Which rim size?

[Mother]

I am in a fix. I can't decide which rim size to use on my Vintage Wheel Knock -offs. 15 or 17? I am pulling to the 17's because there are more sizes available. I have to use a 12 inch wide wheel rim. Too much horse power to use a 10 inch wide. Also the 17's can use the 315 35R 17 tire. I can get a M/T 26 12/15 but I don't know for how long. I also can get the M/T 315 35R 17. Both tire are just under 26 inches tall. I require a tire no taller than 26 1/4 inches in height.

[luckycobra]

I think it just depends on the "look" you are going for, if you want a more classic look go with 15" or the 17" if you want a more modern appearence. I am trying to make this same decision right now as well.

I am leaning toward 15" to keep the classic look. A close friend of mine owns a shop and he told me that 15s will be available in the future but limited manafacture's (Bfg.avon.good.etc...) I think we still have sometime before all of the 15" tire options are gone.

[Ralphy]

Something I had read, more sidewall gives a better feel. Narrow sidewalls will break loose when cornering with less warning. Not saying 17's are good or bad. I'm just saying less sidewall equals stiffer sidewall.

Ralphy

[KevinW]

do you want your cobra to look a cobra, or a beemer?
do you want your cobra to handle like a cobra, or a beemer?

the answer will make your decision for you!

[Ant]

Originally Posted by KevinW

do you want your cobra to look a cobra, or a beemer?
do you want your cobra to handle like a cobra, or a beemer?

the answer will make your decision for you!

That really depends on if your cobra is a total replica, most aren't. I have a Ram SC with knock off compomotive 17" x 12 rears, 17 x 10 front and it doesnt look like a BMW. Tyre availability and larger selection 17" have it, plus another advantage with 17" is you can fit larger brakes if you wish and that can help for a bit of racing, from my experience brakes inside 15" wheels are marginal.

[littlewave]

15s!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mother]

I have 17's with Nitro 555's for touring. I will have 15 steel Knock-off's made by Vintage wheel. Then I will put M/T's skins on them. I use a 3.08 for touring, and change the finals to 3.55 for track. It is important to me that the total height is less than 26.25 inches or less. I use a TKO 600 with .82 fifth. The rear end is by Currie, in 9 inch, with and Auburn Ratchet spool. Wilwood brakes, 11 fronts and 12 rears. I also use a Ford 350 p/u truck Master. My motor is a 460 BB, 740/680. Lots of trick stuff in the block, and heads.

[snakebiteforu]

As far as I'm concerned, I love my 15" rims. (Replaced the 17" rims that came on my 427R 535HP Backdraft Cobra.) Guess now you can get 18" rims on new Backdrafts. Bigger rims are too retro looking for me. I remember seeing an original Shelby Cobra in 1965 with 15" rims and Goodyear Billboards. It is a look I will never forget. Seems, I have much better traction with the original 15" tires and rims. Old Carroll Shelby knew what he was doing!