[DeTomaso] Wheel width

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

You kinda have to have an idea where you're going with the big-front-tire 
concept. When you attempt to absolutely max-out front tire width for whatever 
reason, the stuff is all interrelated and costly. The maximim width tire 
you can run in front without adding flairs, doing bodywork or having rubber 
peeking out of the fender openings low-rider style will be a 10" wide tread 
245-50 x any-wheel-size, and even that will requre some hammer work for 
turning clearance. Either an 8" to a 10" wide wheel will adequately support that 
size tire tread. You'll get a tiny bit more tread in contact with the road 
with a given tire on a 10" wheel, than the same tire on an 8" wheel. The wheel 
width won't markedly increase tire interference with the body. But the 
bigger the wheel, the heavier it will be, and you're going from stock magnesium 
to aluminum which by itself is heavier. Heavier wheels & tires need 
proportionately heavier springs and shock damping to control them as well as stock. 
Less wheel/tire control equals poorer handling on bumpy roads.   Good luck- 
J Deryke