View Single Post
Old 10-26-2014, 03:19 PM   #4 (permalink)
CAPTAIN CHAOS
EcoModding Lurker
 
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Indiana
Posts: 69

Ol' Reliable - '02 Saturn SL2
Thanks: 0
Thanked 12 Times in 7 Posts
Quote:
Originally Posted by AndrewR623 View Post
Hi everyone thanks for reading me post. I am new to the forum and am looking forward to reading through more of the mods driving techniques in the forum!!

I do have one question that I have searched for but I haven't been able to find an answer to fully help in my situation.

So here's some background info.
I just bought a 02 Saturn Sl1, it has power windows locks, and from what I can tell pretty much every option for the car. High milage but runs very strong, suspension, clutch, engine, tranny all feel very tight and smooth still.
the tires are 185/65-14's, 2 are fairly new, the other 2 I will have to change out before next winter.

I also own a 04 Saturn Ion that I put a very nice set of michelin defenders (I am new it won't let me post a link) that have less than 2000 miles on them now I am now going to sell the
Ion
tire size 195/60-15
and keep the
Sl1
tire size 185/65-14

My question is if a swap the michelins that are on the Ion for the tires on my Sl1 before I sell the Ion what is it going to cost me in real world ramifications e.g. gas millage, speedo/mileage reading changes, handling, final gear ratios, etc.?

AND

What is your opinion on whether it is worth it to change tire and wheel sizes for the Sl1 but not have to worry about tires for a long time vs. biting the bullet and sticking to stock size and have to replace the tires next year?

If you can give me real world data on what the changes will be that would be great, otherwise what is your opinion what would you do if you were me?

thanks in advance guys I know it is a long first post but any impute would be very much appreciated.
Thanks in advance for any advise!
You might want to double check on that tire size because I'm pretty sure SL1's run a 185/70r14, not a 65; the PO may have put the wrong size on it. My 02 SL2 runs 185/65r15's and I've confirmed that it is indeed the stock size. 185/70r14 would be roughly the same overall height as my 15's.

**nevermind. a quick Google search shows that the 185/65r14 is indeed the correct size. Seems strange though as that's a full 1" shorter than my 02 SL2 and would, presumably, require a speedo recalibration on Saturn's behalf between different versions of the same car.
Seems like it would be simpler just to keep the overall dia the same across the different trim levels.
  Reply With Quote