I've just swapped my wheels (as documented elsewhere on this forum) and am now running on 17" with the new spec Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

A couple of things I have noticed are firstly the tyres are quite noisy on the road, especially at lower speeds. Does anyone else have these tyres fitted? I think it is down to the fact they are quite a soft compound tyre but I think I might find myself getting a bit annoyed with the noise. :(

Secondly fitting the 17" wheels has made the car a bit 'skittish'. It tends to follow uneven road surfaces and grip at strange times, where on the standard 16" aeros it was fine. Maybe I just need to get used to the new feel?

I would say that you need to get used to it. Wider tyres do tend to follow uneven road surfaces.

As for the noise.. it's entirely up to you but the best solution would be to get a louder exhaust system :)

I've just swapped my wheels (as documented elsewhere on this forum) and am now running on 17" with the new spec Bridgestone Potenza tyres.

A couple of things I have noticed are firstly the tyres are quite noisy on the road, especially at lower speeds. Does anyone else have these tyres fitted? I think it is down to the fact they are quite a soft compound tyre but I think I might find myself getting a bit annoyed with the noise. :(

Secondly fitting the 17" wheels has made the car a bit 'skittish'. It tends to follow uneven road surfaces and grip at strange times, where on the standard 16" aeros it was fine. Maybe I just need to get used to the new feel?

Which Bridgestones? RE050?

Noise can be road-rumble, which would be a natural side-effect of going to lower-profile tires on larger-diameter wheels, or it can be tread roar, which would be a tire-design issue but unlikely to be so noticeable at low speeds.

As for skittishness/twitchiness, what size wheels and what offset? What size tires? 225/45-17? 235/45-17?

They are 17" wheels, running 225/45-17's.

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h55/cassonian/IMG_0592.jpg

Not sure about the offset, I think it's 38 but will have to research. Also not sure about exactly which tyres, I know they are the brand new specification Potenza (as fitted to something called an Ipremzat? ;) ), but I will have to have a look tomorrow as my car is at work!

Which Bridgestones? RE050?

Noise can be road-rumble, which would be a natural side-effect of going to lower-profile tires on larger-diameter wheels, or it can be tread roar, which would be a tire-design issue but unlikely to be so noticeable at low speeds.

As for skittishness/twitchiness, what size wheels and what offset? What size tires? 225/45-17? 235/45-17?

They are Bridgestone RE070 if that means anything to you!

The RE750 is the top shelf tyre and a replacment for the SO-3

I have never seen those RE070 but its a high up number so they will be good.

You do need to scrub the tyres for say 80 miles or so, you have quality tyres so i would say that its the whole package of 17's that are giving you more noise?

Its looks great so cheer up.