2002 V70 non-turbo -- I'm considering upgrading the 195/65/15 wheels to 225/45/17's or 235/45/17's. I'm probably going to go with a set of Volvo 17x7.5 rims.

Any issues?

 

Well on the face of it the 225/45/17 will give you almost exactly the same rolling radius although in practice the stiffer sidewall on a 45 profile should mean the resultant rolling radius will be slightly larger.

I would be surprised however if it were that simple to swop 15s for 17s even using Volvo wheels which hopefully will retain the same track. I'd expect some suspension mods to be associated with the OEM fitting of 17s. Something like more preload, and harder rebound on the struts and maybe more camber to cope the higher potential side loadings. There can be such a thing as too much grip when cornering. Unless you are looking for a car that can change direction faster than your internal organs! [:'(]

Tech will surely have all the answers as usual though.

 

The 17's will bolt on perfect with the exception of at full turn they might rub the inner fender.There is no fix for that except installing bushings to make the rack stop earlier.If those are installed you will need 3 blocks to make a U turn.Once you install them next time you go to the dealer they can change the tire size in the cars computer.Once they change the tire size that will insure the speedometer will read acurate.All the cars share the same suspension.

 

Great response Alan!

Should I stick with the 225's, or can I go with 235's?

Also, will I need to change any front end aligment parameters with the larger wheels?

Tim

 

I would stick with the 225's.There really isn't any diffrence in alignment either.When the alignment is done the machine doesn't ask for tire size.If it has been a while since you had one I would have one done just to be sure the tires don't wear.Hitting a simple decent size pot hole can throw the alignment out.