15 or 16 inch wheels

Tye GT40 · 16th January 2005, 04:50 PM

Hi guys,

I would like to have your advice concerning the choice of 15 or 16 inch wheels. I would like to have 15 but I have heard that you may find a problem to fit better brakes than the usually standard Granada brakes. I guess it also depends how the rim is fabricated. I have looked at Vintage wheels products and they seems to have a very nice rim. I really like one piece rim but I guess it is thicker than a 2 or 3 pieced.

The alternative is to find a 16 inch wheel ( havent found any source yet - maybe RF40 in Aus? but their web seems down for the moment. 16 inch gives a lot more space for brakes and much easier with rubber.

I am looking forward to your comments [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]
Henrik

Mark Charlton · 16th January 2005, 10:10 PM

There has been a fair bit of talk on the Pantera Forum about the difficulty in getting wide tires for 15" wheels. Many are moving up to 17's for the look and access to better rubber. I would check to see how limited your tire selection is likely to be before you make the final decision.

Craig White · 16th January 2005, 11:06 PM

16" rims have a fairly limited range in tyres. Check tyre availability in sizes you want before jumping into 16". I'm actually moving from 16" to 17" on my GT40. Widest tyre I can get to suit my GT40 on 16" rims is 255mm. For 17" I have lots of choices all the way up to 335mm. And I can also do significant brake upgrades without worrying up wheel clearance. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Tye GT40 · 17th January 2005, 03:23 AM

Yes - you are right about "rubber". Unfortunally 17" is too big for my taste - thats a limiting factor....

Still looking for more advice;-)

Thanks
Henrik

Fred/Belgium · 17th January 2005, 04:04 AM

Hendrik,

In that case I would reco to remain with 15' as 16' tires are rather difficult to find whilst 15' is still possible.
I suggest you look to the Avon ones that the UK guys are using for road/track.
I also trying the the'new' TB vintage series from Michelin They are road legal(expensive but seems ok)
18/60 15 TB 215/55 R 15 RC in mm 1895
23/62 15 TB 270/45 R 15 1923
18/60 15 TB 295/40 R 15 1891
26/61 15 TB 335/35 R 15 1903

More info: Go to www.michelinsport.com

Good luck

Rgds
Fred

Tye GT40 · 17th January 2005, 06:32 AM

Thanks a lot Fred. I will check this up.
/Henrik

ijvpet · 17th January 2005, 09:27 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Hendrik,

In that case I would reco to remain with 15' as 16' tires are rather difficult to find whilst 15' is still possible.
I suggest you look to the Avon ones that the UK guys are using for road/track.
I also trying the the'new' TB vintage series from Michelin They are road legal(expensive but seems ok)
18/60 15 TB 215/55 R 15 RC in mm 1895
23/62 15 TB 270/45 R 15 1923
18/60 15 TB 295/40 R 15 1891
26/61 15 TB 335/35 R 15 1903

More info: Go to www.michelinsport.com

Good luck

Rgds
Fred

[/ QUOTE ]

Fred,

What is your opinion on the outer diametes of these tires? The 335's seem a little small.
Does anyone use these tires? If so, I would like to see some pics. I am looking for a 335 tire for 15" wheels. Other than vintage racing tires, I've been out of luck.

Jim Downard · 17th January 2005, 03:31 PM

Hendrick,
If you would like 16" wheels, try www.jongbloedracing.com they have knock on wheels in 15",16", and 17" sizes. Also, If you prefer bolt on wheels, Team 3 wheels makes them in 15",16", and 17" sizes also, however, only in Halibrand style. They are at www.team3wheels.com. You can also look at www.usacomp.com for some Halibrand replica wheels.
Hope this helps.
Jim Downard

Fred/Belgium · 18th January 2005, 02:41 AM

Hnedrik

I will let you know when they will be on the car as I ordered them for the front but still not delivered.
Rgds
Fred

Jim Downard · 18th January 2005, 08:06 AM

Hendrick,
For a quick tire search, try www.tirerack.com they have a pretty wide selection and a nice search system. You'll also find results and ratings along with customer reviews for each tire selected.
Jim

Tye GT40 · 19th January 2005, 04:03 PM

Jim - That was a really good site. It seems that they have a nice selection of 15" rubber. Thanks a lot!!

Fred - I looked at Michelins site. I really love the pattern of the tire but I am a little bit worried about the sizes they offer. I am looking forwar to see how it will appear on your car. Thanks again.

Cheers
Henrik

FredV · 19th January 2005, 04:33 PM

Guys,

Would you know were to find such design (BBS doesn't sell them anymore), centerlock or PCD 5 x 120, Ø:15"
off set on request. I would prefer avoiding Image and Compomotive ...

Tye GT40 · 19th January 2005, 04:36 PM

Post deleted by Henrik

Tye GT40 · 19th January 2005, 04:38 PM

Sorre - slow computer - NOW I got the picture - No idea at the moment but I´ll check with some freinds that race two 962´s.

Cheers
Henrik

FredV · 19th January 2005, 04:40 PM

Henrik,

As i can see we like and own the same cars ! I am rebuilding a CLS Grp 5 and the wheels are missing ... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]