Greetings from a newbie!

[csx4910]

Greeting everyone - I am new to site having started following things. I currently have a CSX car under construction. I have wanted a Cobra since my 5 yr old eyes saw one. I have a question for you all. I would like to go with 17 inch wheels but rarely see any on a CSX car. I found some on the Vintage wheels website but I don't know if the spacing etc. will fit on my car. Does anyone have any experience with swaping the 15 in for 17in. If so what tire size. i hope to have the car finished in a couple months.

[computerworks]

Welcome to the site.

There are a few other forums here that might help with your question

Click here for the Shelby Autos forum (CSX)

Click here for the Tires and Wheels forum

[csx4910]

Thanks. I will check them out.
Ron

[Danr55]

CSX, I tried it on my CCX car. Take my word for it. Stick with the 15s. Better control and stability. Better ride.

[Hollywood]

Now Dan while I admit the ride may be a little softer I really like my new 17 and 18's on my cobra. I have had quite a few compliments as well and i definitely think the car handles better so I think it is just a personal preference. Just you will be thrilled either way right guys.
Welcome to the club!!!

Jim

[mikiec]

18's do not belong on a cobra.. A honda yes, but not a cobra.

Look at Fitz... he even has blue lights on his. Oh the shame.

Mike

[Got the Bug]

Ron - Welcome to the madness! 15" wheels are the way to go...they just look right. You won't find many opinionated people on CC.

[Danr55]

Com'on Mikie, cut him a brake. It would look funny, a Cobra with 17 inch wheels and a bobble-head doll on the dash board.

[BDR427R]

My BDR has polished aluminum 17's and I have had nothing but compliments about them... However, I do not have a bobble-head maybe that is the missing piece...

[Stentor]

Why is it that you want to go with a 17" wheel (e.g, look or performance-tire availability)?

With a CSX 4000 you might want to stick with the 15" wheels and upgrade to the Avon tires (assuming you like the look of the 15" wheels but are looking for a better 15" tire). The Avons are a very good 15" peformance tire for Cobras (vis-a-vis the limited 15" tire options). I have them on my car, and I am very pleased with them.

Is your car a Hi-Tech or HST-produced car? If Hi-Tech, you should be able to reach out to Barry Bloch (General Manager at Shelby Distribution) and inquire about tire sizes for 17" wheels.

You could also talk with the folks at Shelby Automobiles (e.g., Gary Patterson) regarding 17" tire sizes.

Good luck.

[Larry N Johnson]

Vintage brand 17" pin drive rims on a Kirkham.

[Hollywood]

Wow Mikiec thanks for that on my 18's, you told me they looked fine, hmmmm. they all look good, just individuality I guess. lol

Glad there are no opinions here, what fun would that be!!!!

[csx4910]

I wanted them for both looks and performance. I have contact Shelby via the web adn have just been told they don't offer them (with no other suggestions) I will try to contact you listed. I was looking for the exact same pin drive trigo styl knockoffs but in a polished or black 17 in size. Maybe I will just wait until I get the car done and see how the 15's are. One thing for sure, you all are NOT lacking in opinions and differences in personal tastes. I appreciate all of the input. After reading how long some people waited for their cars/engines, I just hope the roush engine won't take as long as some to get here.
Ron

[Stentor]

You can get an extra set of wheels that will look exactly like what comes on your CSX 4000 from Vintage Wheels (in 15" or 17").

http://www.vintagewheelsus.com/index.html

I got an extra set of 15" rims from them, and I was very pleased. Vintage should be able to tell you the exact rim and tire sizes that will work for your car.

Regarding Shelby, I would suggest calling Gary Patterson directly (call main Shelby number and ask for him), instead of dealing with other folks there.

[csx4910]

Thanks I will do that. The other tires that were mentioned before can someone tell me where to get them?

[Stentor]

Check out Roger Kraus Racing for tires for your Cobra.

http://www.rogerkrausracing.com/Cobra/

You should consider the Goodyear Billboards ("tire B" on the website), or the Avons ("tire F" on the website).

You can search the forum to find more information/opinions on these tires.

The Billboards look great, but are a bias-ply tire.

The Avons are a V-rated radial tire (probably about the best all around performing 15" tire available for Cobras).

Good luck.

[Mike Brasfield]

Wheel size was the hardest decision for me. I finally went to 17" because of the availability of the tires. After 7 years on the road I still like the looks of the 15" best. JMO

[Bill Bess]

Ron, I put Mickey Thompson S/R radials on my 15" Vintage pin drive wheels and they look great, I especially like the fat tire width and flame tread design.

I can't really compare them to another tire brand because this is my first set of tires on my car, but they seem to work very well and ride good.
I stuck with the 15" wheels because it made the cobra appear to me, more balanced...you know when the wheels are too large..all you see is the wheels and not the whole package. I wanted the cobra to look like they did back in the 60's...more tire than wheel, just my personal opinion.

Anyway, A Cobra looks great anyway you do it. Best Regards, Bill

[csx4910]

Thanks to everyone for the input. I really appreciate it. I found out today that my motor had finally shipped from Roush last friday so it will hopefully be here soon. I don't have the skills or experience of many of you to do the work myself. I am jealous reading of all of your experiences in "the build" I have never had that opportunity. I hope you all don't hold it against me. I look forward to getting on the raod in a month or so and attending some of your events.
CSX 4910

[mikiec]

The build is over rated. It's the driving that counts.

Mike