1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

wheel fitment questions

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Old 10-16-13, 03:35 PM
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wheel fitment questions

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-New-15X7-40-Offset-4x100-4x114-3-DRAG-DR-44-Gold-Wheels-Rims-/310731961377?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheels&hash=item4859117421&vxp=mtr
i have a GSL-SE and was wondering if anyone here had tried this size or something similar, with what size tire and what other feedback?
Old 10-16-13, 04:42 PM
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Originally Posted by CaptainKRM
4 New 15x7 40 Offset 4x100 4x114 3 Drag Dr 44 Gold Wheels Rims | eBay

i have a GSL-SE and was wondering if anyone here had tried this size or something similar, with what size tire and what other feedback?
I ran 15x7 with a +25mm offset and it still rubbed a bit on the front with 205/50/15 kuhmos. My car was an 84 GSLSE.
Old 10-16-13, 06:35 PM
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Wheel size, offset and/or bolt pattern alone are not specific enough criteria to ensure an exact fitment.
Other Variables like the brake caliper shape can affect proper clearance and fit. I know that TireRack tests each wheel individually on the vehicle either manually or electronically using the CAD data.
Most sources recommend 205/55's on 15x7 wheels for the 84,85 SE.

Last edited by Cameron38; 10-16-13 at 06:39 PM.
Old 10-16-13, 07:15 PM
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That wheel will fit over GSL/SE brakes front and rear. I would be confident in saying that every 15" wheel will fit that brake set up. GSL/SE brakes are not that big. In fact I have seen 13" wheels on RX7's with GSL/SE brakes.

That offset will work on the back. I have test fitted a set of 15x7s that had a 38mm off set on the back of my RX7 race car. Those wheels had 225/45 x15 Goodyear DOT racing tires on them and the fit was good with room to space them out a little. I cannot comment specifically on front fitment because my race car doesn't have OE brakes on the front.

That said, the wheels I was working with were used on an 84 GSL/SE race car front and back and they were running the same 225/45x15 tires all the way around. They did have to roll under the fender lips. But keep in mind that this is on a race car that was lowered quite a bit.

You may have to use some wheel spacers (particularly up front) to get them to clear everything. Also, you would need to have coil overs on front to make this work. As far as tires go, you want a tire that is 23" in diameter or shorter. So a 205/50, 195/50 up to a 225/45 fits that range. Keep in mind that not all tires, regardless of the P metric size, have the same actual measurements. So spend some time looking at actual outer diameter, section width and tread width measurements.
Old 10-16-13, 09:32 PM
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I am running 15 x 7 Drag 19 wheels with a +40 offset on my SA which has an SE suspension. The +40 positive offset is a bit much and the inside of my 205/50-15 Yokohama Aoo8s were very close to the spring seats, not touching, but very, very close. So I am running some 5mm spacers that are hub and wheel centric which produces a net offset of +35, and they are perfect. My fenders are rolled, but I think they would fit fine even without them being rolled.
Old 10-16-13, 11:20 PM
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Originally Posted by rwatson5651
I am running 15 x 7 Drag 19 wheels with a +40 offset on my SA which has an SE suspension. The +40 positive offset is a bit much and the inside of my 205/50-15 Yokohama Aoo8s were very close to the spring seats, not touching, but very, very close. So I am running some 5mm spacers that are hub and wheel centric which produces a net offset of +35, and they are perfect. My fenders are rolled, but I think they would fit fine even without them being rolled.
So with spacers and GSL-SE suspension this wheel would fit fine. What made you decide to use a 5mm spacer vs something smaller?
Old 10-17-13, 10:20 PM
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I mounted them on the car, checked how close they came to the spring seat, measured the space between the outside of the tire and the fender to decide the thickness of the spacer. Plus the company that made the spacers said that 5mm was the thinnest they make and still be hub and wheel centric. That was important to me. It prevents any problems with vibrations etc.

Ps I am very happy with these wheels, they are fairly light and very cheap, but still look good, I wanted something that looked like a BBS wheel but the Drag wheels were the only ones I could find in 15 x 7.

BTW there was a guy on the classified section selling a set of Drag 19s in 16 x 7 with nice tires for a good price, he may still have them.
Old 10-18-13, 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by rwatson5651
I mounted them on the car, checked how close they came to the spring seat, measured the space between the outside of the tire and the fender to decide the thickness of the spacer. Plus the company that made the spacers said that 5mm was the thinnest they make and still be hub and wheel centric. That was important to me. It prevents any problems with vibrations etc.

Ps I am very happy with these wheels, they are fairly light and very cheap, but still look good, I wanted something that looked like a BBS wheel but the Drag wheels were the only ones I could find in 15 x 7.

BTW there was a guy on the classified section selling a set of Drag 19s in 16 x 7 with nice tires for a good price, he may still have them.
thanks very much, your information is most helpful
Old 03-11-14, 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by rwatson5651
I mounted them on the car, checked how close they came to the spring seat, measured the space between the outside of the tire and the fender to decide the thickness of the spacer. Plus the company that made the spacers said that 5mm was the thinnest they make and still be hub and wheel centric. That was important to me. It prevents any problems with vibrations etc.

Ps I am very happy with these wheels, they are fairly light and very cheap, but still look good, I wanted something that looked like a BBS wheel but the Drag wheels were the only ones I could find in 15 x 7.

BTW there was a guy on the classified section selling a set of Drag 19s in 16 x 7 with nice tires for a good price, he may still have them.
where did you purchase your spacers? thank you
Old 03-11-14, 04:47 PM
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Post some pics - i've been eyeing these in 15x8.25" for quite some time.
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