[Mgs] A change to my SL500 - NMGC, NFC

[Max Heim]

Well, since you asked...

Those are 19" wheels? It's funny how the tires look too small for the
wheelwells, like they need another inch of sidewall. Reminds me of a Fox
platform Mustang -- they always looked like the wheels were too small (or,
conversely, the wheel cutouts were too big).

I just never like seeing inner fender well all the way around the tire. Like
on a rubber bumper B, unfortunately.



--

Max Heim
'66 MGB GHN3L76149
If you're near Mountain View, CA,
it's the primer red one with chrome wires



on 7/22/07 12:43 PM, Rick Lindsay at rolindsay at yahoo.com wrote:

> Hello Folks,
> 
>    I took advantage of a massive TireRack sale and
> put 19" wheels and tires on my '98 SL500.  Some said
> it would look an abomination and others said it would
> drive terribly - and yet others said that they have
> plus-sized their wheels and they did really well.  I
> figure I couldn't hurt the looks much given that it
> had 16" CHROME after-market pseudo-Mercedes wheels.
> 
>    Here's what I have found; Yes, the car looks a
> little 'youngish' for my likes but its not bad.  Of
> course, taste is in the mouth of the beholder and we
> all know the opinions-simile.  Here's how the car
> looks: http://www.aubard.us/SL500/HPIM0727.JPG .  You
> either kinda like it or you just puked!  Either way,
> I'm not there to see (or smell) it.  If you can stand
> it, here's a 3/4 front view:
> http://www.aubard.us/SL500/HPIM0730.JPG .  I now need
> to clean up the suspension and brake hardware - now
> that its all visible - and perhaps repaint the
> calipers back silver.
>    The ride height is the same as with the 16" wheels
> and correct tires, so there is no distortion there.
> The big change is that the sidewall is 1-1/2" shorter:
> http://www.aubard.us/SL500/HPIM0729.JPG (not to
> mention 20mm wider tread).  It is kinda cool that the
> M-B star inserts are the older style with the blue
> surround.  My car's interior and top are blue.
>    Now let's forget the appearance and talk drive.  In
> short, I am very pleased.  To my tastes, the stock
> SL500 ride is that of a luxury car.  It is soft but
> sure footed.  And we all know that 315hp is a good
> thing.  What I find with the shorter sidewalls is a
> much stiffer ride.  The car feels more like a sports
> car.  Yes, the smooth luxury car feel is still there
> in straight and level flight but given a little
> 'attitude', the car feels the road much better.  I
> hate to put it this way but...  You know how a BMW
> feels sooooo much better than a Honda or Toyota?
> That's the difference I now feel in my SL.
>    So the bottom line is that I kinda like the more
> aggressive look - if a little youthful - and I can
> deal with that easily for the improved feel of the
> road.
>    I am pleased - whatever that says about me. :-)
> 
> Regards,
> 
> Rick
> '98 M-B SL500
> other stuff
> _____________________________________________