Stretching Stock 15in BBS Vert WHEELS to fit GTUS
 

Not sure if this is the correct section but I'm looking for some advice or past experience knowledge.



I'm a fan of the factory BBS vert 15x6.5 wheels I like the look and how light weight they are.
Not a giant fan of the impossible to find (hard to replace) 16in infini wheels as tire selection and additional weight is not desired.




My question is, has any one stretched stock BBS 15in vert wheels before so you coul fit a wider tire ?

I'm liking a 225 or something similar. As the skinny 15x6.5 185-205 max type tire is just too skinny Both in looks and performance.

My goal is to stretch the stock 15x6.5 BBS vert wheels to 7-7.5 or an 8 and have them staggered ???
Then I have to Run a spacer to push the wheel forward in hopes of getting a cleaner side look with the wide tire to boot.





I'm going with Toyos R888

I have a place near me that will stretch them for $200 each
They cut the inner portion of the wheel and stretch it.

Not too bad of an end result, money Isn't the issue here.
I just want the right look and performance upgrade.




I'm not a fan of aftermarket wheels I like how stock looking parts look or subtle low pro.


Advice appreciate as this is going on my beloved GTUS. That I'm putting a lot of effort into.

All this as I run coilovers so don't want rub issues




Questions

1. What size spacer would I use
2. How much of a stretch would I need to go save 225 or something very slightly wider
3. Any one done this
4. Is there a BBS out there already that has the same bolt patter ? And looks Identical with correct offset ?

Ole timer here. I have not stretched any tires and know nothing about it. But i did have a GTUs and I just loved the look of the original wheels. They look good and they performed well since they fit perfectly. There's something to be said for keeping stock wheels and the handling plus the comfort you get. As far as stretching tires goes, it doesn't sound safe to me. imho

R888 run fairly wide.

Here are the specs for the 225/50-15 R888

225/50ZR15
recommended wheel width 6-8"
wheel width as tested 7"
section width (overall tire width) 9.1"
Tread block width 8.7"
Overall diameter 23.7"

Since the 'Vert wheels are 15"x6.5" you do not technically need to widen the wheels to run the 225 Toyos.
But, you will lose a lot of steering response running a wide tire on a narrow wheel.

I always run at least as wide a wheel as the recommended max wheel width on a tire if I have a choice for best sidewall response (on a non cantilevered slick).

So, 8" wide nominal width (total wheel width with lips ~9") is the minimum I would recommend.
Really, it would be nice to at least match the tread block width and run a 8.5" to 9" nominal width wheel on that tire.

Common Miata set-up is 225 R888 on 15x9 wheel.


As for the "something wider" the 235/50-15 R888 is wide wide for its size.

235/50ZR15
recommended wheel width 6.5-8.5"
wheel width as tested 7.5"
section width (overall width) 9.6"
tread width 9.2"
overall diameter 24.2"

People run the 235 R888 on 15x11 wheels and its not even that stretched. A 15"x10" wheel fits it nicely.

I haven't seen anyone do it on 'Vert wheels.
One possible issue you have is a wheel is designed to be as light as possible while being strong enough for its width. When you add width to a wheel you are loading the rest of the wheel more than it was designed for. OEM wheels are *usually* over built enough this is not a problem (OK, definitely not the case on early FD wheels).

I think the closest you are going to be able to find is some 2 piece BB$ racing wheels with similar center (so rivets around outside of wheel center).

You can have 2 piece BB$ wheels made to any offset/width you want.

Depends on what width you end up going with for the wheel.

Probably will end up with something like 15"x9" +20 for the 225/50-15 R888 which would be the 'Vert wheels widened 2.5" and an 83mm spacer (2.5" wider on backside= 63.5mm more offset + 40mm offset stock= 103.5mm offset minus 83mm spacer = +20.5mm final offset.

Blue Tii

Thank you very much for the info

I totally agree with you on stretching and changing the wheel load and strength

I may leave the front wheels alone and run 205
But modify the rear wheel for 225 and go with your spacer recommendation

My biggest purpose though is to not add too much rotating mass to the wheel.
The stretch is already enough and the spacer added might even add more.

Btw I'm referring to the 15x6.5 BBS wheel that came on verts
Not the GTUS/TURBO 2 wheels that I also think are really cool. Problem is they are 17 pounds bs the 12-13 on 15in. That 5 extra pounds makes all the difference and added up that's 20 pounds of extra weight on the car. Now this car is not a pound for pound car, I just want good handling.

Tire size I was recommended was 225/45/15 if that makes a difference

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's thought of this. I love the way the vert wheels look and have considered stretching them for a future build.