Converted from Original Spinners to 5-Lug Wheels

Kenm4187 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-20-2010, 01:18 PM

Just converted from original spinners (with 17" wheels) to new 5-lug wheels (18").

With the change I was able to get wider wheels and also drop over 13 pounds on each rear wheel and 9 pounds on each front wheel. What a big change for Auto-X.

Tonkin NZ · #2 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 01:22 AM

A shame. It is what makes these stand out from cheeaper imitations in my view.

FatBoy · #3 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 02:36 AM

I'm with Tonkin. When most other owners want to upgrade to pin-drives, you're going the other way.

Why didn't you just get some 17" pin-drive wheels?

You've given me an idea, I'm going to swap my nasty polished aluminium body for a GRP one.

Paul

Silverback51 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 05:51 AM

I also prefer the looks of the knock off wheels, but if you read his post, he did it to reduce the unsprung weight to improve the handling.

Considering the lower speeds of most autocross courses, I'm wondering if it really made a difference.

Slick61 · #5 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 02:15 PM

Wow... quite a difference in unsprung weight. Let us know how much difference you feel.

I like the look, though obviously, it's not everyones cup of tea. Unless you're driving an original... they're ALL imitations. Everyone's priorties are different... some favor originality, some favor all-out performance. To each his own.

That said... you've got to be prepared for both praise and criticism when posting pics & seeking opinions on this site. The key is just to enjoy your car!

Quik289 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 02:54 PM

Sure like the way the new wheels and tires fit the wheel openings. The car LOOKS tougher and faster.

Got the Bug · #7 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 03:12 PM

Is the rear wing really that effective at autocross speeds? Did you drill though the trunk to mount it?

Excaliber · #8 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 03:32 PM

Ya know, Auto Cross is VERY competitive. If your going to run to win you gotta do what you gotta do. If you don't, one of those "cheap imitations" is gonna kick your butt.

Kenm4187 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 06:42 PM

I had 17 pin drive and the wheels and adapters are heavy. The wheels go on and off a lot and I have had issues with the spinners, got one seized and had to cut it off.Big difference in the car with the lighter wheels. Got 315's in the front and 335's in the rear now.

The spoilers do help but should go all the way across the back of the car. When I ordered the car I ordered an extra trunk lid so I could put the spoiler on and not damage the car. I did not go all the way across because I did not want to damage the paint or have to add holes in the areas I could not replace.

The best part is I can put the adapters back on and run the 15" pin drive wheels (stock) when I want to drive it on the street.

Silverback51 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 08:31 PM

The weight difference between the Avon CR6ZZ tires and the Goodyear BB's was 12.5 pounds on the front, and 10 pounds on the rear, per tire.

Going to a race tire will save you a similar amount of weight per corner.

Kenm4187 · #11 (**permalink**) 06-26-2010, 09:08 PM

I went from Kumho V710's to the Hossier A6's. Both are comp tires.
The new 315's were 2 pounds heavier than the old 275's tires (front) but I still saved 9 pounds per wheel after the wheel and tire change. The wheels went from 9.5 to 10.5 inches wide.
The new 335"s were 1 pound lighter than the old 315's tires (rear), but I saved over 13 pounds on the wheel and tire change. The wheels went from 11 to 11.5 inches wide.

Thanks,

Ken

Woodz428 · #12 (**permalink**) 06-27-2010, 07:08 AM

I didn't even notice the spoiler when I originally looked at the pics. So when I went back to look I also noticed the rollbar. Is that an SPF special order or was that one that you had fabbed after you got the car? I didn't see any leftover holes in the bodywork( but I didn't look closely), so it would appear that you ordered it with the car.

Kenm4187 · #13 (**permalink**) 06-27-2010, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodz428

I didn't even notice the spoiler when I originally looked at the pics. So when I went back to look I also noticed the rollbar. Is that an SPF special order or was that one that you had fabbed after you got the car? I didn't see any leftover holes in the bodywork( but I didn't look closely), so it would appear that you ordered it with the car.

That is a factory rollbar that I ordered the car with. One problem is the bar is not high enough and I have to get it modified.

Thanks,

Ken

fordracer · #14 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010, 08:52 PM

Sorry kind of late posting here. I really like the wheels. I bet that thing looks really mean in person. As for the haters, 18" bolt on wheels and wing or not, at least you are spending your Saturday racing instead of waxing.

Kenm4187 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-28-2010, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordracer

Sorry kind of late posting here. I really like the wheels. I bet that thing looks really mean in person. As for the haters, 18" bolt on wheels and wing or not, at least you are spending your Saturday racing instead of waxing.

Amen, that's why I got the car (to use it).
http://www.clubcobra.com/photopost/d...bra_marina.jpg

PANAVIA · #16 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010, 02:07 AM

Not my cup a tea, - but if it makes him happy.

Mando · #17 (**permalink**) 07-30-2010, 04:22 AM

I can see how it would be viewed by the purists, and I would love to have knock ons on my car but those wheels look fan-bloody-tastic. I love them. Because they're not Halibrands I don't even notice the spinners are missing. Great stuff.

Regards.

vatdevil · #18 (**permalink**) 07-31-2010, 08:00 PM

What seat did you put in and did you have to fab anything? Getting rear ended with the factory seat is probably not a good outcome. Luv the rims but I would stay with 15 inch.

Kenm4187 · #19 (**permalink**) 07-31-2010, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vatdevil

What seat did you put in and did you have to fab anything? Getting rear ended with the factory seat is probably not a good outcome. Luv the rims but I would stay with 15 inch.

I put a Corbeau seat in, fixed in place. Just added a 1" square tube on the front to raise it. Grade 8 bolts down through the frame. I'm a big guy so I need all the room I can get. The seat is turned a little more to the left so the peddles line up better.

I like the 15" wheels for cruising but I can't get the tires I want for that size wheel. The good news is I can put the factory wheels back on for street driving.

vatdevil · #20 (**permalink**) 08-01-2010, 06:11 AM

What offset/backspacing are the new rims?