Wheels and Tires- 1996 Turbo Wagon- 850

tgalfano · Post by **tgalfano** » 14 May 2003, 16:00

Here we go, third and final question for my Volvo.

I have the Turbo model with the low profile tires. I am getting killed at every pot hole in NYC and I drive mostly in the city.

I want to replace the low profile wheels with standard wheel but am not sure what fits in my wagon. Should I get the 15x6, 15x6.5 or 15x7 wheels? What are the real world differences and does my car fit all these sizes.

What size tires will give me the smoothest ride?

I realize I will give up some road handling which I dont mind but hopefully it will be a bit more comfortable crossing the city streets, I think I loosened all the screws in my dash this winter.

Thanks a mil
Thomas

The Bear · Post by **The Bear** » 19 May 2003, 20:19

Sounds like you have the same problem I have with my '96, what I am given to understand is the "sports suspension" syndrome. I suggest you read the article at http://davespeed.tripod.com/sprtusp.htm in which gives one answer to the problem!
It was suggested to me that changing from the tires I have (Bridgestone Potenza RE750, 205/50ZR16) to Michelin 205/55HR16 might help.
Nice car, once you get it away from potholes, road mekings, etc., and get on a smooth freeway.

trc850 · Post by **trc850** » 26 May 2003, 20:54

We keep a set of 15 inch wheel (6 spoke alloy)for snow tires w/alpine tires. They run very smoothly and give the car a softer ride.
It's almost worht keeping them all year round.
Check out buying used rims at a salvage yard, it's only $275.00 for a set of four.

tgalfano · Post by **tgalfano** » 27 May 2003, 09:25

I appreciate the response. I will be getting the 15" tires soon and look forward to less teeth rattle.
Thomas

Post by **matthew1** » 27 May 2003, 10:03

A big critisism of the 850 was the ride. Non-turbo models with 15 inch wheels seemed to behave better than turbos. I feel it in my 850 turbo, and I'm firmly in the camp that believes when the car suffers more jolts than it's supposed to, all components suffer.

It seems the newest approach besides 15-inch wheels is replacing the shocks with Bilstein Touring shocks, or if you can afford them, Koni adjustables set on 'soft.' The Bilstein HD shocks are said to be as harsh or harsher than the stock setup. No apparant consensus on springs.

Sidenote: the 70 models have a much better behaved ride because that was one of the areas Volvo focused on in the 850-70 mechanical improvements.