[DeTomaso] Tire clearance Problem

[detomasoregistry at gmail.com]

Don,

(I'll reiterate what you have said, then add my .02)

I hate to say this but this is a perfect example of the fact that the stated tire size
is 'approximate'.  Your 'before' photo (right side) shows you started with a close fit.

You went from a Pirelli 345/35 (P7) to a Pirelli 345/35 (P-Zero).  Same manufacturer, and
same size, yet the overall size is slightly larger now, and thus the clearance issue.

>From what I can see, the new tire sticks out (further from the centerline of the car),
and its over-all height is slightly larger too.

You have adjustable height shocks & springs, and you have already raised your ride height
in an attempt to make room to no avail.

>From the photo, it would seem that where the fender is closest, is in line with the center
of the tire/wheel, meaning that you would have to really change right height to gain
clearance.  I don't think this will be the best option.

Do they (Pirelli) make a smaller tire?  315 perhaps?  Would this size cause you any
'aesthetic' problems?

Note that the sidewall height is a % (or ratio) or the tread width.  345/35 means
(approximately) 345mm wide, and 35% of 345mm tall sidewall.  Thus a 315mm wide tire would
be slightly smaller in over-all height.  As your new tire sticks out past the fender flare
a slightly narrower tire would still fill the flare, but you would gain clearance.

Many people believe that the Pantera will actually handle better with a 315, or a tire 
slightly narrower than the max that we can get.  I think people like to go with the widest
tire they can get, more for looks than maximum performance.  If we are talking a "Bell"
curve, I suspect that the tires wider than 315 or so are on the right side of the peak of
the bell (and moving away from the optimal point,) in terms of traction and handling
optimization.  I've driven 345s, 335s, and 315s on the same car, same suspension, and
(seat of the pants comparison - ONLY) I'd estimate that the 315's handled the best.

Chuck Melton




I just put new tires on my GT5 Clone.  They are 345/35 P Zeroes.  They
replace 345/35 P7's.  I hade no clearance issue with the older tires.  The
new tires rub on the drivers side.

I added adjustable shocks thinking I could lift the car up a bit and get the
clearance.  I have the drivers side cranked almost all the way up and the
passengers side up about half way from the starting point.

Here is a pick of the clearance issue:
http://www.expressionsfinechocolate.com/Don/Pantera%20Tires.jpg

Suggestions?

Adjust the passenger side shock all the way up?

Are there any other tire choices?

Get some body work done?
??????

-- 
Don
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