BritishV8 Forum

I have got into a great debate with my brother about tires and wheels. While there is a convenience and price associated with my wheel choices, However I really want to do what looks best and I want to know what others think. I Really know this is all about preference but I also want to consider the other driving aspects of different sized tires and rims?
Okay so these are the wheels I am going to use, Which is what I like better.


Here is a 15 inch rim and tire

This is what the car came with wire wheels

Another version of 17 inch rims and tires, this looks like to much rim to me


So what are your thoughts and opinions? Anything is appreciated and all comments are welcome

IMO anything over 15" to 16" max will look like to much wheel on an MGB.  What is the size of the wheels & tires in your first pic? It still looks a bit overwhelming.  The biggest issue I have is that I could lay on my back and crawl all the way under that car without needing a jack. Personally, I like 'em low. My MG won't clear a dead skunk in the middle of the road.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uu5hzc2Mei4

I think 17"s can look good but the stance has to be right and the wheel openings adjusted to make them look like they belong instead of being stuffed in. If you don't prepare the car for the larger wheels then I agree with Carl.

Nick, Bullit wheels the best then the bottom Mustang wheels and lower the car a couple of inches.

I'm with Jim on the Bullit wheels

I stand corrected, 17s really can look good with the proper stance.

I like the bullit wheels myself and that is what I planned on using, However my point I was trying to make was with all the different tire and wheel choices I was putting out there all of them had the same tire ratio. So with the being said all the tires were the same size and the rims were the only thing that changed. Also the car does not have any weight in it at this point so the stance of the car is a little skewed

"IMO anything over 15" to 16" max will look like to much wheel on an MGB. What is the size of the wheels & tires in your first pic? It still looks a bit overwhelming. The biggest issue I have is that I could lay on my back and crawl all the way under that car without needing a jack. Personally, I like 'em low. My MG won't clear a dead skunk in the middle of the road. "

Carl, First pic is with 245/45R17, I like them low myself and actually I can barely get underneath this cars as it sits now? I think with the engine in it and a few minor adjustments on the rear suspension it will sit lower than it appears now

We have 17x9  BBS on our display mule with toyo tires that are the same dia as the stock B tire
however we have cheated to get the car down low (IE; it's not properly done) but everything seems
to clear.
Dave

My wheels are 17 but they are black.  I think the black makes them not look as out of place.  The benefit to the 17 inch wheel is the tire choices and brake packaging. http://www.britishv8.org/MG/IvanCollins.htm

These two cars are near twins except for color and wheels. This gives a good comparison of the different tire/wheel sizes. Some prefer the red car, some prefer the green.

That's an 18" vs 15" comparison.

Here's 16" vs 17" wheels:

More 17" wheels:



One BIG advantage of 17's is that you can offset them to the inside past the steering knuckle, which lets you center the wider tires and keep the steering light, to say nothing of reducing the need to flare the bodywork.

Jim

Step back and tell me... When it comes time, do I take my hubs to the machine shop to have the lug pattern drilled to match whatever rear end I use? And, if I use the stock rear, can I get those hubs drilled for a 5-bolt pattern?

It's just something I really haven't given too much in-depth thought - yet.

MGB is not very conducive to redrilling a new pattern. Not sure if there is a replacement axle that can be drilled to suit. So, time for that 8" rear. Problem is the front. There are workarounds there as well.

No quick & easy solutions that I am aware of or I would already be running lightweight Miata wheels.

so, I guess this post is the one I need to read over, and over, and over...  http://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?7,17265,17373

Yes.......or place an order for a front crossmember from Bill Guzman or Ted Lathrop.

I'm planning on Bill's v8 mount kit, but I don't have the $$ for the front cross member - yet.

Wheels and tires are a matter of preference.  Wheels for looks, tires for performance.  Most modern wheels will take the punishment we dish out.

In my case I choose 18" staggered wheels.  

Tire  275/35R 18    10.8" Wide      Wheel  18X8 5-100 40HGR - Rear
Tire  215/35R 18     8.6" Wide       Wheel  18X9 5-120 40HGR - Front

I don't know I still think it's yours do what is pleasing to your eyes. I know that's what I did and I love the look I have. I wish I knew how to fit my pics on here, I can only put some on

If you a looking for a bargain these wheels were $79.95 on sale at Discount Tire 3 years ago, these are 14" but similar style was offered in 15"-17".  Rear springs were changed between the 1st photo taken in SFO in 2011 and the 2nd photo taken last fall on my return trip from OR.  My old springs had me riding a little lower but I was hitting road kill, and speed bumps so I compromised handling for convenience.  It's easier to get out of the car now with it an inch higher.

 

PJ - are those the stock lug pattern? I really like those. And I love Lombard Street!!

I Love all the pics coming in! There are so many good looking vehicles out there. I am still loooking for more of answer regarding wheels and tires. From the looks of it all the tires and rims combo I have seen so far, the full tire ratio is about the same. I am committed to the 16" or larger rims because of my breaking design, However, I agree there alot more wheel and tire choices out there because I am using a ford pattern and of the 17" rim. I also like the fact I can put more meat under the car because of the offset (Thanks Jim, car looks great by the way!). So there is a debate there while a smaller rim may look more aesthetically pleasing to the original, Is there an advantage to putting a larger and wider tire under a car, that we are increasing HP and performance on? Thoughts Opinions?

I'm kind of in Carl's camp, I like the car low.  I went with 205R50/15's and VTO Classic 8 wheels.  It makes for a little rougher ride but anybody who has owned a T-Bucket wouldn't care much about that.


Paul

Tim,  yes stock lug pattern