best size alloys for the cougar?

Subjective. 18" looks good and gives precise steering. 16" rides best and gives more progressive handling. 19" generally too big giving a harsh ride and twitchy breakout at the limits. 17" may be the best all round compromise?
 
18" always look right on a cougar with 225 40 18 tyres makos new black cougar runs 18" wheels and they look spot on
 
Again, entirely subjective but if you go for large wheels, I'd recommend a brake upgrade.

Purely for aesthetics if nothing else, big wheels and bottle-cap brake discs never look the part (y) From one ex-Cambridge man to an incumbent!


Regards,
Andy
 
I agree with Jamie, (edit: and everyone who has posted since) though I suppose the first question is, are you going for looks or handling? In other words, what do you mean by "best"?

what colour alloys do u think goes well for black cats? im thinking black with chrome rim or white with chrome rim?

Ask any woman. She'll tell you that everything goes with black, which is part of the point of it. I have black centres with a chrome lip courtesy of the previous owner. I like them, but they are salt-damaged.

I would say go black with an accent colour, assuming you carry that through to the rest of the car. Look at RichB's "La Cagna" for one of the most outstanding examples I've seen of that.

Mmikey was looking at copper accents which, if you're brave enough and like cleaning wheels, would be awesome.
 
mine's on 17s and lowered 30mm, and for me it's the right combination, I certainly wouldn't want it to ride any firmer.

EDIT: my sig pig is pre-lowering.
EDIT 2: sig pic updated :)
 
Again, entirely subjective but if you go for large wheels, I'd recommend a brake upgrade.

Purely for aesthetics if nothing else, big wheels and bottle-cap brake discs never look the part

He wasn't asking about that :oops: but it's true that enormous wheels with standard brakes will make you look like you regret not buying a 1.2 Corsa. It's something to consider.
 
best all rounder really still want plenty of grip and nice ride,iv bin looking at yours mako which has made me think about black wheels I was def thinking white ones last week :)
 
best all rounder really still want plenty of grip and nice ride,iv bin looking at yours mako which has made me think about black wheels I was def thinking white ones last week :)
If you want to try out some base colours you could always "plasti-dip" a wheel as a trial, you'll still have to buy a can but at least you'll get a good idea and you can peel it off if you don't like it. You can pick up a little tin for about £10 if you want to try a wheel or two.

Either that or upload some photographs, myself and many others I'm sure will be happy to do a quick 'photoshop.'

My personal opinion (and not having tried these on a Cougar) but for compromise really anything above 17" is probably not smart.

Regards,
Andy
 
best all rounder really still want plenty of grip and nice ride,iv bin looking at yours mako which has made me think about black wheels I was def thinking white ones last week :)

I've got the original 16s on one of mine (Zetec), and 18s on the other (V6). They're not comparable because the engines (and tyres) are different, but the 16s feel safer and more planted. I prefer driving that car in the rain/snow even though it doesn't have traction control.

Overall though, the 18s are fine and would be better with different tyres.

White with a black lip would look pretty epic on an Ebony though - I like the way you're thinking.
 
think im going black,chrome 17s,im going to smoke rear lights too think it will look good,iv looked at richybs pics that's pretty much what im going for but my own little swist on it ofcs any1 no where I can get richybs front grill from too ??
 
If cost is a factor you'd be better going for 17" wheels and a good set of Goodyear Eagle F1s, Michelin Pilot Sports or Conti SportContacts than 18" wheels with mid-range tyres like Kumhos or Falkens.

They'll offer more grip, longer life, better behaviour at their limits (safety) and are generally quieter.

Just something to keep in mind.

Advertising how tiny your discs and calipers are is generally a bit naff too. 18" works fine, but 17" is slightly softer.
 
I've had 16's, 17's and 18's. 16" on standard suspension and that combo gives a comfortable ride imo.
When i lowered the car by 30mm on eibach suspension, i had 17's on and this was a noticably more choppy ride over local roads but very nice on motorways and good A roads. Similarly when i put 18's on, a bit choppy on local roads. Imo, the cougar handled overall slightly better on the 17's, but 18's look better, again, my opinion.
 
Ive ran 16, 17, and 18 and I much prefer how the car feels on 18's mines lowered about 35mm. I do like the ride to be firm though.....its just a bit of a pain over the speed bumps!
 
I would never have gone for 18s (too hard, tyres too expensive, etc) if they hadn't already been fitted.

As it happens, I have no problem with them - the car isn't lowered - and they're no more expensive than 17s.
 
what colour alloys do u think goes well for black cats? im thinking black with chrome rim or white with chrome rim?

My first Cougar on chrome 17s (not lowered).

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In my opinion, it looked the absolute nuts.