MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - 5-1/2' Superlites, Will they fit?

Has anybody successfully mounted a set of 5-1/2" Superlites on an early Sprite MK2-3 or midget MK1-2?
What tire size is suitable?
Thanks
Pete W.

Good question Pete, i want to know too. i tried 6J minilites on a 70 square wheel arch midget with 175 50 13s it was too tight on the back wheel arch. be nice to know if we could get away with 5.5J and maybe 165 70 13s. the superlites look great i am considering them myself but like you need to know weather they will tuck up under the arch.

Cheers Brett
B MURCH

I presume you mean the superlites by performance wheels? It's close. We have encountered a number of customers who have had superlites fitted who have had problems with fouling the inner wings. As I understand it, they are clear static but foul on bump and cornering, even after jacking the wheelarch. My recollection is that these are 5.5" rims, but I can't be 100% sure, as Performance also do a 13x6" Superlite.

On the other hand, our K Midget is running 14x5.5" Minilites with 175-60x14 Formula R's (quite wide on the tread) and 175-65 road tyres. It cleared on the right hand side, but fouled lightly on cornering on the left (Assymetrical bodyshell as usual!).

We jacked the left hand rear wheelarch about 5mm at the rear intersection of the tyre and arch - as much as you could go without creasing the outer wing. That solved the problem, but we do have a panhard rod fitted and without it we get light rubbing.

The difference between the two wheels according to my listings and measurement is not great. The backspace (mounting face to inner edge of rim) is listed as 101mm for the Superlite, whereas for the Minilites I have measured it as 103mm.

So the Superlite is offset 2mm more to the outside than a wheel which needs jacking on the left (it's usually the left which is a bit tighter) and a panhard rod to keep things in place.

My conclusion would be that without either of these measures you'll have a problem, with them you migh squeak through but it may depend on the actual body, it's previous history and how any repairs in the area have been done.

As I said, it's close!
Paul Walbran

I support Paul's outcomes, as I have 5.5 performance wheels with 175.65.13 ,have given the guards a small push and have a panhard rod.Sometimes rubbing does occur, but only after a day spent sideways in a grass paddock doing what a midget does very well.....making us :-) smile
mike smith (NZ)

This thread was discussed between 26/06/2008 and 02/07/2008

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.