engine and drivetrain What is the ideal wheel / tire size for a 2002 daily driver?

[EcoAuto]

Would like to get some experienced opinions about the ideal wheel and tire size for a daily driver 02.

I bought my '75 a year ago. It came with a Tii engine, clock, badge, a Schrick 292 cam, 10-1 compression, a close ratio steering box, E21 Recaro seats, Nardi-Personal, Turbo muffler, Panasport 15 x 7 FS15E "racing only" wheels with 195/55 R15 Hankook K106 mounted.

Most of these improvements I enjoy, but some modifications are wasted on my driving style and would better off on another car. While I enjoy a spirited drive on our wide open mountain roads, I'll admit to rarely exceeding Montana's 75 mph speed limit, and I'm not planning to autocross. So I sold the close ratio steering box and when I had new valves installed, I swapped the 292 for a stock cam.

While I love the look of the Panasports, they have a terrific reputation, and they're impressively expensive ($320!! each new) I'm thinking about going with a more conservative "street legal" wheel and tire. Maybe back to 14" alloy "bottlecaps." I might sell the Panasports to fund higher priorities, or keep them for summer fun.

Before deciding, I'd love your feedback.

[roadhog0]

I run 195/50-R15's in Yoko S.Drives on my 76 with euroweaves. Rubs on the edge of the fender in REALLY hard and fast cornering. Other than that not a problem.

[Napes]

Here's a pic of my wife's Pastellblau '76 with 14x6 Superlite wheels with 185/60 Sumitomo HTR 200s. The Superlite wheels are very similiar to the Panasports. I run 185/60 Dunlop Dirreza Z1s on some older Ronal 14x6 basketweaves on my Chamonix '75. Neither of these rub at all, nor did either of them when we both ran 195/60 tires. You might consider these sizes for your car.

Bob Napier

[Justin76]

Sounds like 14x6 wheels with 185/60 tires is what you're looking for...

But my question is: What happened to the Schrick 292? If you still got it, and are looking to sell, let me know.

- Justin

fourspdbmw AT yahoo

[Gordon]

Recommend you go with 195/60-14 on E30 wheels. A set of E30 14" bottlecaps can be found for less than $100, basketweaves are priced higher.

G-Man

[Grover]

Congrats on the new car, sounds like you have a great start. I have a similar interest to Justin but in regards to the CR steering box. Trichardson AT clifbar DOT com

[EcoAuto]

Thanks Grover / Trichardson,

I sold the close ratio box back to the guy I bought the 02 from. I didn't research it's value, but he offered me $500, and replaced it with a stock 02 steering box. (I saw a recent post about them going for over $1,500 on eBay.)

[akfjord]

195/55/15 is a bit tall of a sidewall. This could be contributing to the rubbing issue. A 195/50/15 tire would give you a bit more fender clearance, but also give a slightly stiffer ride.

If you are after comfort, I previously had e30 14" wheels with some 185/60/14 tires. The taller 60 series sidewall does give a much more comfortable ride.

If you do decide to part with your panasports, I might be interested. Alex

[c.d.iesel]

185 / 60 x 14"

and larger Dia. steering wheel than what's on it now.

[tbrduc]

Recommend you go with 195/60-14 on E30 wheels. A set of E30 14" bottlecaps can be found for less than $100, basketweaves are priced higher.

G-Man

Ditto. When ours is running, this is a fine setup.

[darkhelmet]

I run 195 50 15 on Zender wheels, the only time they ever rub is an extremely hard brake while turning into a parking spot from a door unexpectedly opening on a car next to me

[dmrice]

I run 185/65-14 on mine. I think this is size is supposed to be closer to the correct diameter than 185/60-14.

[calicolorado]

185/60/14 on E30 basketweaves. Front fenders are rolled for hard cornering.

[Chris_B]

Sorry for repeating a bit of what other have said, but the 195/55-15 tire is generally too tall for an 02. But, there are many other factor to consider (e.g., wheel width and offset; suspension mods [particularly, spring changes] differential gearing, etc.). The generally correct size for a 15" wheel is 195/50, but tires vary in size among manufacturers and models, and whether that size tire would rub on your car in the turns depends on the wheels and suspension setup you have on the car.

If the tires rub under hard braking (presumably from front-end dive), it certainly sounds like they are too tall.

No matter what you do WRT wheel/tire sizes, I don't think you will ever find the steering on your 02 to be easy when the car is stopped.

I have to agree that for a daily driver 02, a 185/60-14 tire on E30 bottlecap wheels is a great setup. Dunno what your budget is but the Michelin Pilot Exalto A/S looks like a good choice for longevity and performance in this size.

[colorobo2002]

But... I drove for years with 13" 205/65/13 e21 turbines and on 195/60/14 bottlecaps on another '02. Then I bought a stock roundie with 165 or 175s on 13" steel wheels with a large bus steering wheel.

That car was a hoot! Easy to parallel park with the large steering wheel and small width tires. And it was easy to toss around on highway on ramps if I wanted to get it sideways. I also don't see much thrill driving an '02 over the speed limit on the highways, but on the curves, if you're going at a lower speed they can be fun with thinner tires. Good luck.