Billy,
I use the 7x16 Minilites [bought from Paul Spruel Alfa who at the time had the
best price]. These have zero offset, which is what the TRs need [i.e., 3.5"
backspace].
The bolt pattern is referred to as 4 by 4.5 "[114mm]. It is a common size for
many [older] cars, but the offset may vary on those cars. Ford Focus, being
front wheel drive will have a large plus size]. You cannot get this offset
anymore from normal sources such as Tire Rack [they all have plus offsets].
I use these wheels when I race. Therefore I use 205/45 profile Kuhmos Ecsta
700s shaved to 4/32. I could run up to 225s in the rear and 215 in the front
[though these have a chance of rubbing on the front top a arm].
205/60s or 65s work just fine and are close to the stock diameter.
Chuck
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 20:54:52 -0500
From: "Billy and Ann Green" <bgreen99@frontiernet.net>
Subject: Racing wheels
The winter 2005 issue of Moss' British Motoring article on Tire and Wheel plus
sizing got me to thinking of bumping up to 16" rims on my TR6.
What is the correct way to measure bolt patterns on wheels? The article gives
plenty of info on offset, etc, but doesn't address the bolt pattern issue. I
measure ~3.25" from holt to hole and 4.5" diagonally. Is this a 108mm x 4
pattern? Does anyone supply a 16" minilite replica?
You see where I'm going with this. The recommended plus size tire is
205/60-16, and I'm thinking Ford Focus rims may be the same bolt pattern. If
I could get the correct offset, then voilet!
I would have ROUND wheels (as opposed to my original steel ovals) and low
profile tires of the correct height.
BTW, has anyone else found a 16" rim that works well on the TR6?
And what about tire brands? Anyone have experience with Kumho?
Thanks
Billy
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