Autocross wheel size?

[pdavisson]

Howdy all,

I'm currently setting up a MK2 I recently purchased, for SCCA solo and local events in XP/BP.
From what I've seen Dave Borden and Wade Chamberlain were running what look to be Real Racing wheels on their early cars (MK1/MK2).
I'd like to order a set but need the dimensions. I assume that since Dave Borden ran his car in AP at the time, that they were 16"dia.
I've tried to look up info on "The Mistress" but haven't found wheel/tire sizes.

Thanks for any and all help, Phil

[SteveHsr]

Howdy all,

I'm currently setting up a MK2 I recently purchased, for SCCA solo and local events in XP/BP.
From what I've seen Dave Borden and Wade Chamberlain were running what look to be Real Racing wheels on their early cars (MK1/MK2).
I'd like to order a set but need the dimensions. I assume that since Dave Borden ran his car in AP at the time, that they were 16"dia.
I've tried to look up info on "The Mistress" but haven't found wheel/tire sizes.

Thanks for any and all help, Phil

You really need to identify the tire you want to run. Performance tires in wider sizes appropriate to a Cobra are somewhat limited. Hoosier A7's your car will be for 17in. wheels and the situation is worse if you want to run performance street tires for CAMS. You might be looking at a 19in. Wheel. I think Avon is an exception (not really up to date on those, kinda spends). Don't rely on my specifics, but do choose the tire you want and then the wheel.

[CraigS]

Wade's last set were 16x12 front and rear and the BS was 7 in. They require a full on 315 mod in the back and 1000# front springs because the front tires are beyond the fenders. The 16 diameter helped w/ clearance. As of a year ago Avon had tires in 16 and 18 but no 17s. He ran 12.5/25-16 tires in A11 compound. He actually started w/ 11" wheels and 11/23.5-16 tires on the front. But the second season he ran the 12.5s on all 4 corners. This info is from an email series we exchanged the first year he ran them. RIP Wade.
If you want to go a little more conservative and a lot less expensive, I run 10.5x17 Bullits and 315 A7 hoosiers on all 4 corners.

[pdavisson]

Wade's last set were 16x12 front and rear and the BS was 7 in. They require a full on 315 mod in the back and 1000# front springs because the front tires are beyond the fenders. The 16 diameter helped w/ clearance. As of a year ago Avon had tires in 16 and 18 but no 17s. He ran 12.5/25-16 tires in A11 compound. He actually started w/ 11" wheels and 11/23.5-16 tires on the front. But the second season he ran the 12.5s on all 4 corners. This info is from an email series we exchanged the first year he ran them. RIP Wade.
If you want to go a little more conservative and a lot less expensive, I run 10.5x17 Bullits and 315 A7 hoosiers on all 4 corners.

Thank you Sir, that's what I was looking for. I'd pretty much decided on the 16's but didn't know what width/backspacing would fit. I'll probably try out 16x10's w/6"bs with 275 or 11"ish slicks with a 25" dia. at all 4.
My theory here echo's Bob Tunnell's in that narrower rubber, especially on a light car, will come up to temp quicker and be more usable. The other benefit is less rotational/unsprung weight. Hopefully it works. :-)

Thanks again, Phil

P.S. I was sorry to learn of Wade passing while researching. He looked to be a pretty great guy.

[CraigS]

That year he ran the smaller fronts he and I were also experimenting w/ disconnecting the rear swaybar. He kept saying he liked the hookup out of a turn better but didn't like the mid turn understeer. I had similar results w/ my 295/315 setup. That is why we both went to the same size tires front and rear. I have heard that theory on the smaller tires but can't confirm it. Might work in the spring and fall but I water my tires after the 2nd or 3rd run run in the middle of the season so I know they are getting warm.