[V8] Wheels....again

[Ed Kellock]

Sorry I left you hanging with your last email... 

The real problem with UFO's brakes and aftermarket wheels is not really/just
the offset.  The offset is important for proper wheel/tire placement in the
wheel well relevant to the design of the front suspension.  However, even
with the right offset, the shape of the wheel spokes where they leave the
center hub of the wheel is really the crucial point.  They have to curve
away from the hub enough to clear the bowl of the UFO brake disk.  I would
imagine that even some 17-inch wheels might interfere with the UFO disk.

Test fitting is really the only way to be 100% positive.  I am willing to
sit down and do some measurements of the UFO disk as I think it would relate
to wheel fitment.  That won't be much help if someone at Tire Rack is
unwilling to work with you on doing similar measurement of wheels you might
be interested in.  In some cases, they may not even be able to if they don't
keep them in stock at one of their warehouses.  

Your best bet might be to find a large volume wheel dealer that can pull
wheels and test fit them for you.  If you prefer to deal with Tire Rack, if
you can find someone to work with you, you might only have to set up a deal
where you have them ship say 1-3 different individual wheels for test
fitment.  You would then only have to pay some add'l shipping for the
return, etc.  I have a friend here in CO that went that route with TR
several years ago with his Porsche.

Ed
 


-----Original Message-----
From: v8-bounces at audifans.com [mailto:v8-bounces at audifans.com] On Behalf Of
doubldz at aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 01, 2011 8:39 AM
To: V8 at audifans.com
Subject: [V8] Wheels....again



Gentleman:

I am itching to replace the stock wheels on my 1990 and have emailed with
some of you off the list about it but have to admit I am more confused then
ever. I'd really like to buy the right wheels first time out. I've been
reading the archives back to 2004 and see that this has been a topic of
conversation many times. However, there doesn't seem to be agreement on what
fits and what doesn't. I've seen some pictures of your beautiful V8s and
know it can be done so....

Here is my deal:

The car definitely has UFOs. I'm not a particularly aggressive driver, so a
comfortable ride is preferred over the aesthetics of a super large wheel.
That said, probably 16" wheels would do. If that cuts down on tire choices
too much, then I guess I'd be willing to get 17' wheels. It was suggested to
me to stick as close to specs as I could - so find a wheel that is et35. But
now I've read in the archives that wheels with that offset may not go over
the UFOs. I liked the idea of sticking with specs and not using spacers but
am I going to be able to do this? And, in addition (this might be a silly
question but...) Can I trust the local folks mounting the tires and wheels
to figure out the spacer thing?

Your suggestions will really be appreciated.

Dee
1990 V8 pearl





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