how critical is rim width

pit-pony · 12-10-2006, 06:48 PM

What if you mount 305/30/19 Sport Cups on the stock 19" rims which are only 10" wide?

Michelin recommends 10.5-11.5 rims.

..jack

UstaB-GS549 · 12-11-2006, 03:36 PM

You will have something less than optimum handling. The best situation is when your wheel width matches the "design rim" width.

I have 315's on my front 9.5" rims right now. Straight line braking is very good. Steering is a little vague feeling as the sidewall is at a slight angle.

A large number of T1 racers successfully run 315's on the maximum legal 10" front rims.

YMMV

blkc6z51 · 12-11-2006, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pit-pony

What if you mount 305/30/19 Sport Cups on the stock 19" rims which are only 10" wide?

Michelin recommends 10.5-11.5 rims.

..jack

I'am running 265x35-18 on my 8.5x18 wheels no problems at all.
I would do it, there are guys on here that have run the
z06 tire on 10" wheels and those are 325x30-19.

rocco16 · 12-13-2006, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pit-pony

What if you mount 305/30/19 Sport Cups on the stock 19" rims which are only 10" wide? Michelin recommends 10.5-11.5 rims.

You won't get the maximum performance from the tire when it's mounted on a too-narrow rim, but it won't be spitting you off into the ditch at the end of your driveway, either.

I once mounted my tires on new rims of 1" more width...I never would have believed the difference if I hadn't experienced it myself! And this was when I was just a kid and knew zilch about performance driving.

Larry
code5coupe

chuck1026 · 01-07-2007, 10:23 PM

I figured I would revive this thread since I have a similar question... Vette Magazine squeezed 325/30/19 GY SC EMT's on to the 19x11" C6 Z06 reproduction wheels. I am thinking of doing it too, but I am concerened... GY recommends a 12"-13" wide rim.

The only way these fatties will fit in a stock C5's wheel wells is on an 11" rim.

Is this safe? It seems to violate all traditional rules for tire / wheel fitament.

I am soooo confused!

rocco16 · 01-12-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck1026

Is this safe?

It's "safe".
See post #2....

Larry
code5coupe

chuck1026 · 01-13-2007, 02:18 PM

You are tellin' me just what I want to hear

.

In addition to thr rim width / tire section width matching issue, I am trying to find somebody with pix of this setup that show the tires do not stick out beyond the fenders.

Vette Magazine seemed to be very pleased with the handling, so I guess that is a non-issue.