If you look at the new BFG Rival, Dunlop ZII and the existing ultra high
performance street tires, you'll see what I mean about more 15's than
16's...and it will become more clear cut when the new Bridgestone, Toyo and
Kumho
entries to the segment are released over the next 3-12 months.
I think there are two primary reasons: First, you have cars like the NA/NB
Miatas and other light cars that lots of folks use for track days,
autocross and other enthusiast applications. The 15" provides a good combo of
outside diameter (gearing, CG, etc with a reasonable aspect ratio), light
weight
and clearance for brakes. Second, the 16" diameter just never really
caught on...too big for the little light cars and too small for the heavier
performance cars, which have gone straight to 18's, on the way to the 19's and
even 20's common today.
So, the reps we talk to feel that there just isn't enough of a market for
16's to warrant covering that market in the ultra high performance segment,
which is already a bit of a niche.
In a message dated 2/4/2013 2:13:12 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
garywinblad@comcast.net writes:
Hi Mike,
>I don't see going to 16's, mostly because we can expect better tires in
>the 15" diameter, going forward...at least, based on discussions we've
been
>having with the providers (Toyo, BFG, Kumho, Hankook) to SCCA Solo.
Details??
Like you, I need new wheels/tires. I decided a long time ago that 16's
just
don't look proper on a Tiger, 15 sounds like the way to go.
When you figure out the optimum setup, maybe we could get a group purchase
going.. At least my car is still awaiting body and paint so the massaging
can be
done based on wheel/tire!
Also, nobody has commented, IIRC, a solution to the wide wheel to a-arm
clearance
problem was to use early Alpine upper arms with the bolt on ball joint..
probably as
available (or not) as the dropped spindles but....
Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: MWood24020@aol.com
To: ross hulse <ross_hulse@sbcglobal.net>, tigers@autox.team.net
Sent: Sun, 03 Feb 2013 04:40:01 -0000 (UTC)
Subject: Re: [Tigers] Thoughts on 7" front wheels
Thank, Ross, that is very clear and helpful.
Unfortunately, not what I wanted to hear! ;-)
My problem is, if both ends of the car are set up to maximize available
grip, the car will push (given stock suspension) with a smaller front
rim...running equal size tires won't address, as the rear's will have
better
sidewall/tread control . I can adjust set up to minimize, but that isn't
my
first choice.
I don't see going to 16's, mostly because we can expect better tires in
the 15" diameter, going forward...at least, based on discussions we've
been
having with the providers (Toyo, BFG, Kumho, Hankook) to SCCA Solo.
In a message dated 2/2/2013 8:22:46 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
ross_hulse@sbcglobal.net writes:
Subject: [Tigers] Thoughts on 7" front wheels
Mike,
15x7 will not work on the front.
The rim width and offset to keep the wheel inside the fender will impact
the
upper A frame before full lock. This is why people go with 6 inch rims on
15's in the front.
If you go to 16's or 17's the rim will be over the A frame but have new
problems such as rubber band size tires. I don't know if there are other
interference problems with large rims as I have never tried them.
I have tried 15x7 all around and discovered this truth at a cost of 2K.
Want to buy some custom made wheels?
Some people I am told addressed this problem by grinding down the seam on
the A frame to get clearance. I opted not to weaken my suspension and
went
to 15x 6 in the front and 15x7 with the proper offsets.
Problem solved and I am running Kumho 205/55-15 Ecsta 4X on all 4 wheels
with no clearance problems other than gently rolling the rear fender
wells.
Ross "Commodore Blues" Hulse
I'm about to buy some new wheels for my Tiger. Because of the lack of
quality off the shelf wheels for our cars, I'm leaning towards 15"
diameter
Panasports. While kind of "belly button" wheels, they are very well made
and reasonable cost.
The usual 6" front/7" rear fitment has limited appeal, primarily
because
of
the handling compromises that result. I'd like to run 7' all around with
equal size tires.
Anyone have direct experience with the 7's and clearances? My valence is
near stock, we did do some basic smoothing, prior to the car going to
paint.
How large a tire might fit? (I could see running as small as 195/50-15 at
all four corners).
Thanks for any thoughts!
Mike Wood
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