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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - 7x15 Compomotive wheels update

Well finally got the new wheels.
Started with a pair of 205/50's just to make sure they fit. A lot of clearance on the back about 15mm inside and out, but they dont look right ( opted for 55 series ) tempted to try 225's.
On the front stuck with the 50 series and had problems with the tyre touching the anti roll bar on full lock. The extra 1.5 inches of width is on the inside so I figure a 3/4" spacer to put the centre of the tyre in the right place and clear the roll bar. So 205/50 on front and 205/55 on the back.
Driving the car was a revelation, best modification yet. Feels so stable and feels like its on rails through turns, also braking performance improved.
The only down side is a marked harshness to the ride which was to be expected with an already firm suspension setup.
Have asked the tyre shop to save an old pair of 225/50 bridgestones if they get some in so as to see if they fit. Until then Ill fit some 10mm spacers.
Also the lower profile tyres have lowered the car providing additional cornering ability.
My car has standard bodywork with the exeption of no lips to the rear arches and the bump stop bulge flattened.
The wheels look superb being minilite type in silver.
Just had it on the dyno Saturday 192hp at the wheels.
Dont suppose the rears will last long!

Mark
Mark Rawlins

Hi Mark

A simpler solution might be to have some lock restrictors turned up.

I had some nylon bar turned down to make 1/2 spacers, with a hole in the center the same diameter as the rack, and a slot so they could be soaked in hot water and snapped over the bar. The then sit under the gaiters out of sight.

Nick
Nick Smallwood

Hello Mark,
Do you know what the offset of your new wheels are?
The number is usually on the face near the bolt holes and given as ET _ _ mm.
I am looking at some that are 16 x 7 with an offset of 22mm.
This info would realy help those looking at other wheels.

Mike
Mike

Hi Mike
The offset is ET 38 hope this helps

Mark
Mark Rawlins

Mike,

As far as I know the standard B offset is 22mm.

Mark,

Would be interesting to use a smaller width on front compared to rear.

Paul
Paul

Ideally I would have liked 6.5 inch wheels on the front but unfortunately they are not available only 6 or 7 inch. Thought 6 would be too small for 205 tyres.
I can't see any problem using the spacers in fact widening the track should help the handling and looks more agressive.
Longer Ford 12mm studs fit no problem.

Mark
Mark Rawlins

Mark,
Thanks for the answer. The wheels I have been looking at are Panasport ( minilite replicas ). Availible on this side of the pond at:
http://www.kspeed.com/

I was told that the 16x7" were for the MGB only and had an ET 22mm. I thought this would be tight on the rear fender lip but would solve the problem you had at the front. Interesting that yours with ET 38mm fit the rear fine. Spacers at the front would be easier than body work on the rear in my eyes.

Regards,
Mike
Mike

Mike,

ET38 moves wheel inboard. Can you get ET22 for front and ET38 for rear?

Paul
Paul

Mark,
It is my understanding that the wheels are available in 0 mm or 22mm offsets. That being the case the ET 22mm are the only choice. Depending on the thickness of the mounting flange of the wheel, it may be possible to turn 10-15mm from the wheel. This would move the wheel in and provide the needed rear fender clearance but only if there is sufficient material.
There is the "baseball bat" rolling of the rear lip as an option as well. I realise that 16x7 may give room where your 15x7 did not or the other way is possible as well. Due to a fantastic deal on Yokohama AVS S1 tires in 205-55-16 I have commited myself to at least trying this size.
Thanks again for the help.
Mike
Mike

This thread was discussed between 14/10/2001 and 16/10/2001

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