How sensitive are T cars to wheel offset?

[SonicHedgeHog]

Given I (still!) haven’t sorted out new tyres I’m awfully tempted to add new 17 inch alloys to replace the 18 inch spiders. As a world class ditherer this means hundreds of hours of research into alloy wheels to go with the hundreds of hours of research into tyres.

Finding wheels would be a lot easier if there was a bit of flex on the offset. I particularly like these wheels which aren’t quite the right spec:

https://www.rimstyle.com/spdrs-brm-sparco-drs.html...

Has anyone tried wheels that deviate slightly from the TVR spec and if so, how did it go?

[SonicHedgeHog]

Mmm…I guess the lack of replies is an indication of how few people change the alloys on their TVR. Roads are so bad I really want higher profile tyres but think the 16 inch Spiders are a bit too small. Guess I’m going to have to take a punt and cross my fingers.

[SonicHedgeHog]

Just a thought, are there any fitment issues with Cerbera Saturn wheels on a Tamora?

[SonicHedgeHog]

TwinKam said:

Decent 16" rubber is as good as non-existant...

We crossed posts. Is this the same issue as the Griff/Chim guys have with their Imolas and Estorils?

[SonicHedgeHog]

Useful info about the Cerb and Spiders. I was going to take a punt on a cheap set of Saturns with tyres just to see how much of a difference 16 inch wheels and tyres made. Won’t bother now. Am making enquiries with wheel manufacturers about getting various wheels made with the correct offset. Why can’t all cars just have the same stud pattern and offset!

[SonicHedgeHog]

I have just discovered that Bola make a 17 inch variant of their version of the Spider. Rear offset would require a small spacer but it looks like a great way of keeping the original look while improving the ride.

[SonicHedgeHog]

sixor8 said:

Andy Nicholas at SSC (TVR specialist near me) has been getting Bola wheels for his customers who have 'bent' or otherwise destroyed their Spiders.

Yes, you'd need to speak to a supplier about getting different offsets if they are required between front and back, or use a spacer.

The rears are the correct spec but the fronts will need a spacer - about 8mm I reckon. Seems like the ideal solution and means I have a set of immaculate Spiders to keep the in garage which will be worth millions when there are no straight ones left.

[SonicHedgeHog]

Yes, I’m still dithering. Who would have thought it would be so difficult to find a set of alloys I like that will actually fit! Anyway, quick question. As it understand it the 18inch Spiders are the following spec:

Front 8.5x18 ET42
Rear 8.5x18 ET33

The wheels l like are 8x17 with whatever offset I like. The question is, does the offset change if my 17s are 0.5inches narrower than the 18s and if so by how much? Is it just half and inch?

[SonicHedgeHog]

Thanks for that link. It’s a wonder anyone changes their wheels….

[SonicHedgeHog]

Very interesting. When you say “best fit” do you mean they look best in the arches? Useful to know the rear offset can be reduced a bit.

[SonicHedgeHog]

Just noticed the update to this thread, Having just read the original thread about the SP12s it seems to confirm that the 18 inch Spiders didn’t fit properly in the first place. Therefore using Spiders as a reference point to correctly size 17 inch wheels isn’t going to work. Instead I should be using the SP12 numbers which seem to be the same as those mentioned above. Given the potential for getting this wrong I’m reaching the point where I can’t be bothered to source 17s. Perhaps a better way to improve ride quality is to try and find a set of SP12s and switch my Nitrons for something softer. At least I’m then dealing with known quantities rather than having to cross my fingers.

[SonicHedgeHog]

The car does handle really well. If you’re interested in taking your car on track or looking for a fast road set up then they’re great. Unfortunately Mrs Hedgehog prefers more sedate, cushioned progress hence why I’m in the middle of this conundrum.