17" or 18" wheels

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by mrracer

I'd like to add my 2 cents, as I see this question or concern a lot on this forum. I'm new to the forum and in the research stage right now. But the reason I I would modernize it for one is because I've owned several "sports" cars of similar era; mustangs, camaro's, etc nothing beats modern reliability (in regards to drive train) and modern brakes, supension when compared to anything of that era.

2 to address what I beleive your question was eluding to. My feeling is, this is a replica so not in it for any type of return in that regard. Therefore the look of bigger rims, wider tires, that muscle car look of the car but with a modernize look like the BDR offers is what I'm after. Realiabilty I can achieve with a modern fuel injected engine coupled with the retro/modernize look is a head turner. Ask any younger generation customizing a vehicle and they would agree. Your making the car yours by adding to the good look of the car with gauges, led lights (better night visibility), gt body, front spoiler...

Fair enough but, when it comes to wheels and tires, some folks get carried away with the 'bigger is better' mindset. Cobras look good with 15", and there are many who feel bigger spoils the look. Many have gone with 17" or 18" and are quite happy, especially when it comes to handling prowess. Hell, even Carroll Shelby probably would have done so back in the '60s if he had the chance to do so - especially if he could make a few extra $$ in the process!

Car and Driver magazine compared different wheel & tire size combos back in 2010 (on a VW Golf, so be careful about extrapolating that data to Cobras). In summary, the larger wheels and lower profile tires improved skidpad performance, but the best acceleration, stopping and fuel economy came from the smaller (and lighter) wheels and tires. YMMV

Here's their summary: "The 19-inch wheels definitely look the coolest. But the 17- and 18-inch setups offer a better compromise of grip, acceleration, price, and ride harshness, so we’re not surprised VW uses 17- and 18-inch sizes on its hot Golf, the GTI. If it’s acceleration you’re after, stick with the smaller, lighter wheels and tires. And remember, unless you believe it is better to look good than to feel good, take our advice and stay away from extremely low-profile sidewalls and massively heavy wheels."

Read the article at: Effects of Upsized Wheels and Tires Tested - Tech Dept. - Car and Driver

Reminder: This test was on a VW Golf, so not comparable to Cobras (e.g. FWD vs RWD, power/weight ratio, etc.).