Alloys..will they damage my gearbox/ increase my speed

[conkers]

As you can tell i am a little ignorant. I have just been given a set of merc alloys ( about17" edge to edge without tyres) with 205 55 r16s to replace my stock wheels on my 1.6d. I have been told that as it effectively changes my gear ratios the van will go a little faster but the gearbox wont be as happy (and the speedo will be wrong). Is this true or just theoretical and not a worry in the real 55mph world....

[andisnewsyncro]

The tyre size you're suggesting is actually smaller in diameter than the stock 14" tyres....
Not by a lot but it won't give you the uprearing your asking about, quite the oposite.
Loads of advice on alternative wheel & tyre combos on here and on t'yard. Good luck

[kevtherev]

yes you will accelerate slightly quicker as the tyre size is 3% smaller than standard and so your speedo will be 3% out.
A 225 X 16 tyre would be spot on.

more importantly..are the tyres load rated over 95? (load rating is on the tyre) and what Mercedes have the rims come off?

[conkers]

yes you will accelerate slightly quicker as the tyre size is 3% smaller than standard and so your speedo will be 3% out.
A 225 X 16 tyre would be spot on.

more importantly..are the tyres load rated over 95? (load rating is on the tyre) and what Mercedes have the rims come off?

Hi dont know the car but they are 91v so i would have to get others?

[kevtherev]

yes they would, sorry. Your van weighs nearly two tonnes.. those 91 tyres are for cars.
You would need to know the ET of these rims too
Mercedes ML class which was a 4 X 4 had suitable 16" alloys that fit straight on a T25 with 10mm spacers plus longer studs... as the ML was a two tonne vehicle the Alloys are well engineered for the job.

[conkers]

yes they would, sorry. Your van weighs nearly two tonnes.. those 91 tyres are for cars.
You would need to know the ET of these rims too
Mercedes ML class which was a 4 X 4 had suitable 16" alloys that fit straight on a T25 with 10mm spacers plus longer studs... as the ML was a two tonne vehicle the Alloys are well engineered for the job.

Thanks much appreciated, even if from a wolves fan! All the best this season

[kevtherev]

we all have a cross to bear
Be safe when choosing tyres and rims ask here first, saves the tears later