2004 sonata gl - change rims?

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woj_product@excite.com - 22 Apr 2007 03:56 GMT

After much deliberation, I recently purchased a 2004 Sonata GL (w/the
V6). For my budget, the difference between the interiors of the GLS &
the GL was just not worth the extra cost.

But now I'm thinking about the wheels.

The GL comes w/ 15" steel wheels & plastic wheelcovers. I'm thinking,
when the time comes to put new tires on this car, what would stop me
from putting the 16" stock Hyundai alloy rims on it? Would I have to
get the speedo recalibrated? Any other technical considerations I
should think about? The engine is the stock 2.7L V6

Any advice, opinions or amusing anecdotes would be appreciated.
Thanks.

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jp103 - 22 Apr 2007 13:58 GMT

There are a couple considerations when changing wheel sizes and I will
try to list a few.

The rolling radius will be different (causing a speedo error although
likely not significant) unless you change your tire profile. I think
you have a 205/65 so may want to go to a 205/60 x 16 to maintain a
similar circumference.

Bolt configuration and offset may also be different but I think in your
instance they are the same.

Also if you are changing wheel and tire size you need to make sure that
there is clearance in your wheel well and wheel hubs to the wheel. Also
most likely not a problem with your intentions.

My question would be why go with an OEM wheel when there are lots of
wheels available, often at significant savings, that you may find more
appealing. My suggestion would be to go to WWW.TIRERACK.COM plug in
your vehicle information and see what is available. If you are
considering a tire/wheel package they usually can't be beat.

> After much deliberation, I recently purchased a 2004 Sonata GL (w/the
> V6). For my budget, the difference between the interiors of the GLS &
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
> Any advice, opinions or amusing anecdotes would be appreciated.
> Thanks.

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woj_product@excite.com - 22 Apr 2007 19:14 GMT

I guess my intentions for sticking with stock rims would be

#1 to keep things as simple as possible re. fit, and

#2. to not pretend that the GL is such an awesome car that it needs
fancy aftermarket rims.

but your suggestion about tirerack.com is a good one, as it seems
there are nice looking rims there that are not too obnoxious. I've
used them before for tires, but now I can see they would work just as
well for rims.

Appreciate the reply & insight.

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