MGB & GT Forum
Looking for new Rims? - Found great resource.
Posted by MG-Maxx
MG-Maxx
Charles Waugh
West Haven, CT, USA
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1971 MG MGB GT V6 Conversion
1974 MG MGB GT V6 Conversion "Gambler MG" 1979 MG MGB MkIII "Rumpelstiltskin" 2008 Chevrolet HHR |
Topic Creator (OP)
Mar 1, 2015 03:32 PM
Joined 13 years ago
1,358 Posts
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Spring being around the corner - yea right..... Its snowing now, again and more due Wednesday. I need to replace the over 15 year old tires on the car. Same tires that were on when I purchased the car. It sat for 10 of those years and now that I have a V6 in the car, I am in desperate need of tires.
The car has Yokohomas on it now 195/60/14 which i loved and of course are discontinued. In the related post on tire size What brand and tire size do you use on your B? . Barrie Braxton's post on his Homa's look great, but they only come in 15 inch.
I have wanted to go to 15 in rims anyway since it is so hard to find performance tires in 14 inch anymore. I can't afford to buy new rims from Hap or anyone else... Can't really even afford the tires atm.
So its off to the local yards to look for what I could find. I was using the list that is in the MGE library wheel-xref which has cars that share our 4x4.5 bolt pattern.
That list does not have what size rims the cars have so using the internet I found a great resource for this....
www.wheel-size.com
Here is where I need some advice. From what I have read hear the B would use a +24mm offset, the chances of finding that exact offset is slim, na, it nil. The library article states to look for 25 to 30mm offset.
I have just started looking but so far I have found the Nissan Z cars have 0 offset and most FWD cars have 30 to 47mm offsets.
How can I adjust to use a different offset? I now of spacers, but not exactly how it collates to the offset...
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Chuck
Hamden, CT
79 MGB - Rumpelstiltskin
Just awakened after a 10 year slumber.
GM 60V6 Gen 3 - 3.5L EFI V6 T-5.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015-03-01 03:33 PM by MG-Maxx.
The car has Yokohomas on it now 195/60/14 which i loved and of course are discontinued. In the related post on tire size What brand and tire size do you use on your B? . Barrie Braxton's post on his Homa's look great, but they only come in 15 inch.
I have wanted to go to 15 in rims anyway since it is so hard to find performance tires in 14 inch anymore. I can't afford to buy new rims from Hap or anyone else... Can't really even afford the tires atm.
So its off to the local yards to look for what I could find. I was using the list that is in the MGE library wheel-xref which has cars that share our 4x4.5 bolt pattern.
That list does not have what size rims the cars have so using the internet I found a great resource for this....
www.wheel-size.com
Here is where I need some advice. From what I have read hear the B would use a +24mm offset, the chances of finding that exact offset is slim, na, it nil. The library article states to look for 25 to 30mm offset.
I have just started looking but so far I have found the Nissan Z cars have 0 offset and most FWD cars have 30 to 47mm offsets.
How can I adjust to use a different offset? I now of spacers, but not exactly how it collates to the offset...
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Chuck
Hamden, CT
79 MGB - Rumpelstiltskin
Just awakened after a 10 year slumber.
GM 60V6 Gen 3 - 3.5L EFI V6 T-5.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015-03-01 03:33 PM by MG-Maxx.
Mar 2, 2015 12:39 PM
Top Contributor
Joined 18 years ago
1,916 Posts
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This website might help you understand offset. You can enter dimensions and see how it affects the wheel layout.
http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp
Basically, FWD wheels always have lots of offset, because for various reasons it is better to have longer half-axles, which pushes the hubs out. Offset moves the rim inboard relative to the hub mounting surface. RWD cars have lower or zero offset. Practically nothing has negative offset -- it's just inefficient packaging.
Measuring offset by itself is only part of the story, as it is measured from the center of the rim. Rims of different widths may have the same offset, but they will have different backspacing, which is where clearance to suspension parts comes into play. If you stay close to stock rim width, it shouldn't be a problem.
Spacers are a little sketchy if they are any thicker than say 5 mm. They are shifting the load further out on the lug studs, and introducing a potential for loosening over time. A very thick spacer may not allow the lug nut threads to fully engage. Using nonstandard offset wheels and/or spacers on the front may affect steering by changing the front track width. Spacers on the rear is more common (often used to provide spring clearance to fit wider tires).
