[Shotimes] handling and steering

[cmichaelo@optonline.net]

Hi,

I currently have 17"x7.5" SSR with 235/45 Pirelli Pzero Rosso. The handling is not particularly crisp above 55mph in the sense that when you turn the steering wheel, there is a delay before the cars steers into the new direction.

In contrast, when I put my old 17"x8" TSW Hocks with 235/45 Pirelli P7000SS, the handling is significantly better in the sense that when you turn the steering wheel, there car almost instantly steers into the new direction.

I'm trying to figure out what is causing the difference in steering responsiveness.

1) Is it that the 7000SS tires have stiffer sidewalls and have harder rubber than the Rosso tires?

or 

2) Is it that the 7.5" wide SSRs bend the sidewall so much as to weaken the stiffness of the Rosso tires while the 8" Hocks is more optimal for the 235 tire?

or

3) Both of the above?

Anxiously awaiting your opinions....

Michael Olsen
94MTX, green, BOS+

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