PDA

View Full Version : wheel question


sparky0798
12-13-2012, 03:42 PM
I'm sorry if this is already posted here somewhere but I am looking into buying a used set of weld draglite wheels that are 15X8 with a 4" backspace. My question is, is there any kind of advantage using a 15X8 wheel as opposed to a 15X7? And If I end up buying a new set of wheels what are some recommendations on backspacing and size? I would eventually like to get a set of drag radials and would like to know what size tire will work for each? I don' wanna go too big and am looking for something that will keep it at it's factory stance. Any recommendations would be great, thx.

Keller
12-13-2012, 04:04 PM
There is a writeup or two on the website, and probably a lot of data here in the forums.

The stock 215/65-15 tires were ~26" tall. You can go to a 235/60-15 on a 7" wheel. Much wider, and you really need a 8" or 8.5" wheel. A 275/50-15 is very close to 26" tall as well. A 275/60-15 is more like 28" high. You can find street radials, DOT racing tires, and slicks in either size. The 275/50 takes a little more work to find, but Mickey Thompson seems to keep supporting that size.

Putting a wider tire on a narrower rim makes it balloon severely on the sides and wears the center of the tire out quickly.

Some use a 255 (forgot what aspect ratio) but they are not exactly 26" tall.

Different height tires from stock make the computer not get the lockup point correct for the converter on the street and can confuse the trans shift points a bit. For all-out racing, it is negligible and can be worked around. For a daily driver, it can be annoying.

Keller
12-13-2012, 04:06 PM
http://www.gnttype.org/forums/showthread.php?t=12489

http://www.gnttype.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13223

sparky0798
12-13-2012, 07:12 PM
Thanks Scott, looks like Jegs has a BFG P275/50R15 that will work well with a 15x8 wheel and won't offset anything as far as converter or mph. Have you heard of any problems with rubbing with the 15x8?

SarNick
12-16-2012, 06:28 PM
Have you heard of any problems with rubbing with the 15x8? Should'nt have any problems with rubbing issues with a 15X8" (4" backspace)

sammie
01-01-2013, 02:27 PM
As many before me, I am using Pontiac GTA , GNX style, wheels.
16 x8. Tires are, 255 x 50, on rear. 225 x50, on front.
Also , Eibach front springs. Kirban cargoes on rear.
No problems. 87 does set about 2 inches lower in front.

Keller
01-01-2013, 11:01 PM
As many before me, I am using Pontiac GTA , GNX style, wheels.
I assume all four are GTA fronts. The rears have a lot more backspace.
87 does set about 2 inches lower in front.
Maybe *your* '87 sits lower because of the shock/spring combo you are using, as well as the smaller front tires. (245/50-16 is closer to 26" tall.)

trev0006
01-13-2013, 07:20 PM
Goo info, Thanks


There is a writeup or two on the website, and probably a lot of data here in the forums.

The stock 215/65-15 cheap tires (http://www.discountpartcenter.com/) were ~26" tall. You can go to a 235/60-15 on a 7" wheel. Much wider, and you really need a 8" or 8.5" wheel. A 275/50-15 is very close to 26" tall as well. A 275/60-15 is more like 28" high. You can find street radials, DOT racing tires, and slicks in either size. The 275/50 takes a little more work to find, but Mickey Thompson seems to keep supporting that size.

Putting a wider tire on a narrower rim makes it balloon severely on the sides and wears the center of the tire out quickly.

Some use a 255 (forgot what aspect ratio) but they are not exactly 26" tall.

Different height tires from stock make the computer not get the lockup point correct for the converter on the street cars (http://www.dpccars.com/) and can confuse the trans shift points a bit. For all-out racing, it is negligible and can be worked around. For a daily driver, it can be annoying.