I started a thread on 02/27/07 about a new drag wheel/tire setup. I could have just posted this as a response to that thread, but it only received 34 views and I'm at a time-critical point.

Anyway, I ordered the wheels, and they arrived this afternoon. They are Enkei 16x7, +38 offset. I haven't ordered the tires yet; I wanted to test fit the wheels before I ordered the tires.

The wheels fit, and clear the rear 05 caliper by maybe 5mm. So I'm cool there. However, I'm concerned with fitment of the tire.

The tires that I plan on ordering are BFG 255/50/16's drag radials. This tire has a rim width range of 7" to 9", with a measured rim width of 8". So the tires will fit the wheels. The question is, will the wheels, with the tires mounted, fit? Tirerack states that the section width is 10.3", but that's on an 8" wheel. I'm assuming that I could take off .2" to .4" by mounting the tires to these 7" wheels.

Anyway, while I had the wheel on, I looked at clearance. I have no idea how the tires will fit within the rear fender(this is an 05 sedan). I'm not too concerned with rubbing the fender; these tires are only 26.1" inches tall, and I'm running coupe springs in the rear.

However, I am concerned with clearance from the rear strut. I measured, and at the top of the wheel extends almost 3 inches from the strut. The center of the wheel, quite a bit less. The actual measurements are misleading though, because the wheel was drooping while the rear was on a floor jack.

Here are some pictures. Can any of the resident experts tell me if the tires will fit?

 

Bump.

 

what aever happened to this thread?