Alternative wheels
Discussion
If for a V8S its a straight swap I am told, but I do seem to remember there is a lot more to it than just spacers and longer bolts if its an S3!! Maybe someone else that has done it can shed some light!
Does anyone know, whilst we are on the subject, whats the largest size tyre that can go on a V8S if you fit 16" wheels, do 245/45x16 fit?
Mike
Does anyone know, whilst we are on the subject, whats the largest size tyre that can go on a V8S if you fit 16" wheels, do 245/45x16 fit?
Mike
NicBowman said:
Hi
When fitting Chimaera wheels to an S, do you need longer studs and spacers?
The hubs and studs are the same. The Chimaera front (15" x 7") wheels bolt straight on front and rear, but I believe the Chimaera rear (16" x 7.5") wheels do not fit cars using drum brake rear hubs (they fit OK on the V8S and S4 with disc brakes though).
greenv8s said:
NicBowman said:
Hi
When fitting Chimaera wheels to an S, do you need longer studs and spacers?
The hubs and studs are the same. The Chimaera front (15" x 7") wheels bolt straight on front and rear, but I believe the Chimaera rear (16" x 7.5") wheels do not fit cars using drum brake rear hubs (they fit OK on the V8S and S4 with disc brakes though).
Spacers are required to achieve the correct offset and clear the drums and of course this then means using extended studs. Except the V8S of course
>> Edited by kentishs2 on Wednesday 9th June 17:40
16" wheels fit fine on my S2 with the correct spacers, even with drum breaks at the rear.
I would also recommend fitting the spacers for the 15" wheels. When i carred out my changes, the offset of the Chimeara wheels was different to my standard S wheels and needed the extra width.
I believe the wheels slot straight onto the V8S and S4 due to chassis changes but dont quote me on that.
If you do use spacers, the bolts may well need to be lengthened they did on mine.
Hope this helps.
I would also recommend fitting the spacers for the 15" wheels. When i carred out my changes, the offset of the Chimeara wheels was different to my standard S wheels and needed the extra width.
I believe the wheels slot straight onto the V8S and S4 due to chassis changes but dont quote me on that.
If you do use spacers, the bolts may well need to be lengthened they did on mine.
Hope this helps.
You have to make sure the tyre clears the bodywork, clears the suspension, and fits the rim properly. If you have the standard size 15x7" rims, the right tyre width is somewhere in the range 195-215. 205 is standard and fits nicely, there is stacks of clearance to the suspension, clearance to the bodywork varies from ca to car. If you have the wider 16x7.5" rims, the right tyre width is in the range 215-235. 225 is spot on, clears the suspension easily if you have the disc brake suspension but not if you have the drum setup, clears the bodywork easily on mine but yours may be different.
Wider tyres have been fitted to these rims as standard when they are used on other TVRs, but imho they're stretching the tyre to fit the rim and the tyre is distorted as a result.
Wider tyres have been fitted to these rims as standard when they are used on other TVRs, but imho they're stretching the tyre to fit the rim and the tyre is distorted as a result.
The Chim wheels appeared to be around ET 35 so without the use of spacers they sit too far inside the arch on an S.
I didn't particularly wish to use spacers and found my S2 needed an ET 10 4x108 PCD. I now have 17" wheels with an ET 10 offset and they are fine and clear the suspension and body leaving ample space under full lock, hard cornering etc. Tyres size I can't recall I'm afraid but certainly not less than a 205. I do remember that the profile is 45 to achieve the same rolling circumference.
I didn't particularly wish to use spacers and found my S2 needed an ET 10 4x108 PCD. I now have 17" wheels with an ET 10 offset and they are fine and clear the suspension and body leaving ample space under full lock, hard cornering etc. Tyres size I can't recall I'm afraid but certainly not less than a 205. I do remember that the profile is 45 to achieve the same rolling circumference.
On my S2 I have 16" Chim wheels with spacers to clear suspension drum breaks etc and have fitted 225/50/16 to the rear and 205/50/16 to the front. The spacers have provided the car with a much more muscular stance and it no londer looks like its on tip toes.
The smaller width front tyres give better feel on turn in to corners and the larger rears provide better traction.
The smaller width front tyres give better feel on turn in to corners and the larger rears provide better traction.
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