[Hot Rod Mike]

I'm running the Heidts IFS setup on my 33 Ford full fendered car & have done some initial mock up using wood for the front tire size. I really want to run a 165SR15 tire which has an OD of approx 25.4 inches, but does not appear to allow full suspension travel.

Anyone running a tire this large on a 33/34 & not have any problems ? If you have restricted the suspension travel, how has the ride been ?

Thanks,
Mike

[Frisco]

The 165R15 tire is about the SMALLEST tire you can run safely for correct steering and braking and overall handling. There are some who have run a 135R15 which is narrower but about the same height as the 165R15.

If your clearance issues are due to the O.D. of the tire hitting the inner upper section of the fender; check to see that the tire is centered under the 'crown' of the fender. If it is, then you have your suspension either too low or you have too much travel available. If you had a straight axle setup your travel would be limited to about 2". The independant suspension often has twice that.

[Irelands child]

It almost sound like the suspension bottom A arm is not parallel to the ground, The 165 tire is pretty small, especially since my fronts on my '31 are 205/60x15 and are over 25" tall. I had to do a fair amount (raise) of coil over spring setting adjustment on my TCI setup to get the A arms level and to get good splash shield road as well as tire to fender clearance.

Dave W

[Art Deco]

The 165SR15 or 165/80R15 is tall enough at 25.4". Maybe too tall.
This size was commonly used in vintage Beetles and Porches. Both were cars with very light front end weight.
Also quite expensive and very hard to find. Try finding one if you ever have the misfortune of damaging one on the road. mail order only.

Personally I would look at a slightly wider but shorter tire. Steering will be a bit more responsive this way.
195/65R15 is only 25" tall and used as OE on 2010 Chevy Cobalts.
This will carry a load of 1235 lbs per tire at full inflation pressure and many come in an H speed rating.

[Frisco]

Originally Posted by Art Deco

The 165SR15 or 165/80R15 is tall enough at 25.4". Maybe too tall.
This size was commonly used in vintage Beetles and Porches. Both were cars with very light front end weight.
Also quite expensive and very hard to find. Try finding one if you ever have the misfortune of damaging one on the road. mail order only.

KUMHO Powerstar 758 tires 165/80-15. 25.4" diameter. About $55 each. Available nationwide at any dealer that sells Kumho tires.

The bias ply size is 5.60-15 and is available at Coker tires. 560-15 PRO-TRAC FRONT RUNNER. 25.88" diameter. About $128 each.

Here is a link to a pair of Nanking 165/80-15 for $129.99. These are listed as being 25" in diameter. Go HERE

[302 Z28]

I'm running Nitto Neo Gen 205/50R15 they are approximately 23" tall and I have not problems with clearance even with the front end fairly low.

Vince

[Hot Rod Mike]

Guys,

I really appreciate all of the comments. My wood mock ups are crude . Most of my concern is w/the tires in a fully locked turn, & if you run the suspension through full travel, it rubs the inner fender. I plan on developing better mock ups to determine what I can run for a tire size. However, your comments lead me to the following questions :

1. Has anyone weighed their cars front to rear ? I'm guessing that weight distribution w/some engine setback would be close to 50/50 ? This would be critical since you do not want to exceed load ratings of the tire as Art Deco indicated.

2. What type of ground clearance is considered minimal @ the front end where the 2 fenders come together ?

Thanks,
Mike

[302 Z28]

Originally Posted by Hot Rod Mike

Guys,


1. Has anyone weighed their cars front to rear ? I'm guessing that weight distribution w/some engine setback would be close to 50/50 ? This would be critical since you do not want to exceed load ratings of the tire as Art Deco indicated.Thanks,
Mike

Mine weighs 2600lbs, haven't weighed it front to rear

Originally Posted by Hot Rod Mike

Guys,
2. What type of ground clearance is considered minimal @ the front end where the 2 fenders come together ?

Thanks,
Mike

Mine has about 5"

Vince