Another wheel thread - SCCA EP
 

Need some 15x7, 5x4.5, O offset/4" BS

Trackwidth - Front stock 57.1", 60.7" max EP (+3.5"), rear stock 56.7", 60.3" max EP (+3.6"). NASA PT no point hit <3". I figure a 4" BS would give me +2.8" front and +2.9" rear increase, then use .5" spacers for EP and no spacers for NASA PT. Disclaimer - my math could be wrong.

Looking for best value/weight. Custom wheels are out of budget.

Any suggestions? Clearance issues/spacers required? This is what I have found so far:

Diamond - http://www.diamondracingwheels.com/pro.html
Pro Challenger (7" width not listed online but available per phone call)
16.5-17lbs Steel
$82.50

Bassett - http://www.bassettwheel.com/dhole_asphalt.html
15lbs Steel
$77.95

Circle - http://circleracing.com/shopsite_sc/...l/25_15in.html
18.5lbs steel
$57.00

Centerline Modstar - discontinued
Weld ProStar - no 4" BS

Currently have 2 sets Team Dynamics Pro Race (13.5lbs approx) but in +35 w/ 1/2" spacers = +22 effective. These will be going up for sale.

I like my diamonds, but the tire shop bent one on installing, he was able to fix it perfectly, but I'd advise being carfull, they can buckle easily on those tire mount machines.

Correction. Basett only offers a 15x7 in 3.625" BS. The website says 2,3,4" BS available but that is false, just got off the phone with them. It does weigh +/- 15lbs though.

I was going to suggest Allied Wheels which you can get through Southwest Speed, but it looks like they only carry a 5 lug wheel. You might try to get in touch directly w/ Allied. AJ @ Southwest Speed can probably put you in touch--(479) 646-6988.

I got them on the cheap to start shake down on my FC and to get through HPDE, etc. Not sure I would continue these on into real deal racing though. A lot of weight compared to custom race wheels and possibly prone to bead failure in hard cornering. But to get the buggy up and rolling they seem solid enough--or at least comparable to what you are looking at now.

Thanks.

Southwest Speed/Allied - http://www.southwestspeed.com/?sec=v...ssub=5 x 4 1/2

18lbs steel
$59.99

Diamond is looking like the best steel wheel in a 4" BS as it is the lightest.

Diamond Pro's here. 4" BS on the front w/ 1/2" spacer. 3 1/2 BS in the rear, no spacer. You need a spacer in the front to clear the caliper, so always figure that in. It might be possible with a 1/4" but it would be damn close.

Basset requires a 7" torque plate/spacer IIRC. That was the catch that I remember so you would even need one in the back.

Opps! I guess you needed a 5 lug after all. Got mixed up in all the numbers you had.

A bit of free advice...

A 3.5" BS is ideal for EP with a 23x9.5x15 bias ply slick, however that will not even come close to fitting under +30mm fenders. I did some test fitting with the new fenders before what was going to be an order for 12 new rims tomorrow. +30mm fenders front and back will only allow the above tire to be fit with 4.5" BS front and 4" BS rear. The 4.5" BS on front is even questionable, maybe 4.625" BS using a 5" BS wheel and .375" spacer.

Now I have to decide to live with 4.5" BS or buy new fenders again. I am forced to buy new wheels still as my others were all sold where had I just kept them I would have been at 4.875" BS.

PM sent

Hm. I'm hoping to run some pretty big meats under the fenders on what will end up an ITE or ST1/2 car. You've got me a bit concerned if a 9.5in (240mm) wide tire is giving you trouble. I swear I've seen other guys running 275mm or more which are over 10in wide...

A bit off topic, but... should I be looking at a short tire like your 23in slick? Stock is about 24.9in tall...

The 9.5 slicks measure about 11.5" wide side wall to sidewall on 7" wide rims. You should have plenty of room.

The shorter the tire the better if for no other reason than gearing.

My fiberglass fenders are not the same ones that jgrewe or AWR offers. Mine are only +30mm wider than the stock, theirs are wider, how wide is unknown. The 225/45/15 is very popular in other road race classes, that's 22.9". EP slicks are 23". This is all with a 5.12 rear and/or custom tranny gears.

What a screw up. Sold all my other wheels, finally got Bill at Diamond on the phone to order 12 new wheels and they can not make a 5" offset. Max they can go is 4" offset, since you need a .5" spacer to clear calipers the net offset is 3.5". Fenders won't clear that size, max I can clear is 4.5" offset with a 9.5" slick. I guess that means going with an 8.5" slick or finding a new wheel that gets me 4.5" offset, none of the circle track wheels above are offered in anything more than 4" BS.

Hmm, maybe time to go dig out that old cheap set of V6 Mustang rims! ;)

-b