TSW Evo R rims on A2

I used to have an Alfa Romeo 156 TS, but it was rear-ended one wet Saturday morning on the Tamar Bridge, shortly after I'd fitted a set of TSW Evo R rims. The car was written off (bent boot floor – but you should have seen the Escort that hit me!) but I kept the wheels for my next Alfa. Well, that never happened, and the wheels have just sat. Did some digging today and it looks like I'll be using them on my newly-acquired A2 TDI. The rims have the Alfa PCD of 5 x 98, as opposed to the A2's 5 x 100, so will easily fit using a set of TUV-approved adaptor ('wobble') bolts. The TSWs have a stock 'universal' centre bore of 72.6mm, so have bought some spigot rings to match the A2's 57.1mm hub. The ET is 34mm, the rim's size 7Jx16 – the same dimensions as the A1's 16in rims, which I know fit the A2. So, just need to buy some tyres now (once I've done a double-check 'practice' mount). Choices: do I go for 195/50, 205/45 or....???

KSCarrera said:

I used to have an Alfa Romeo 156 TS, but it was rear-ended one wet Saturday morning on the Tamar Bridge, shortly after I'd fitted a set of TSW Evo R rims. The car was written off (bent boot floor – but you should have seen the Escort that hit me!) but I kept the wheels for my next Alfa. Well, that never happened, and the wheels have just sat. Did some digging today and it looks like I'll be using them on my newly-acquired A2 TDI. The rims have the Alfa PCD of 5 x 98, as opposed to the A2's 5 x 100, so will easily fit using a set of TUV-approved adaptor ('wobble') bolts. The TSWs have a stock 'universal' centre bore of 72.6mm, so have bought some spigot rings to match the A2's 57.1mm hub. The ET is 34mm, the rim's size 7Jx16 – the same dimensions as the A1's 16in rims, which I know fit the A2. So, just need to buy some tyres now (once I've done a double-check 'practice' mount). Choices: do I go for 195/50, 205/45 or....???

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There is a theory that the wider tyre (205) will give some kerb protection for your nice alloys, but I am not so sure that the tiny extra width would help much.

Both will give you the same "comfort" since they are almost identical rolling radius.

I would go for the 205, that width is more suitable to a 7J wheel rim.

Steve B

That';s what i figured, too.

BTW Steve, I had lunch yesterday with Clive Househam (Ex-Street Machine etc) and mentioned you were into A2s – he instantly said 'Steve Birchall? Escort. Didn't he do the Rover V8 Challenge?'.

KSCarrera said:

That';s what i figured, too.

BTW Steve, I had lunch yesterday with Clive Househam (Ex-Street Machine etc) and mentioned you were into A2s – he instantly said 'Steve Birchall? Escort. Didn't he do the Rover V8 Challenge?'.

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WOW it IS a small world isn't it!!!

Hope he is well and happy, I bet he also remembers the "Cruise for charity" organised by Street Machine magazine, where we all drove our customised cars from John O' Groats to Lands End for charity.

That was amazing!!!!

Cheers
Steve B

Well, I make my living as editor of one of the mags Clive publishes and we have been 'best friends' for over 35 years. I was editor of Hot car, and later on Custom Car, and we often reminisce about 'the old days'...

KSCarrera said:

Well, I make my living as editor of one of the mags Clive publishes and we have been 'best friends' for over 35 years. I was editor of Hot car, and later on Custom Car, and we often reminisce about 'the old days'...

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Yes, but Nostalgia isn't as good as it used to be! LOL

Steve B

That's very true. Can't understand it, but apparently I was much younger then. How can that possibly be? :lol:

KSCarrera said:

That's very true. Can't understand it, but apparently I was much younger then. How can that possibly be? :lol:

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Mentally I am exactly the same age as I was then!!!

I think they class this side subject as post creep!!!

Steve B

yes, they do.

the TÜV approves wobbly bolts? I doubt that very, very much. Anyway. I would probably err towards 205/45R16, even though they're big and heavy (relatively speaking) as they should give a decent ride and still protect the rims a little. 195s will almost be stretched.

- Bret

I think the term 'wobbly bolts' is the problem. The official wording is PCD Variance Bolts. They are used by OZ wheels in some applications (Alfa Romeo in particular) where wheel demand is relatively low and choices limited. And , yes, they are sold with TUV approval (not just on eBay by dodgy back room traders) but are not for use on applications that require wheel spacers. The important thing is to make sure you have the correct spigot rings fitted to the wheels, ensuring they are centred on the hub. I hate to think how many cars are running around with aftermarket alloys that have not been fitted with the correct (or even 'any') spigot rings, instead relying solely on studs/bolts to centre the wheel.

There is a lot of on-line 'debate' about this subject, sadly with most input from people who've never had any firsthand experience. But that's the Internet for you!

Re: TUV...
www.bimecc.it/media/uploads/bimecc_catalogue.pdf