tire size on 5.5 wheels

[nicolas]

i am going to put some tires on my gasburmers, but i am unsure what the maximum size is that can be fitted. i have read somewhere that SOB put 235 wide wheels on his car, but i can't find the topic, neither do i know if it was on the gas burners or not… i am looking for a wide acceptable (read road safe and still handling well)

thanks!

[leec]

Why so wide? Although I prefer the look of my 205/70 on my 63, the drive on a 185/70 is much nicer on my oval.

Lee

[nicolas]

Why so wide? Although I prefer the look of my 205/70 on my 63, the drive on a 185/70 is much nicer on my oval.

Lee

i am looking at a wide track to handle wider slicks in the future. i want to see what street tyre will eventually 'match' a 8" slick… i am also looking at widening the rear wings…

i have the 185/70's on my fastback and i doubt they will be wide enough to cope with what i have in mind, a 215/65 may be a better idea, OR BIGGER 

[leec]

What power you putting through? My 185's have gone 12.4@111mph on my oval. They grip nice

[Zach Gomulka]

215's are the biggest that fit well and look right under a stock fender. They will be a bit bloated looking on a gasburner though. 235/60's will go if you get the offset perfect, but the entire bulge of the tire will be outside the fender and look like crap, IMO.

[Wunder Wim]

I have the M&H 215's on my OG gasburners. Nice fit I think

[cedric]

wide ovals are 215:65 i  think and long axels not good under a67 beetle with brm 5.5 et11 more et was better

[Erlend / bug66]

215 on 5,5-6 and long axles work. but you need atleast ET30..

[modnrod]

I've had 215/60s on 5.5" rims fairly happily, but I'm with Lee, 185s or 195s will handle better and give a nicer ride too.

Lee, what brand tyre are your 185/70s? Are they comparable grip-wise with a newer modern 205/65 or 195/65?

[leec]

Hi,
They are a more modern tyre anyway. Khumo's. They do light up a little quicker than the 205's, but the 205's are pushed by 105bhp and the 185's by 200bhp, so not really a fair comparison.
Lee

[peejke]

So what's the plan?? ...

[neil68]

I ran 215/65's on my 5.5" Sprintstars for several years without issue.  As you can see, there is a bit of side bulge, so I don't think you want to go much wider on a 5.5" wheel: 

[nicolas]

thanks for the input. and i actually like the look of the 215/65 so if i have it all my way the MH may be the best looking option, but it is not a 'street' tire.  a good quality tire will be the first thing to look for i guess.