New Alloy Choice

[BigMan]

Hi,

I'm very keen to fit 17 inch alloys onto my XJS. But I'm equally keen to keep it looking as standard as possible (15 inch lattice alloys are fitted at the moment).

There are two wheels I've found (80s BMW style) that, in a fading light, could pass for lattice alloys :-

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/produc ... oduct.html

and

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/produc ... 11775.html

But I'm reassured by the vendors I've contacted that they won't fit the XJS.

Has anyone else done similar, or found a 'tasteful' way of fitting larger wheels ??

Bigman

I've searched the BB for this topic, apologies if it's a repeat.

[steveww]

KWE have a number of options available, give them a call they don't respond to emails.

[BigMan]

Thanks Steve,

I know KWE well and really like the pepper pots, but £400 a corner is a little rich for me

Bigman

[steveww]

IMHO I am not sure the Pepper Pots would like right on a XJS.

[Patfallon]

Hi
I have fitted 16 x 8 latice, pictures are on the gallery, page 109 or thereabouts. can't point you any better than that because I haven't tried to make a link before. Image wheels are a UK manufacturer you might want to look at. I spoke to them about a year ago when I was undecided about wheel style, tyre size etc. they will do a jag fitting and lattice in 17", prices are dependant on style and size obviously.

I too have looked at KWE but I didn't think any of their styles looked right for my 1988 model but, beauty is in the eye.....

My wheels were found for me by someone who wishes to remain anonymous but I believe they are a bit of a rarity. I paid £350 for the four and I think £60 per wheel for refinishing.

Hope this helps

[Patfallon]

I hope this worked


http://www.jec-xjs-forum.org.uk/xjsbb2/ ... y_link.jpg

Pat

[Patfallon]

Try again
http://www.jec-xjs-forum.org.uk/xjsbb2/ ... 74247fbfba

[BigMan]

Thanks a lot for that advice pat.

I had a choice of some a while ago, but after a refurb I was well into £700 without the tyres. So I figured, as I really fancy 17 inchers, that new was a better option.

I don't mind the pepperpots at all, 'cos they're original Jaguar stylee.

I will follow your suggestions for a look around though.

I need to do it quickly becuase the current tyres won't pass the car's imminent MOT !

Bigman

[BigMan]

Wow the image wheels look great.

Anyone got £1200 I can borrow ??

Bigman

[BigMan]

Well I finally did it. Thanks for the pointer to imgae wheels. They were a fortune (£1300 !), but putting cheap wheels would ruin all the work I've done trying to 'subtley' update my XJS.

BTW 172 wheels transform the handling (from my old 15s). I now no longer have to 'hang on' on fast dual carriage way bends.

[Patfallon]

Great news Big man any chance of some gallery pics

[BigMan]

Hi Patfallon,

I tried, but I'm not sure I'm that clever Here's another go.

Here (I hope) is the after photo :-



That's a bit crap, so here's the link :-

http://www.jec-xjs-forum.org.uk/cgi-bin ... nt%20State

and here (I think) is the before photo :-



Again, I'm really pleased (although broke) after your advice.

BTW - The car's in having LPG fitted. Should pick it up tomorrow.

Now I'm REALLY nearly finished

Bigman

[Patfallon]

Hi Bigman
The car looks great. let us know how the LPG conversion goes. Oh and you're no where near finished....................you know it really. What else would you do with your time and money

[BigCatXJS]

Wow! Those wheels look great (IMHO). What tyre size and make did you go for with those 17" wheels?

Cheers, Rich.

[BigMan]

Hi There,

I went for 235/50 17, but that was a mistake ! I should have gone for 225. I get a little rub on full lock (only when reversing). I've had to have the rear wheel arches knocked in (they were rubbing). But now (especially becuase of the LPG tank) I get a little grounding out at the rear over bumps.

Because of the tank, I'll have to get stiffer rear springs. So I've not actually finished spending just yet

LPG runs great, is simple. But does so little to the gallon (I fear as little as 15) I think I'm saving about 20-25% on fuel costs. I was hoping for nearer 40%. I'll run it for a few weeks to get a good range of driving before I decide how much I'm getting to the gallon. And maybe I'll speak to the guy who fitted it (who was EXCELLENT - Jaguar Fuel Conversions) to see if that's reasonable.

Thanks for the feeback - I love the wheels too.

Bigman