I’d like to get some wider tires on the front of my SA. Currently run a centerline drag rim that’s only 3.5” wide and has about 1 5/8” back spacing. It’s almost perfectly flush with the fender, tire sticks out past it very slightly. (15” rim 24” tall tire). I’m wanting a bit more stopping power as I’m approaching 150mph with this thing at the strip and I drive it on the street. Stops decently at the track, but the tires lock up quick on the street. If I need to stop quickly it just isn’t happening. Currently have moroso drag skinnies front with about 2” of tire contact patch touching the ground.

Because of turbo piping and other BS I need to keep the 24” tire height. I’d like to keep a 15” rim, but it’s not a requirement. Any suggestions on a front wheel tire setup with back spacing that would put the tire just inside the fender? I’d like to get 4-5” or so of contact patch of tire up front if possible. Forward struts brakes etc are all OEM SA equipment.

Also on a side note is there a slightly longer lugnut that you guys use? Mine engauge about 3/4" I'd like to get them in there a good inch if possible.

Thanks!

 

i ran centerlines years ago. 15x8 rear and 15x5 or 5.5 (need to double check the front). theyre collecting dust so lmk if ur interested.

 

The weight on the tire and the air pressure determine the size of the contact patch. The width of the tire sets the shape of that patch. When you put wider tires on the car at the same inflation pressure, you get a wider contact patch that has the same area as the one created by a narrow tire.

Wider tires enhance cornering ability, but don't generally do much for stopping.

From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plus_sizing): "Larger tires improve handling and cornering, due to wider tread faces and stiffer sidewalls. Wider tires may decrease braking distances on dry pavement"

Things to consider before changing your tire size:
- Are you running high pressure in the front tires? If you can safely decrease it, you will get a larger contact patch and may get more traction.
- Does the front tire compound have good traction?
- Is your brake bias correct for all your mods? You may need to reduce rear pressure.

 

Appreciate the post but the issue is the drag style tires. They have very little contact patch for as little drag as possible. They are very similar to a motor cycle tire. I’m not aware what compound the drag tires use, but it is softer than the usual all season tire. Handling isn’t a concern in my application. The back brakes are pretty much just along for the ride. They are a 12” drums attached to a ford 9”.

If I can just get a standard tire with a flat surface it will make a world of difference. I’ve had this issue before with other cars. The SA 4 lug pattern is a bear to find aftermarket wheels for thou. Esp. in a 15” wheel. I was hoping to not have to swap out spindles/struts to the more standard 5x4.5 lug pattern.



Thanks!

 

Diamond Racing Wheels
or
Circle Racing Wheels

Either one will be able to make a custom wheel with whatever measurements you want. I don't know of any regular production wheels that fit what you want.

 

Thanks for the info. I believe any of the 110x4 4 lug wheels with about 4" of backspacing will work won't they?


I believe panasport made a few. BBs makes some, konig etc... thats more what I was looking for.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/15x7-Konig-Rewind-Silver-Wheel-Rim-s-4x110-4-110-15-7-/160599797608?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheels&hash=item25647e6f68&vxp=mtr
Here are some just like mine...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/271255072090


On a side not there's a ton of ATV wheels out there these days that are 110x4. Not sure if they are rated for decent weight though...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Summit-Racing-159-ATV-Series-Machined-Clear-Coat-Outback-Wheel-14-x7-4x110mm-BC-/111137007554?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Wheels&hash=item19e04827c2&vxp=mtr

 

I have a set of Ansen Sprint slotted mag that are 13x4 110mm. They can from a drag rx-3. Not sure of the front wheel width.