Wheel sizes...what size?

[kylie]

Hi there, sooner rather than later I would like to fit much bigger wider rims with lower profile tyres. What sizes can I fit with out any problems. I want rims that will accomodate much larger discs, calipers etc. So you guys with cars similar to mine with new wheels, what did you put on? I am kinda wanting 17's and 18's rear, but may be too big?
Many thanks,
Kylie
89 Esp Turbo

>>> Edited by kylie on Friday 7th November 08:30

[roadburner]

Hello Kylie,
i got 8,5x17 (215/40ZR17) and 10x17 (265/40ZR17) at the rear.
If you like to see how it looks i could send you some pics.

Cheers!

[kylie]

Thanks Roadburner that would be great, email me through my profile when you get a chance. What brake set up do you have?
Cheers
Kylie

[roadburner]

Hi Kylie,
pics of my car are on the way.You may know that car.

BB

[cnh1990]

The problem you are going to have would be in the front. Which is where you want the larger wheels if you go AP or Brembo. You have the smaller wells and the some of the larger wheel and tire sizes will scrape inside of the wells in certain instances. Such as full lock.
Calvin

[azesprit]

since we are on the topic of wheel and tire sizes, for the techies and knowledegable:

what is the effect on performance/handling of having say a 225 width tire on an 8in.width wheel and a 245 width tire on the same size wheel?

both tire sizes will fit the rim okay anyway?

thanks

anthony

[kylie]

O.k so it looks like 17's all round. 10inch width for the rears as wide as you can go? And 8.5 width for the front. Can go any wider?

What year/model did they make the wheel wells bigger without adding the arch extensions.

Thanks
KS

[cnh1990]

In the USA 95, in other areas 94 I think. I recall Sanj having 17" up front with a little wheel well rub at full lock.
Calvin

[princecharming]

One of my clubmembers has a '97 V8 that came with the optional OZ Racing wheels from the factory. At full lock, the front tires rub, from the factory! The first time it happened, I was like, "hey, I thought it wasn't supposed to do that." He told me it was normal. Shouldn't really be a real problem since one rarely turns full lock. Roy

P.S. Hi Calvin. Say hello to the LOONs for me.
Still want to go back there someday to see you
all, as well as that model that I know out there.
She was hot!

[karlfranz]

princecharming said:

One of my clubmembers has a '97 V8 that came with the optional OZ Racing wheels from the factory. At full lock, the front tires rub, from the factory! The first time it happened, I was like, "hey, I thought it wasn't supposed to do that." He told me it was normal. Shouldn't really be a real problem since one rarely turns full lock. Roy

Does your club member's Esprit have the original brand and size of tire that came with the car? Different tire brands or even different models of the same brand can vary in their size and cause rubbing. The factory spec tires are not supposed to rub even at full steering lock.

[karmavore]

So a small-welled S4 can not accommodate 18" wheels in front?

I find this hard to believe since:

a) they came with 17" from the factory and
b) if done right a +1" upgrade should yield the same overall diameter.

trying to stuff 245s, now I could see that being a problem...

or maybe a bad offset.

Luke.

[karlfranz]

A few of us have 18in wheels in the front. Mine have 235/35R18 rubber on them. My S4s was one of the last made for the USA with the smaller wheel well mold. and the tires do not rub at full steering lock.

[cnh1990]

I think that it is more of a width problem than rolling diameter that causes well rub.

Calvin

[karlfranz]

cnh1990 said:

I think that it is more of a width problem than rolling diameter that causes well rub. Calvin

Actually it is a combination of tire width and incorrect wheel offset that causes rubbing.

[karmavore]

Excatly. Thank you.

[cnh1990]

What are the wheel offset differences of the S4/S4s/V8 from the 88-92 cars and each other?

>> Edited by cnh1990 on Monday 10th November 17:28

[princecharming]

Actually, the clubmember has different tires on there now, but he said that it rubbed a little at full lock even when he first bought the car when it still had the original tires on it.

Anyway, I never said that 18s wouldn't fit. I know a guy that has 19s and 20s on his Esprit. All I did was state that a little rubbing is not out of the ordinary on these cars.

Roy

[karmavore]

19s and 20s! I'd like to see that!! Seriously, got pics?

Luke.

[cnh1990]

19 and 20's that has got to be a rough ride. There are a lot of people who don't like recommending above 18" because of the rough ride on public streets.
Calvin

[princecharming]

Rough ride? That's what I thought too, but the owner, Anthony said that it wasn't bad. I'd also be quite concerned about the fragility of the rims and susceptiblility to pothole damage.

Here's a link to the pics:

http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/bayareaespritgroup/lst?.dir=/anthony+v8&.src=gr&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//briefcase.yahoo.com/

You might have to cut and paste this into your browser.

Roy