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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Oversized wheels for Midget?

Hi,

I'm looking at buying some 13.0" x 6.0" Minilite wheels for my standard '67 midget. Would there be problems with clearance, etc?(I've heard that flaring the wheelarches might be neccesary, which wouldn't be ideal...)
Would they affect handling, speed or anything like that?

Any help will be MUCH appreciated!

Cheers!

Josh
Josh Spooner

since your "67 is a SWA and assuming you will fit a corresponding tyre size (185)it will not fit!

even with 165 on a 5J rim you need a panhard rod to get rid of the worst of the rubbing

175 on a 5J rim is the max for a SWA with standard ride height and this setup will rub the side wall against the inner wheel arch and sometimes even agains the leaf spring.

Mine has 165 on a 5J rim with an panhard rod and is lowered and it rubs the side walls.

But if you drive like a nanny it might work out but then there would be no need for wide tyre's
Onno Könemann

I would like to know definitively as well!

after trawling the archives for what seems like forever (!):

from my experience/ opinion of wider tyres on 13 x 5.5 inch rims:

yes there might be clearance issues on a SWA, mines a RWA so no issue there. It depends on offset and tyre width.

handling, arguably makes it worse (unsprung weight) but grip levels are higher so you don't tent to notice - higher grip levels can show up other issues with keeping the suspension in line and definitely stresses stuff more. straight line speed slightly reduced for wider tyres of same circumference, increased if circumference is bigger at the expense of acceleration. possibly not a noticeable effect.

what size tyres were you thinking of fitting? I've got 175/70R13 on my now very tired minator wheels, I was wondering if I could go to 13x6 when funds allow, or keep the same width wheel. I like the wider tyres and the K has provided amusing surfeit of power over grip. triangulating top arm at front and polybushes at rear with telescopics all round has sorted the *odd* feeling that dad's has on standard suspension and the wider tyres.

await other opinions as well!

Rob

edit - bugger, beaten by onno :)
Rob Armstrong

Clearance - yes

Handling - defo!

I changed mine to 80s, but, am searching for a set of 70s - if not 65s - as I hate the handling on it, and the bigger 165 doesn't seem to make up for it at all.
rachmacb

Rach with those rostyles you should fit 155/80's

I had 155/80 on my wire wheel midget and that was great just get a sticky compound and you'll have plenty of grip.

The unsprung weight does make your car less comfortable.

don't go wider go stickyer!
Onno Könemann

LOL - I hate to the pits the 155/80s!!!!!!!!

I had 70s before, then had to change in a hurry the day before leaving for Holland, and the guy at the tyre shop had these lying around his store and he said, oh, they'll be good for autotesting too .....! Everytime I do a quick change of direction, I nearly lose the whole darn back end!
rachmacb

just get good ones and put lots of air in them!
Onno Könemann

LOL - that would also help, but, I do have to admit to not even having checked before sailing as I picked the car up about 6pm the night before leaving at 5am - and, they always over-fill them anyway .... and yes, I know that's really bad and a feeble excuse!!!!!
rachmacb

I think the biggest problem is there are no quality perfomance tyre smaller than 175's with a much better choice when you get to 185's.
I used 185/60/13s on 5.5" wheels without a panhard rod by rolling the flange over on the square arch and pushing it out.It did rub occasionaly but not enough to be a real problem.
The differance in grip with Bridgestone RE71s was dramatic and something that some people seem to forget is the much decreased stopping distance with modern sticky rubber.

Carl


C Bintcliffe

This thread was discussed on 29/09/2010

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