Ok so I checked and found out that two of my Revolver wheels are bad and not worth trying to balance and re-use. So I've decided to upgrade my tire and wheel package as part of my XK8 re-build. I have narrowed it down to two options and I will be using 1 inch lowering springs on the back. Which option should I go with:

Option 1:

Front: HORNET Gloss Silver with Mirror Cut Lip wheels by CoventryŽ. 19" x 8.5", +20 Offset, 5x120.65 Bolt Pattern, 73.9mm Hub with VENTUS V12 EVO K110 Summer / Performance Tires (1009065) by Hankook 255/40ZR19,

Rear: HORNET Gloss Silver with Mirror Cut Lip wheels by CoventryŽ. 19" x 9.5", +20 Offset, 5x120.65 Bolt Pattern, 73.9mm Hub with VENTUS V12 EVO K110 Summer / Performance Tires (1008981) by Hankook 285/35ZR19,

Mounted and balanced $2314.40

Option 2:

Front: HORNET Gloss Silver with Mirror Cut Lip wheels by CoventryŽ. 18" x 8.5", +20 Offset, 5x120.65 Bolt Pattern, 73.9mm Hub with Nitto. 255/45ZR18

Rear: HORNET Gloss Silver with Mirror Cut Lip wheels by CoventryŽ. 18" x 9.5", +20 Offset, 5x120.65 Bolt Pattern, 73.9mm Hub with Nitto 285/40ZR18

Mounted and balanced $2015.64

 

It appears the only differences here are the tires...if that's the case, head over to tirerack.com and read their customer reviews on both tires. That will help you make a decision.

Personally, I prefer European tires on my European car...I've got Continental ExtremeContact DW on all four corners and I've been very happy with them.

There are lots of folks on the forum with Hankook Ventus.



.

 

You missed that he also wants to decide between 18 and 19" wheels.

I'd go for the 19s on looks alone.

 

Yes that is my point not knowing what the result will be I am looking for the forum to give me some ideas on the particulars the car stance, the look, issues surrounding alignment,etc. The performance I do not believe will matter regarding tires in this day and age and given the max speed limits of the car. I understand the quality of tire does matter but I do not need a tire rated for +200 km/hr unless I have one hell of a lawyer. In this place they take your car if your even near that

 

If you change diameter you odometer and speedometer will be off. On my car one inch came out to be 5%.

 

EZDriver is correct in that a change in total diameter will impact gauges. The trick is to lower sidewall height as you increase wheel diameter.

Go to any of the big online tire sellers (e.g. Tire Rack) and they will have a chart for +1 & +2 tire/wheel upgrades.

 

bigger than 18" maintaining your existing outer diameter will increase ride harshness. XKR's have 18" and they look sweet, and period correct.

 

Mine is a daily driver. Tried a set of 19 ing. With the 18 ing I could tell that I had driven over a quarter with the 19 ing I could tell you if it was heads or tails. Stayed with the 18 ing. That's my 25 cents worth! But the 19 ing sure looked great. Jim

 

I have factory 19" Apollo rims with 245/40/19 front and 255/40/19 rear running Michelin Sport A/S tires. Rides very smooth to me.

By the way what is the factory offset for a. 03 XK8?

 

I upgraded my wheels from the 18" impellers to 20" after market wheels and I think the car rides BETTER (and the overall wheel diameter is roughly the same). Maybe it's the tires, but it rides smoother and corners better... AND it definitely looks better with the larger wheels.


So I say GO FOR THE 19" WHEELS!


Before:



After:

 

I'd go with the 19s and the Hankooks. I love my Hankooks and I think 19s would look great.

 

This. Mine had Hankook's when I got it. I thought, "really?". I now run DWS (all-season).




True, but not if you re-size the tires properly. This is done all the time.


I have 18s on mine and like the look, but if I found the right wheels (if I had a XK8, it'd be the Apollos for sure), I'd probably go 19". Still period correct. I'm a strong believer of OEM or OEM+. Coventry, or BBS, would be about the only aftermarket wheels I'd consider for these cars, personally.

 

+1 on the 19's.
My pic would be the 20' detriots, might be a little bias though.
Sepangs are also a safe bet.

 

Less air between the rubber and rim = less cushion = harsher ride BUT better handling as less flex. 19's or 20's do make cars look more modern!

 

+1 also on the 19". But if you do, why not go the whole 9 yards and get 20"? Probably biased also but my 20" Montreals make the cat look even more imposing, and get a fair bit of reaction.