[tdskip]

Hi guys - wanted to get some thoughts on a 15x7 rim on a daily driver Spider. I drive with, um, enthusiasm but am concerned that these might be too much for a daily driver and I don't want to ruin the feel of the car. Any coaching to pass along?

Thanks!

 

[RC Hiatt]

I've always been advised that 15's have insufficient clearance, but have not tried them. In fact a wide 14 also rubs, based on the Momo's that use to be on my 72. I stick with standard size rims on a spider.

 

[tdskip]

Thanks RC.

 

[mbb]

I just put Rota, 15x7 inch rims, +30 offset on my 86 spider. 185-60 15 tires. Work fine. I'll post picture when I can. Clearance fine. I like them.

 

[mbb]

Sorry 195-60-15 tires.

 

[gtwhimself]

Wide is good

I've had 16x7.5x 40 tires for five or six years now and love the handling. Keep the pressure up and ever parking lot speeds are okay. I would imagine 15x7 would be just fine.

 

[gtwhimself]

Error

Meant 16x7.5x225

 

[jarrington]

I had 195/60/15s and 15x7 wheels on my '74 Spider. Low speed turning effort was significantly higher than the skinny originals but not horrible. It looked great and the extra stick was nice too.

 

[bshorey]

Hi guys - wanted to get some thoughts on a 15x7 rim on a daily driver Spider. I drive with, um, enthusiasm but am concerned that these might be too much for a daily driver and I don't want to ruin the feel of the car. Any coaching to pass along?

Thanks!

15x7 with 22 mm of offset should be fine. If you're driving around town, you will experience higher effort on turning the steering wheel at low speeds, otherwise you should have no problems.
I wouldn't go wider than a 205.

bs

 

[alfasax]

How about.........

1971 Spider. 16x8 Panasports. 205-55x16 Re-11 Bridgestones up front, 225-50x16 RE-11's in back. IAP red springs lowered car 1" in front, 1.5" in back. Koni yellow set to full hard front, .5 in back. Rear wheel wells rolled. Low speed turns hard, but acceptable. Open road, unbelievable. Best tires I ever owned. Wheel combo been on car 10 years. It works!

 

[tdskip]

Thanks guys!

 

[bshorey]

You wouldn't happen to know the offset, would you? I've got 15x8 Panasports on my Spider, but the fenders are mildly flared.

Thx,

bs

 

[alfasax]

Offset of Panasports, 16"

The offset would be 25 mm. The Kumhos I had on last go around rubbed the front inner fender well on full lock. The new Bridgestones do not. Also, with two people in the car, the rear tires will slightly rub the outer fender lip on big enough bumps. I really feel the biggest single, positive difference in ride, handling, and steering response has been since I put the RE-11 Bridgestones on. An amazing tire.

 

[bshorey]

The offset would be 25 mm. The Kumhos I had on last go around rubbed the front inner fender well on full lock. The new Bridgestones do not. Also, with two people in the car, the rear tires will slightly rub the outer fender lip on big enough bumps. I really feel the biggest single, positive difference in ride, handling, and steering response has been since I put the RE-11 Bridgestones on. An amazing tire.

Thanks. Did you have to roll the outer fenders?

bs

 

[alfasax]

Yes

Only the outer rear fenders on the top. Used a big breaker bar.

 

[bshorey]

Only the outer rear fenders on the top. Used a big breaker bar.

I ended up mildly flaring mine for the 8" wheels. I think, for the original poster, practically speaking, 7" is about as wide as you want to go under stock fenders and not have fit problems. 7" wheels will work well on a Spider.

bs