Max Heim
'66 MGB "Uroboros"
http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp
Basically, FWD wheels always have lots of offset, because for various reasons it is better to have longer half-axles, which pushes the hubs out. Offset moves the rim inboard relative to the hub mounting surface. RWD cars have lower or zero offset. Practically nothing has negative offset -- it's just inefficient packaging.
Measuring offset by itself is only part of the story, as it is measured from the center of the rim. Rims of different widths may have the same offset, but they will have different backspacing, which is where clearance to suspension parts comes into play. If you stay close to stock rim width, it shouldn't be a problem.
Spacers are a little sketchy if they are any thicker than say 5 mm. They are shifting the load further out on the lug studs, and introducing a potential for loosening over time. A very thick spacer may not allow the lug nut threads to fully engage. Using nonstandard offset wheels and/or spacers on the front may affect steering by changing the front track width. Spacers on the rear is more common (often used to provide spring clearance to fit wider tires).
Max Heim
'66 MGB "Uroboros"
kerbau53
Geoff Morton
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Mar 2, 2015 05:21 PM
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Speedracer
Hap Waldrop
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Mar 2, 2015 07:26 PM
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If you can find 14" alloy wheels from a late 70s, ealry 80s Datsun 280Z, those are nice looking wheels on a MGB. Some earlier Honda has 4x114.3 bolt pattern, and folks here have made them work, but mostly with the steel wheels. Not saying 15" is unfindable, you may end up educating us all, but it will be a good search.
You often here from your local tire dealer, they don't make that size anymore, when it fact all tire dealer are mostly plugged into what the local distributor has, and they keep what sells. These days when looking for unique tires sizes you still plenty to choose from, but you are going to more likely to find those tire sizes from Goggle search than your local tire dealer.
Hap Waldrop
Acme Speed Shop
864-370-3000
Website: www.acmespeedshop.com
hapwaldrop@acmespeedshop.com
You often here from your local tire dealer, they don't make that size anymore, when it fact all tire dealer are mostly plugged into what the local distributor has, and they keep what sells. These days when looking for unique tires sizes you still plenty to choose from, but you are going to more likely to find those tire sizes from Goggle search than your local tire dealer.
Hap Waldrop
Acme Speed Shop
864-370-3000
Website: www.acmespeedshop.com
hapwaldrop@acmespeedshop.com
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MG-Maxx
Charles Waugh
West Haven, CT, USA
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1971 MG MGB GT V6 Conversion
1974 MG MGB GT V6 Conversion "Gambler MG" 1979 MG MGB MkIII "Rumpelstiltskin" 2008 Chevrolet HHR |
Topic Creator (OP)
Mar 5, 2015 12:17 PM
Joined 13 years ago
1,358 Posts
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I was looking to only buy tires once. Also with the V6 trans I was hoping to get a taller tire to help with the 1st gear situation.
Have a lot more items to take care of then the bank account allows. If I could get free rims from my friend I could upgrade to 15 inch cheaply. I did find one car that had a +27 offset. The cost of the spacers and the fact that is not the best way to go, has me back looking at staying with the LE rims for now.
Sears has the General Altimax HP on sale for $76. Get out of it for less then $400 for now. This way I will not feel so bad about converting the rear tires to smoke for now. That is what I was planning on doing with the existing tires, but they are so hard, they don't even have enough traction to produce smoke........
While researching tires, there really is not much better choice in 15 inch then 14:" so I may look at going up to 16", just not sure how it will look on the MG with such large rims. I am not a fan of the big rim fad going on now. Hap, have any rims in the 16" arena?
Chuck
Hamden, CT
79 MGB - Rumpelstiltskin
Just awakened after a 10 year slumber.
GM 60V6 Gen 3 - 3.5L EFI V6 T-5.
Have a lot more items to take care of then the bank account allows. If I could get free rims from my friend I could upgrade to 15 inch cheaply. I did find one car that had a +27 offset. The cost of the spacers and the fact that is not the best way to go, has me back looking at staying with the LE rims for now.
Sears has the General Altimax HP on sale for $76. Get out of it for less then $400 for now. This way I will not feel so bad about converting the rear tires to smoke for now. That is what I was planning on doing with the existing tires, but they are so hard, they don't even have enough traction to produce smoke........
