Torq-Thrust D Wheels On ERA 289 or 427 Cars ?

[tkb289]

Anyone have any photos of Torq-Thrust D bolt on wheels on ERA cars? They are an option for the ERA 289 and 427 cars, but from what I have seen and would guess, the vast majority of ERA cars have the pin drive wheels.

While the pin drive wheels are the way to go, I do like the look of the Torq-Thrust D wheels all on their own, aside from the cost savings.

Any photos or thoughts?

Thanks.

- Tim

[RodKnock]

I uploaded two images to my picture gallery of an original 289 car with vintage magnesium Torq Thrust wheels. Not an ERA or 427 body, but I hope this helps.

[tkb289]

RodKnock,

Thanks ... saw the photos in your gallery.

It looks like the car in your gallery might be a drag race car ?

[strictlypersonl]

For some reason the link to this page had disappeared, but I fixed it.

Torq-Thrust on an FIA

***Caveat! The Wilwood calipers do not fit with these wheels.

[Chaplin]

You should check the pics in the the Owner's Gallery on ERA's website, I think you might find some more there as well. I also like those wheels on an ERA.

[Maurice Johnson]

Strictlypersonl,
You got time to give some advice on what brakes we can use? I would like to use these wheels on a Unique 289FIA. Thanks in advance
As a related thought-- recently had a friend looking over my shoulder while I was viewing (he is a marine and industrial motor mechanic) and he was really blown away at the quantity and quality of knowledge available here.

[strictlypersonl]

Maurice,

Sorry, but there are so many factors here - rotor size and location relative to the hub face, and caliper model - that it is impossible to apply ERA's specs. I'm in trouble enough already.

[MaSnaka]

It's not an ERA but a Classic Roadster with the Torq-Thrust wheels. see my gallery.

John

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by tkb289

RodKnock,

Thanks ... saw the photos in your gallery.

It looks like the car in your gallery might be a drag race car ?

I don't think it's an original drag car, but the car was setup that way since the 1960's and the owner of the car wants to keep it exactly the way it is with patina, I'm told. Those headers/sidepipes are original "somethings" from the '60's and are extremely rare as are the wheels.

[Rickd]

I was going to put them on my FIA but I wanted 15 inch wheels and they are not compatible with the large brake option that comes with the outboard rear brakes. So I went with the Vintage wheels (Bob Lacey), which are excellent. RD

[tkb289]

Guys,

Thanks for the info and links! Still don't see many photos of the Torque Thrust D (TTD) wheels. Looks like folks either order the pin drive wheels up front, or change over later for the upgrade.



Rickd ...

From the ERA site, I see that the optional large Wilwood 'racing' brakes are not compatible with the 15 inch bolt on Torque Thrust D (TTD) wheels. Only the 'street' GM Camero / Corvette brakes will work with the 15 inch TTD wheels.

What I am considering are the 15 inch TTD wheels with street brakes all around, and the optional rear end that has the outboard bakes.

From my interpretation of the info on the ERA site, the optional rear suspension comes with GM outboard brakes, or it can be upgraded to the Wilwood brakes. So it looks to me that the TTD 15 inch wheels will work with the optional rear suspension provided it's with the GM brakes. Is that correct or am I missing something here?

The ultimate answer of course is to check directly with ERA ... just wondering if you or anyone has any comments.


Also ... does anyone have any experience or strong feelings about ERA standard brakes vs. the optional Wilwood brakes for street use?


Thanks!

[FIA-ERA]

My car used to have the Torq Thrust D"s on it but I don't have any pic's. I like the look BUT something was just a miss about it. I believe the original cars still used pin drive TTD's with the single knock off. For a Cobra, IMO they need the knock offs to really look right. I have a set of Trigo FIA wheels now and they are the right style, offset and "look" of the car. I do believe unless you get the two piece TTD's you might have an offset problem. You are kinda limited with the cast wheels. As for the brakes, I'm putting my front end together as we speak and I can't see how the Camaro brakes can't be enough! I know the wilwoods are nice BUT really how much brake can you use once it slides the car? These brakes are large, the disc's are huge, AND rebuilt ones at the local parts are $14.95 to replace!! Can't buy wilwood brake fluid for that price! We use to race an IMSA Camaro with the same brakes and it was more than enough. Besides what do you need all those brakes for, all they do is slow you down! I would stick to what Bob and Uncle Peter say, keep it simple! Good luck, Matt.

[sllib]

Go to Vintage Wheel Works site and look. Their V40 is similar to the old-style American mags and is available in 17" as well as 15" so you can use big brakes.
Bill Stradtner

[decooney]

I thought of trying a set of the old school Torq Thrust wheels on my ERA, originally, but have yet to find a good example where someone had the correct offset (NOT STICKING OUT!) and width fit and tucked under the car; as it should be.

Just a few pics from around the net, but it's still really hard to tell without the right sizes and fitment on the car.

I imagine some of the early ERAs had them, but still looking for a nice set of pictures.

[tkb289]

Matt,
Seems like for street use, the standard GM / ERA brakes should be just fine.


Bill,
I went to the Vintage Wheel site, found the V40, looks good. I like the media blasted spokes with the machined lip. Might be a possibility.


Duane,
Great photos ... I particularly like the white car with red stripe ... but would probably stick with the standard American racing center cap vs. the flat cap with the Cobra.

As far as offset, I would assume what ERA recommends should fit properly and not stick out too much.


=====

Thanks ... Tim

[cobra 53]

Another one with TTD, but as knock-off´s.

[1985 CCX]

Better shot of CSX4252! A top notch CSX cont car!







or this CSX2XXX car!

Original Magnesium:

[tkb289]

Jeff,

Great photos!

- Tim

[cobraviper_99]

Thanks, Jeff, for using photos of CSX4252 for an example of TTD's on a Cobra. I get many, many compliments on the wheels and I'm very pleased with the aesthetics that they give my car. Billy Andrews at HRE was able to get the machine work done which allowed me to mount the TTD's on the pin-drive hubs and use the knock-offs. I think pin-drive wheels look great but as a kid I remember seeing several competition Cobras running the Torq-Thrust wheels and always thought they were much more racy looking.

[tkb289]

cobraviper 99

What width wheel and tire size, are you running front and rear on CSX4252?

- Tim