[Gongon]

It seems from reading some of the posts that some of the "pre 1998" Vitaras have bigger wheels than 15".

Can anyone confirm what the larger wheels and tyre sizes (guessing 16") are and which models they are fitted to please?

I would think that 16" wheels would be an advantage?

Moving to Oz (WA) sometime in the near future and intend getting a Vitara as we had one in UK and loved it.

Thanks

Tom

[DarkHorse]

As a general rule the 1.6 motors came with 15" rims, the later 2L motors came with 16s.

Reason is simply the bigger brakes fitted to the later models, 15" rims don't fit over them without a bit of stuffing around.

Otherwise I'd say they were a disadvantage over 15s in general - fewer common tyre options (although this is changing) and for a given nominal tyre size you get less sidewall.

[tassie jeeper]

DarkHorse wrote:

I'd say they were a disadvantage over 15s in general - fewer common tyre options (although this is changing) and for a given nominal tyre size you get less sidewall.

too true but also true that this is becoming less of an issue,
and as far as aspect ratio goes this is debatable on the vehicles intended use the lower aspect ratio will improve on road handling characteristics however he will be more inclined to dent rims/roll off the bead.

[303zuke]

And anyway, if you buy a Vit with 15" rims but you have a preference for 16s, any 16" wheel (Steel or alloy) from a SE420/620 Vit or SQ420/625 GV will retro-fit.

[Gongon]

Thanks guys, good information.

Would be buying a Vitara as my daily drive but also will be my hobby to keep me occupied during my retirement (I am an engineer with welding and machining equipment)

Have modified a few bikes and cars in UK and generally no issues with the authorities as long as it complies with construction and use regulations.

I get the impression that Oz authorities are much more strict requiring most mods to be authorised?

Love the site, very helpful.

[tassie jeeper]

Gongon wrote:

Have modified a few bikes and cars in UK and generally no issues with the authorities as long as it complies with construction and use regulations.
I get the impression that Oz authorities are much more strict requiring most mods to be authorised?

I HAVE SEEN TOP GEAR
i have seen junkyard wars / scrap heap challenge

u try and drive that stuff on the rd down here

yes the modification laws are "ALLOT" more strict

[Gwagensteve]

In general, yes, the rules for what's permissible are much stricter, and the approval process is considerably more complex and costly than in the UK.

If you are patient and thoughtful, and build a good relationship with an approved engineer, it is quite possible to legally modify a car quite significantly though. Most people are scared off of starting the process, so they just build their cars without going through the approval process, and hope they aren't subject to a defect notice/ inspection.

As for rim sizes, I don't think it's ever really been a problem that later vitaras only accept 16" rims. Some people seem to only be able to think 15" I reckon if I owned a vitara it would be on 16" rims.

Steve.

[Gongon]

Yes, would go 16" if I got one.

Running a Diesel X-Trail in UK (pulls a 1500kg caravan) and that has 16" rims (but low profile tyres) and Landies have them as well.