While researching tires, there really is not much better choice in 15 inch then 14:" so I may look at going up to 16", just not sure how it will look on the MG with such large rims. I am not a fan of the big rim fad going on now. Hap, have any rims in the 16" arena?
Chuck
Hamden, CT
79 MGB - Rumpelstiltskin
Just awakened after a 10 year slumber.
GM 60V6 Gen 3 - 3.5L EFI V6 T-5.
ohlord
Rob C
A tiny Island off the coast of Washington State, N.W., USA
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1957 Land Rover Series I "EYEYIYI"
1957 Land Rover Series I "OVRLND" 1971 MG MGB 1971 MG MGB "Bedouin 2" & more |
Mar 5, 2015 12:47 PM
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Joined 12 years ago
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16s look fine on an MGB
Iv'e ran 15 and 16 Konegs on the old 275HP V6 no spacers on the front and a spacer on the rears. Thicker than 5mm spacer and since it engaged enough threads was approved for Solo2 competitions
240Z rims also fit
or get adapters for when you install a narrowed chevy S10 rear with posi after you break the MGB rear.
1010tires has one of the best offset calculators and explanations for the novice. https://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Wheel-Offset-Calculator
Walmart had a closeout on a high performance tire often suggested for about $60 each if you are looking for tires.
LNDRVR4X4.COM
Home of Project "INCARN8'
1957 Series 1 Land Rover electric VEHICLE CONVERSION
FIXITUPCHAP.COM
FIXITUPCHAP INCORPORATED
RD3 Radar/ Electronic Warfare Technician
VIETNAM 1969-1972
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015-03-05 12:53 PM by ohlord.
Iv'e ran 15 and 16 Konegs on the old 275HP V6 no spacers on the front and a spacer on the rears. Thicker than 5mm spacer and since it engaged enough threads was approved for Solo2 competitions
240Z rims also fit
or get adapters for when you install a narrowed chevy S10 rear with posi after you break the MGB rear.
1010tires has one of the best offset calculators and explanations for the novice. https://www.1010tires.com/Tools/Wheel-Offset-Calculator
Walmart had a closeout on a high performance tire often suggested for about $60 each if you are looking for tires.
LNDRVR4X4.COM
Home of Project "INCARN8'
1957 Series 1 Land Rover electric VEHICLE CONVERSION
FIXITUPCHAP.COM
FIXITUPCHAP INCORPORATED
RD3 Radar/ Electronic Warfare Technician
VIETNAM 1969-1972
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2015-03-05 12:53 PM by ohlord.
Speedracer
Hap Waldrop
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Mar 5, 2015 04:24 PM
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Joined 17 years ago
43,606 Posts
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Alos there are the Saab 900 alloy wheels, they are 15x5.5 and look somewhat like a VTO, Minlite, etc..
Hap Waldrop
Acme Speed Shop
864-370-3000
Website: www.acmespeedshop.com
hapwaldrop@acmespeedshop.com
Hap Waldrop
Acme Speed Shop
864-370-3000
Website: www.acmespeedshop.com
hapwaldrop@acmespeedshop.com
Member Services:
MG/ Triumph Performance Street Engines -
Cylinder Head Porting for street performance and race -
DIY Engine Rebuild Kits With Free Tech Advice -
VTO alloy wheels for British Sports Cars, and others
dcasko1950
Dana Casko
Deerfield, NH, USA
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Mar 5, 2015 05:03 PM
Joined 16 years ago
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Unsolicited comment...
When I looked to buy new rims and tires for my TR 7, I called Hap. Told hime the tires I was buying from Tire Rack and consulted on the rims.
He recommended a perfect set for my needs and promptly shipped them. I couldn't be happier with the results.
When I'm ready for rims for the MGB, I'll call Hap. One call does it all and wheels and tires are a safety item and because of the expense, should last and satisfy.
1980 MGB LE, 1976 MGB Roadster, 1980 Triumph TR7, 1994 Jaguar XJS Coupe
When I looked to buy new rims and tires for my TR 7, I called Hap. Told hime the tires I was buying from Tire Rack and consulted on the rims.
He recommended a perfect set for my needs and promptly shipped them. I couldn't be happier with the results.
When I'm ready for rims for the MGB, I'll call Hap. One call does it all and wheels and tires are a safety item and because of the expense, should last and satisfy.
1980 MGB LE, 1976 MGB Roadster, 1980 Triumph TR7, 1994 Jaguar XJS Coupe
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