classic roadster cobra rims and tires size

[panzer]

Hello, I'm french and I need an information : I'm the owner of an ac cobra classic roadster (1991). I bought by Vintage Wheels some 7.5 x 15 for the front with 3.6 backspacing, and 9.5 x 15 for the rear with 4 inches backspacing.
For the tires, I'm going to buy some 235/60/15 for the front and 295/50/15 for the rear. Do you think that it can supply for this car or not? Can I have problem using this kind of wheels ? I want please your opinion about this, thanks.
I send you an hello from PARIS, lovers town !
Domi

[Excaliber]

Classic Roadsters, especially the older ones, dont have much room for tire clearance. I would be surprised if the 295X50's will fit without rubbing.

[panzer]

I understand what you say, but in your opinion, what size of tires can I use for rear, on 9,5x15 rims (classic roadster 1991), to the max ?
Thanks for your answer
Bye
Domi

[Excaliber]

Not sure how BIG you can go, it's a question best directed to Classic Roadsters II. Perhaps you can contact them directly through their web site.

Another way would be to search here for information concerning Classic Roadster tire size. But that could take a LONG time and may not fully answer the question.

I ordered tires for mine and they were to big, I was stuck with them! Others have had the same experience with other makes, like FFR is limited on tire size.

You DO need to be careful before you buy the wrong size.

[snake oil]

My car is a 1992 Classic Roadster built by lonestar back in the day.
Anyway my car did have 295 50 15's on the rear.
Once in a while they would scrape (on the edge)
with some weight, going over a dip or bump, but not too bad.
I now run 275 40 17's on the rear and 235 45 17's on the front.
I have no problems with clearance now.

[dscott]

I use 275x60x15 on the rear and 235x60x15 on the front. That tire size will work good with the rims you have. The wheel offset for the front is ok but the rear should have been 4 1/2". You may get some tire rub on the outside of the tire. With the proper offset you can use the 295x50x15 tires.
Don

[Curt C.]

My setup must be somewhat unique. I have a 9 inch out of a 79 Lincoln Versailles complete with disc brakes. I run 305/50/15 on a 15x10 wheel with 5 inches of backspacing. For the track, I run Goodyear Eagle stock car slicks measuring 26.5x10x15. The actual measurements are larger than stated. No problems with rubbing.

[jwinkler]

I ended up going with 17" tires, but Don helped me with sizing. I ended up with 8" rims up front with 3.75" backspacing and 255/45 tires, and 9.5" rims in back with 4.5" backspacing and 285/40 tires (to give a little extra sidewall compared to the 275s).

Compared to the original 245/60/15s and 255/60/15s, front tire height is 26.1" up front and 26" for the rear vs. 26" front and 27" rear with the old tires. I've got pics of the old and new side-by-side that I'll try to post.

They fill the wheelwells nicely - I've got an 8.8" rear-end, and my car was a turn-key from CR in '92, so I don't know how that compares to your car. I have tons of clearance front and rear inside the wheels. Early on, I noticed rubbing on big bumps, but lately I haven't had problems. I've also got a set of coil-overs to put on (all it takes it time ) that should allow me to adjust to the correct ride height.

Good luck!

I just remembered I posted a page of before and after pics: http://winkler.home.texas.net/jlw/new_wheels.html

[panzer]

Hi guys,
Thanks a lot for all these specified, and for your speed. I'm going to take your advice and put some less width tires...
Receive the thanks of french Nation !! (Don't be affraid, of course, it's just a joke....)
Bye
Domi

[Don]

Don built my CR and used the following on Compomotive HB wheels:

8" front, 4" backspace, 245x60x15 BF Goodrich TA Radials

9" rear, 4.6" backspace, 275x60x15 BF Goodrich TA Radials

For the rear , the side of the tire is just about level/even with the wheel opening, i.e. not tucked in. Note the rear backpacing is 4.6".

Sorry, no digital camera

[Richpal1]

Classic Roadster '92

I've got 275 60/15s on the rear
235 60/15s front.

What tires can I put on to give it a "beefier" look?

Thanks,
RP

[Sycraft]

Want to resurrect this old thread.. I measured my rims. Front 15" with 4 3/8 backspacing.. rear 15" with a needed 5.25 backspacing. They have 5.5 but require a 1/4 spacer to clear brakes and not rub. Wan ti go to pin drive and want to make the right choice. Pics later

[Chicagowil]

Sycraft, I am in the same position. My car should come back from paint within a few weeks. Then, its on to final assy and new wheels/tires. I have a set of Cobra II 5 pin wheels with the 1/4" adapters. It looks like the rears will only take 275 on my ca as well.

Hope others will chime in here soon.

[markantioch]

If you have the body off the chassis, cut about 2" off both sides of that worthless back seat tub. That is what overhangs on the frame, and it'll allow you to run 325 back there.

[Sycraft]

I have trimmed to run 295s

[markantioch]

And your wheels tuck in nicely as I've seen. The one that I saw with the 325s ran out to the edge of the fenders.

[Chicagowil]

Sycraft, Are you running the original CR side exhaust pipes? I have them on my car. Have heard so many comments here about how much HP you lose with them.

Interested in your response.

[Sycraft]

Originally Posted by Chicagowil

Sycraft, Are you running the original CR side exhaust pipes? I have them on my car. Have heard so many comments here about how much HP you lose with them.

Interested in your response.

I just had the ones you see made for my car, using classic chambered resonators. Have not been able to drive it yet due to weather. Probably may need to rejet somewhat, but I was slightly rich at WOT, so these may settle right in.

[Sycraft]

Originally Posted by markantioch

And your wheels tuck in nicely as I've seen. The one that I saw with the 325s ran out to the edge of the fenders.

Here is a sideshot- Avons 225/60/15 fronts and 295/50/15 rears. Also notice old pipes- previous post shows new pipes. still have these stored just in case.

[Hapnyny]

1992 CR running 245 60 15 in the front and 295 50 15 in the rear with no issues