FIA wheel size?

Tongue Pirate · #1 (**permalink**) 01-02-2003, 05:52 PM

Bob,
What are the widest rims that will reasonably fit under the FIA fenders & that I can still reasonably find tires for in 15". The reason I am asking is that I was speaking with P.S. Engineering a few weeks ago on a visit. He mentioned that when I get to the point when I am ready to put wheels under a car we will try to fit the widest wheels we can under it. From scouring over your site for the last couple of years I know that you mention that 9.5" width in pin drive will fit under the rear. He, the owner(sorry he didn't give me his name???) mentioned 10" or possibly even wider. I wasn't sure if what he meant was 9.5" as you have listed or if in fact that possibly a wider wheel may fit(asthetics are important!)?

GeorgiaSnake · #2 (**permalink**) 01-02-2003, 06:33 PM

Depends on what car and axle you have.

Measure from outside of the hub to outside of hub.

Measure distance from the hub to body. Double the hub to body dim add the axle width. Subtract 1 1/2 to 2" for tire clearance. Now measure the distance from your balls to the floor no wait that's for something else.
Divide by 2 and you have the approximate outer offset. Measure from the hub to the inside of the body or whatever is closer to the hub add that to the offset and you have the approximate width.

If that doesn't work I can probably come up with a more difficult set of instructions.

cobrajeff · #3 (**permalink**) 01-02-2003, 06:50 PM

I have BFG Euro T/A's, in size 305/50X15, on 10" PSE FIA wheels on my ERA FIA. No fit problems anywhere.

The Euro T/A's are hard to find, I believe the regular T/A's in size 295/50X15 are easier to find. Either one fits fine.

regards,

Jeff Burgy

Tongue Pirate · #4 (**permalink**) 01-02-2003, 08:10 PM

Thank you, So I am assuming that 10" is a pretty tight fit? Looks like your tires are about as far out as one would want to go asthetically. Is you inner clearance pretty tight also?

SSSnake · #5 (**permalink**) 01-02-2003, 08:36 PM

I've got the 9.5" in the back with 295/50/15's with no clearance problems. That is the size ERA recommends for street use i'm pretty sure. That size tire is actually rather cheap to buy. I think the dunlop gt qualifiers are about $75 a piece from Tirerack.com

Glenn

cobrajeff · #6 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 02:38 PM

Actually, I have about 2.0 inches of clearance on the inside, on both sides of the car. The outside edge, as stated, is pretty much to the edge, and probably would not look right if it protruded out of the fender opening.

regards,

Jeff

Murt Farcus · #7 (**permalink**) 01-04-2003, 06:04 PM

I run 10 on the rear and 8 on the front with BlueStreaks...8.00x15 rear and 6.00x15 front. The car is set fairly low to the ground with stiffer than stock springs. At full bounce when racing...I get tire rub on inner and outer finders at the rear...not from cornering...but from full suspension compression. I don't remember what the offset is, but it is slightly different from stock ERA....I have the full independent rear set-up and initially had some rubbing of the tire on the suspension during cornering...slight rework...no problem after that.

MF

Tongue Pirate · #8 (**permalink**) 01-05-2003, 07:48 AM

Thank you for all the answers on the wheels!

I have a few others now!

On a 289 motor with a holley double pumper would I have enough clearance for a Edelbrock performer RPM manifold?

How deep can I go with the oil pan?

Early or late style water pump?

Bob Putnam · #9 (**permalink**) 01-06-2003, 04:51 AM

T.P.

Maximum pan depth is 8.5" without going below the chassis. (It's in the manual.)

We have connecting tubes for both left and right intake water pumps.

Our "Rushin" has a 351 (I don't know the deck height) with a Victor Jr. manifold. It seems to be a bit taller than the Performer, so you shouldn't have much problem on a 302.

Edelbrock manifold page

We had to use a drop-base air filter on the 351 though.

Tongue Pirate · #10 (**permalink**) 01-06-2003, 08:07 AM

Bob,
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions.

M. Farcus · #11 (**permalink**) 01-07-2003, 02:59 PM

Air cleaner will fit just fine...I'm using a 3" deep x 14" on spun aluminum base. Watch out for big headed MSD distributors...gets close to air cleaner when using Victor Jr intake on ittsy bittsy 289.
Water pump can be either...I went with a driver side intake, got the water pump from Stewart Mfg. ... they make NASCAR pumps.
I run a restrictor with a 1" opening, no fan, and never get temps over 180...racing.

MF

Cobra 29 · #12 (**permalink**) 01-07-2003, 07:49 PM

Bob, I have tried several air cleaners to achieve fit and the greatest flow. I have almost given up. The picture you show above is an K&N X-stream assembly. Is the diameter 14"? With an element height of 2 3/4"? or 3 3/4"? These selections are from the Summit catalog. By your description I know it is a drop base. Thanks in advance.

Bob Putnam · #13 (**permalink**) 01-08-2003, 04:38 AM

That air filter's element is only 2" or 2.25" high.