Still more replies to McLaren F1 questions and com
Discussion
The problem is that there may not be enough absolute width within the wheelwell. The space available eventually narrows as you move forward from the axle.
This space is adequate for the standard wheel/tyre because that tyre, although it has a fairly big OD, is a 315. This space is also adequate for the factory alternative (on high-downforce-kit cars) of 345/35/18, because this wider tyre has a considerably smaller OD - because of its smaller aspect ratio - and therefore is not impinged on by the narrowing at the front of the wheelwell.
The 345/35/19's combination of maximum width and maximum OD, however, may mean that the inside front corner of the tyre is baulked by the spot within the wheelwell where the tub tapers outward.
>> Edited by flemke on Thursday 23 December 02:26
Dakkon,
Sorry, I only noticed your post today. Thanks for asking.
No material news on the tyre selection. As of a few days ago we were still waiting on BBS to deliver the test wheels. Once they have done so it should be short work to mount the Bridgestones and know whether they will fit and, if not, just what the additional clearance needs will be.
If one assumes that the dimensions of a tyre are perfectly consistent across manufacturers (which of course is not the case), then the present possibilities for 19" wheels appear to be:
345/35 (Bridgestone only) or 345/30, or perhaps 335/30/20, as per Carrera GT. The latter would be a likely fit dimensionally, but I expect that 20" rear wheels would look silly on the car.
My hunch is that by year-end there will be a greater variety of sizes available for 19", which has only recently become commonly used.
It is probably feasible to effect sufficient tyre clearance by removing material from the back of the carbon-fibre tub. Although that could be done fastidiously and without any structural compromises, you will appreciate that I am loath to go down that road.
I hope to have some answers soon.
Cheers.
Sorry, I only noticed your post today. Thanks for asking.
No material news on the tyre selection. As of a few days ago we were still waiting on BBS to deliver the test wheels. Once they have done so it should be short work to mount the Bridgestones and know whether they will fit and, if not, just what the additional clearance needs will be.
If one assumes that the dimensions of a tyre are perfectly consistent across manufacturers (which of course is not the case), then the present possibilities for 19" wheels appear to be:
345/35 (Bridgestone only) or 345/30, or perhaps 335/30/20, as per Carrera GT. The latter would be a likely fit dimensionally, but I expect that 20" rear wheels would look silly on the car.
My hunch is that by year-end there will be a greater variety of sizes available for 19", which has only recently become commonly used.
It is probably feasible to effect sufficient tyre clearance by removing material from the back of the carbon-fibre tub. Although that could be done fastidiously and without any structural compromises, you will appreciate that I am loath to go down that road.
I hope to have some answers soon.
Cheers.
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