93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Topic: 93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage! (Read 4289 times) previous topic - next topic

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

January 08, 2007, 09:54:15 PM

Hey all,

I am finally getting around to some stuff on my Cougar, namely the 1993 Cobra rims (17x8.5") are now in my possession.

The fronts might stick out a tad (hard to tell with the car raised up and suspension fully extended) and that's a little scary but the rear looks pretty good.

Question is...since these wheels are 8.5" wide I am wondering about using 255/45/17 tires. 245s might be stretched a little. I am planning on getting two 255's, mounting them and trying them on the front. If they hit the strut, they will go on the back axle. If they don't I'll just order another set of 255s and forget about 245s in the front.

Any advice before I take the plunge? Just want to get as many ideas before I do it.

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #1 – January 08, 2007, 10:26:30 PM

Sorry about the duplicate thread. The excitement is getting to me. :(

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #2 – January 08, 2007, 10:29:58 PM

The 255's would be a nice fit on the 8.5's.

How much room do you have between the strut and the wheel w/o the tire?

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #3 – January 08, 2007, 10:54:32 PM

Quote from: Chuck W;122653

The 255's would be a nice fit on the 8.5's.

How much room do you have between the strut and the wheel w/o the tire?

Not much, about a pinky finger or so. The 255s might clear the strut, though I'm sure they will rub the wheelwells or something else at full lock.

There's probably enough room for a 275 in the rear but I'd be happy if 255s will fit all around. I'm gonna go with a 255/45/17.

Oh, and these wheels look awesome. The company that makes them is about 20 minutes away from me, and if anyone is interested in them I can probably get you a good deal on them. I paid $480 for all four wheels, chrome lugnuts, lock nuts, chrome valve stems and tax.

Keep your fingers crossed.

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #4 – January 08, 2007, 11:08:01 PM

I have 255/40/17's on 9" wheels all the way around. In the front the tire hits my sway bar and without the spacers the wheels rub the strut when the wheel is stressed. Rear has lots of room. Still wish I would have went with '93 Cobra style 8.5" wide 17s

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #5 – January 09, 2007, 07:09:43 AM

Mine fit fine, and have never rubbed. 255 might be stretching it.

*edit*

Oops. This is for Cobra wheels. Carry on as if you were normal. :)

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #6 – January 09, 2007, 11:00:51 AM

Be sure to post up some pics after you get those wheels mounted!

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #7 – January 09, 2007, 11:26:37 PM

I can't wait to get this done but I'm overthinking and worrying about this to no end. 255s all around? 245s all around? 245s up front and 275s out back? Then factor in the rolling diameters matching the stock 225/60/15 is driving me nuts.

I think I'll just get a set of 245s all around, even if they do stretch on a 8.5" wheel. I just want them installed and ready to roll!

Pics will follow, whenever the heck I get it done!

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #8 – January 09, 2007, 11:30:42 PM

Keep us posted. I've been thinking about a set for mine. You can be the ginny pig so I can see how they look/work on a fox Bird or Cat.

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #9 – January 10, 2007, 12:35:20 AM

Quote from: thunderjet302;122886

You can be the ginny pig so I can see how they look/work on a fox Bird or Cat.

Now I know my place LOL... :)

Don't worry guys, you'll be the first to know how it works out. Its gonna be great, whatever I do.

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #10 – January 10, 2007, 09:57:57 AM

My road racing friends run 225-width tires on 8.5" wide wheels. This places the edge of the tread exactly where the edge of the wheel is, giving maximum stiffness to the sidewall.

You probably don't want that for the street, the ride will be harsh and there won't be any wheel protection from curbs, etc.

You can run 245 or 255s on them no problem at all. I wouldn't try to run a 255/45 up front because that tire is a little tall for the nose of these cars, especially if you lower it.

Also these cars (visually) need a significantly taller tire in the rear than up front IMO. I'd run the 255/45s in back, and run either a 245/45 or 255/40 up front. The 275/40s won't fit all that great on an 8.5" rim, there will be a lot of sidewall pooge.

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #11 – January 10, 2007, 10:07:49 AM

Quote from: pro-five-oh;122901

Now I know my place LOL... :)

Don't worry guys, you'll be the first to know how it works out. Its gonna be great, whatever I do.

Well someone has to be the ginny pig and try something out to see if it works. Since you already have the wheels you're a perfect candidate :grinno:

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #12 – January 10, 2007, 10:54:06 AM

Geez fellas.

It's GUINEA PIG. :D :D :D

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #13 – January 10, 2007, 12:15:16 PM

I ordered a set of 245/45/17 Firestone Wide Ovals (these are great summer tires) from Tirerack and they'll be here tomorrow.

Pics by this weekend!

93 Cobra (replica) wheels in the garage!

Reply #14 – January 10, 2007, 04:25:09 PM

Quote from: pro-five-oh;123005

I ordered a set of 245/45/17 Firestone Wide Ovals (these are great summer tires) from Tirerack and they'll be here tomorrow.

Pics by this weekend!

Cool:cool: