TheSamba.com :: View topic - Tire width with rear adjustable spring plates

Sun Mar 31, 2024 1:23 am

I’ve got rear adjustable spring plates and wanted to see people’s opinions on tire widths?

The stock smoothies with 165/80’s have maybe just under 1 inch of space to the adjustment screw blocks on the spring plates.

I’ve got a set of the CIP Super Speeds (https://www2.cip1.com/c32-ss5205-5515-sb/) that I’m going to use. So the +14 offset should push the wheels out just a bit, but then they’re 1 inch wider than stock.

I’d like to get something wider than 165 in the back and stay close to stock circumference for gearing.

Sun Mar 31, 2024 2:58 am

You will have heaps of clearance with wheels like that with very low offset.

185/70/15s are the same OD as a 165/80, but put more rubber on the ground. Perfect fit for a 5.5" wheel.

Sun Mar 31, 2024 1:23 pm

^^^ What @Bruce said^^^ This forum really needs a like button...

Sun Mar 31, 2024 1:39 pm

Thanks. I’ll see what I can find in that size.

Sun Mar 31, 2024 1:46 pm

A 185/65-15 would work as well- same width, only 3/4" shorter than a 185/70 (25.2" tall), a lot more choices and not nearly as expensive.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.j...rmance=ALL

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSearchResults.j...rmance=ALL

Sun Mar 31, 2024 3:20 pm

Thanks. Yeah, looks like I’ll be going 185/65r15’s as the 70’s aren’t that common.

I’m getting my transaxle rebuilt when my new engine is going in. It’s an Australian 1966 with a 1300 and I’m having a 1914/1915/1916 built (can never work out exactly which it will be). So I’m going to have taller ratios installed which should help with that slightly shorter tire.