[DeTomaso] What is the widest wheel I can run . . .

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 7/14/08 11 22 45, asajay at asajay.com writes:


> On a stock bodied Pantera L?
> 
> It has 15x7 and 15x8 (front/rear) now.
> 
> How wide can I go in front versus how wide in the rear?
> I've also read all the articles on offset and backspacing, and I'm 
> still confused.  What is the real difference and what do I want in an 
> aftermarket wheel to fit properly?
> 
> I'm looking at inexpensive rims for just racing.
> 

If you stick with 15-inch wheels, 8-inch front and 10-inch rear are about the 
max you can get away with.

BTW there are now a lot of new tire options available for 15-inch wheels 
including GREAT Avon DOT-legal racing radials.   

http://www.rogerkrausracing.com/Avon/AVCR6ZZ.shtml

I saw these being put to good use on many cars in Le Mans this weekend, 
including Cobras, Corvettes, GT350s and GT40s.   The 295/50-15 rear paired with the 
215/60-15 front is probably the way to go; the 245/60-15 front is an option 
but it's probably too tall.

The Michelin TB5 is also available, but it's only available in sizes suitable 
to Gr4/GT5 Panteras.

I also looked at some Maxxis road tires while in France 
(http://www.maxxis.com/).   They are new to the US market, coming from China, but they've been an 
OEM supplier for 40 years.   They make a 295/50-15 rear tire that their US 
website claims is only H-rated, but I eyeballed it myself and it's clearly marked 
as a V-rated tire.   They also make a somewhat different but similar front 
tire, although I have a hard time finding one in the optimal 225/50 size.

Mike


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