bit harsh for some time and I would get a kinda thumping noise on rough roads etc. which was driving me nuts. It'd been in to the dealers and they replaced a couple of suspension parts thinking it was them, but no difference. Went back in and they could still hear the noise but thoroughly checked everything over and couldn't fault any part of the suspension - so I thought I'd just have to live with it.

I was a bit concerned as to what the ride would be like with the 18s but its superb! The noises have gone and on rough roads it's soooo much smoother and doesn't shake you about. I can't explain it, all I can think is maybe it was the tyres! Whilst the Michelin Pilot Sport 2s are great tyres, maybe there is something about them that, on this car anyway, was causing it. I don't know - but I'm not complaining!

D

[andy d]

well worth the effort mate

Did you do it yourself?

if not whats the fitting costs?

[ALD]

looks great D, well worth it

[Craig_CDTI]

oh they look very nice indeed mate

[Duncan]

Did you do it yourself?

if not whats the fitting costs?

Which bit you meaning? The pads and discs? I did them originally at the GSi's workshop meet recently, but the changeover this time was done by Mark as he and Cara were down for the weekend. Mark did the brake stuff while I cracked on with other bits. Thanks Mark - sorry, forgot to thank you in the original post!

D

[IamtheStig]

Fantastic wheels - would look very nice on another Signum me thinks

[m20_swe]

crackin duncan really intrested in gettin the big brakes maself and the wheels a stunnin

[Duncan]

(Edited my original post to add a bit about the handling)

Thanks guys for the comments.

Stig - go and get your own bl**dy wheels!!

[Steven]

Superb mate they really really suit the car

[dervdoc]

lovely mate there same as mine