Maximum Wheel and Tire Size?

[brad131a4]

Way to generic of a question. You have three measurements that have to be looked at. The rolling diameter of the tire the width of the rim and tire and the offset or back spacing of the rim. The rear of a spider has room to run a 10" wide rim and tire. the problem is finding a tire that has the correct rolling diameter to keep the speedometer correct. The front you have enough room for 8" rim and tire. You can get a 215x50x15 to work depending on the correct offset.
As you have seen most people here have 7" wide rims that are a safe bet not to have problems with rubbing of the tires. Which also depends on the offset.
There is a method to the madness but once you understand it it's not that hard to size your rims and tires for what you want.

[Blue124]

All great information. I think I'll go with the 15's. Still way much better than the 13's that are on it!

Thanks everyone!

[wiggo]

If you go for 15", I suggest 7x15 SP10's. The VX has these with 205's as standard.

http://del-priore.com/shop/index.php?pa ... ie&cat=117
Item 6 (picture)

http://www.spider-point.com/framework.php/mode/news
about 3/4 down this page you'll find SP10 copies Order.No. 12046 (for non-VX cars)

If I remeber correct, the VX has a different offset than other 124's. Please get this confirmed before buying (or confirmed by someone who knows).

[md88plt]

I have panasport 16x7's that I special ordered fromSpurell min Atlanta.[img][img][/img][/img]

[Razooli]

Here's a '81 Spider at a friend's shop - Ciao Torino wheels 17x17.5 (for a new 500) with 205/40/17 BF Goodrich tires. No feedback yet from the owner about any interference.



... had to include the speaker picture too. I'd hate to be the passenger when that sub gets cranking!

[So Cal Mark]

the offset on the new 500 wheels is incorrect for the Spider, so if you go that way plan on using spacers

[wiggo]

Ciao Torino wheels 17x17.5 (for a new 500) with 205/40/17 BF Goodrich tires.

Rims look nice with a modern touch. For my liking, the combination of these lowprofile tires and the air gap to the wheelarches 'requires' that the car should sit on lower springs But that's me.

[Razooli]

the offset on the new 500 wheels is incorrect for the Spider, so if you go that way plan on using spacers

Quite correct, Mark. I forgot to include that shot.

[MrWampus]

That's a pretty thick spacer. Does a spacer like that cause any excess strain on the wheel bearings?

[So Cal Mark]

yes. most of the load is transferred to the smaller outer bearing

[THEFIAT]

I have a stock 1980 Spider with SerpentAuto's 15x7 with 20mm offset, no spacers. Also the Whoa brake package.
The tires are 205-50/15s and they work just fine.

Am considering going to a pair of Serpent's 16x7 w/20mm offset on the rear only with 245-50/16s.

Am I insane?

THE FIAT?

[paintdudeluke]

Mine is lowered,and I am running 15x7 wheels with no issues.Tires are 205/50x15.I dont really think you could go much bigger,but others might!

This is my conclusion too. Factory Volumex (euro supercharged version) came with 195/50/15.

[mpollock]

What IS the correct offset for a spider? I have a set of second-hand aftermarket wheels on my car and used the spacers that were on the third-hand wheels I replaced because it 'looked right'. Not very scientific, I know. I plan on putting new 15's on the car, but that's a project for AFTER replacing the ball joints from the 70's! The new ball joints are NEXT to the car right now, hopefully ON the car in the next week or two.

[Mrbimmerdude]

What size offset did/do your 15" wheels have? All that I've been seeing for mine are any where from +15-35.. And I know 35 will not fit, or so I've read so far. I plan on lowing it, but also adding a bit of flare to it as well, it does have what I believe 8-10mm spacers.

[Redline]

yes. most of the load is transferred to the smaller outer bearing

Could someone explain why that would be? I am genuinely curious, not trying to be a smart-ass. If you have a 15 x 7 ET10, or a 15 x 7 ET25 with 15mm spacer, both combinations place the tire centreline at the same place, relative to the hub, bearings, suspension components etc., so tire forces act equally on the suspension for both combinations. Maybe a fraction more weight is positioned further outboard, due to the shape of the FWD wheel. Is that the case? Is that relevant?

Anyway, RWD cars need nice, deep-dished wheels. I believe it was even written somewhere in the Dead Sea scrolls.