| Simply assuming a lower profile tire will systematically handle better usually only applies to scenarios where someone is taking a non-performance tire (usually on a low performance car) then switching to an extremely low profile tire (as Honda types often do). This is where that blanket rule comes from (as well as from sources looking to sell tires, of course). But a car with a highly tuned multilink suspension (Z32, NSX, FD, etc) will almost always handle better with the size it was tuned for, despite what the current trend is or what is written on a tire selling website. In actuality, substancially changing tire sizes and / or profile will adversely effect the precise suspension geometry that the Z relies on to make such a heavy vehicle not feel as such. Of course there are exceptions, like true tuner cars where complete suspension revamps are done...but even then they occasionally lose g's and almost always trade some balance and manuverability for more sheer grip. Another exception is when a person will take a totally worn out vehicle (with original components), and then add all new components (often mismatch brands) and add "the largest tires they can cram" under the car. Never knowing what they were missing, they will swear they have improved handling. The final scenario is the most common. Usually, Z owners will misinterpret understeer for increased handling. This is quite common lately as many Z owners look for the widest rear tire possible, with no attention payed to the intended spread between front and rear. Even more common is the trend that seems to have spilled over from the drift-kid world...which is to stagger tire sizes on cars that didn't come that way (ie Z32 NA). Sure, a horrible driver can go slightly faster with increased understeer, but in reality, increasing understeer even to the slightest extent is the worst thing one can do for an (originally) neutral handling car like the Z32. Despite all of that I also agree that it would look like total shizza...as was said before, lol.
|
23:59:49 12/01/08
